September Recap: Don’t Dream Its Over

A year and a half ago, I found myself seriously reconsidering my design career. Despite working tirelessly on projects, it felt like I wasn’t getting traction to move my business forward and I was creatively unfulfilled. I was caught in a frustrating cycle where my projects weren’t being photographed for a variety of reasons, and it felt like things were never truly finished. Whenever I get a new project I start visualizing it completed. My adrenaline spikes when I imaging how the furniture will look, how it will feel styled, and how the clients will react when they see their new space. So when a project doesn’t reach that “photo-ready” stage, it’s disappointing not to see my vision come to life. Adding to the challenge–without a portfolio that shows the type of work I want to do, landing those dream projects feels nearly impossible.

Fortunately, things started to shift last year. I completed a few really great projects that were not only photo-worthy but also helped me build the portfolio I had been waiting for. Getting those projects onto my website felt monumental—it was finally outwardly visible progress. Fast forward to this year, and I’m working on two large, multi-room furnishing projects with clients I absolutely love. These projects have been both creatively and emotionally fulfilling, but it is so invigorating working on bold rooms that I have to talk the clients into using a grounding neutral here and there.

That work is still in progress, but they’ve reignited my passion. The funny part? Both clients found me through Instagram and were drawn to older projects in my feed. These weren’t just any projects; they were ones I loved but felt might be a bit too bold or “extra” for most people’s taste. Yet, these clients connected with exactly that. It reminded me that even when you feel like your work isn’t for everyone, there’s always someone out there who gets it and wants it.

I’m not here to proclaim that I’ve “made it.” I still have to do the work to see things through and meet goals, but I have learned to appreciate the incremental progress I’ve made along the way. Success doesn’t follow a linear timeline, and each of us has a unique path shaped by our networks, styles, and experiences. If you’re in a similar place—feeling stuck or questioning your progress—I want to share a few strategies I can now see helped me keep moving forward:

1. Create Your Own Projects If you don’t have the type of clients or projects you want yet, create them for yourself. When I was building my portfolio, a lot of my work came from styling and photographing spaces in my own home. I picked rooms, finished them to completion, and invested in professional photography. These projects were the foundation of my portfolio for years.

2. Say Yes to the Experience Take on projects that offer new experiences. If you’re interested in selling wholesale furniture, consider working on a project that might not be your ideal style but comes with a solid budget and trusting clients. These might not be portfolio pieces, and that’s okay—you’re building confidence, refining your process, and developing relationships with vendors. Or, if you’re aiming to get more into construction, take on a small bathroom remodel to gain that valuable experience.

3. Build a Memorable Brand Early in my career, I got most of my work from being active and oversharing on Instagram. I shared behind-the-scenes details of my own home renovations, and people felt like they got to know me personally. Even though I’m less active on my feed these days, those previous efforts still bring in work. By building a personal brand that reflects your personality and values, you’ll naturally attract clients who resonate with you and your style.

Looking back, every step was progress, even when it didn’t feel like it. Everyone’s journey is different, so take note of what others are doing but keep your eyes on your own page and don’t compare. If you keep creating, learning, and showing up, the right clients will come. Trust the process—even if it feels like a never-ending rollercoaster.

-Rebecca