Today we’d like to introduce you to Mollie Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mollie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my interior design business working out of the house when my children were 3 and 5 years old, respectively. Small projects initially but I had literally just had my first business cards printed when I met a wonderful woman who would become one of my best long-term clients on an airplane flying down to Charleston, S.C. where I am from. I have decorated her house twice now, as well as a second home, and she has referred me to lots of great people, which truly launched my business. So don’t ever discount a bit of luck as a great starter! From then, most of my business was referral and helped me grow rapidly, opening offices and hiring employees. We now advertise in various magazines, try to get published regularly in order to keep growing, but people you’ve worked with and gotten to know well are still the most gratifying successes.
Has it been a smooth road?
Every business has its ups and downs. Obviously, the general economy affects my business, especially with regards to home construction and new architectural projects. But renovations and real estate activity around home sales does generate a substantial turnover.
One of the greatest challenges is forecasting, and gearing up for, how much of this type of business there will be over any coming 6-12 months period.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mollie Johnson Interiors story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is defined as high end residential interior design. We start by helping with selections of tile/stone for kitchen and bathrooms, plumbing, hardware, paint and floor finishes. We then provide schematic plans for the layout of the furniture. In addition, we provide selections for furniture, carpeting, wall covering and window treatments. And for the finishing touch, we accessorize -anything from artwork to filling bookshelves to throws for a sofa.
In terms of style, it varies from client to client, according to what they gravitate towards. My personal atheistic is more classical and leans traditional but I certainly do a lot of transitional work as well.
As a company, I am most proud of our reputation for helping to make a client’s surroundings beautiful, yet practical, elegant yet comfortable. I also take pride in being a good company to work with, both from the client point of view, but also from the view of the vendors and contractors we collaborate with.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Like every other business on the planet, the biggest shift has been what is available online, both to the public and to the trade. That trend is certainly not going away.
However, one thing they can’t sell online (yet!) is taste. At least we have that going for us!
Contact Info:
- Address: One Hollis Street, Suite 102
Wellesley, MA 02482 - Website: www.molliejohnsoninteriors.com
- Phone: 781-431-2289
- Email: mollie@molliejohnsoninteriors.com
- Instagram: mollie.johnson.interiors
Image Credit:
Sam Gray Photography – Bedroom photo only
Richard Mandelkorn Photography
Kitchen design by Jan Gleysteen
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