Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Lucas.
Hi Molly, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was in high school, I knew pretty quickly that I was never going to be a lawyer or a doctor, so I started exploring careers that would allow me to be creative. I initially loved the idea of going into fashion design, but there was one small problem… I wasn’t particularly passionate about sewing. That eventually led me to discover interior design, which felt like the perfect fit.
While I may not be helping people through lawsuits or medicine, I get to help them in a different way – by creating spaces that feel like them. Spaces where they can unwind, rooms that function for their everyday lives, and homes that are thoughtfully tailored to the way they live.
That passion led me to earn my degree in Interior Architecture and eventually open my own design business, Maison de Molly. Today, we are a full-service interior design studio offering everything from space planning and technical drawings to finish selections, furnishings, procurement, and installation. It has been incredibly rewarding to grow the business while helping our clients create homes that are beautiful, personal, and functional.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say yes and no. I never imagined that I would run my own business someday. To be honest, I was deeply burned out in my career and knew I needed a change. Instead of moving into another role and working for someone else, I started asking myself, “Why can’t I do this on my own?” I had an incredible amount of support from my family and friends, and that truly made all the difference in giving me the confidence to take the leap.
That said, owning a small business is rarely a smooth road. You are constantly juggling different roles and trying to decide what needs your attention most. If I spend an entire day designing, I fall behind on billing. If I focus on administrative work, I may fall behind on client communication or selections. There is always something that could be done, and learning how to prioritize without feeling like you are dropping the ball has been one of the biggest challenges.
I have also learned that growth needs to be intentional. Of course, I want Maison de Molly to continue growing, but I never want to grow so quickly that I make the wrong hires or lose the level of care we give each project. I currently have a full-time designer and a part-time social media manager, and I truly do not know what I would do without them. We work incredibly well together, and building a team I trust has been one of the most rewarding parts of the business.
The road has not always been easy, but I do not think it is supposed to be. Running a business requires a lot of grit, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. Every difficult season has taught me something, whether it was how to set better boundaries, make stronger decisions, ask for help, or trust my instincts. If everything came easily, I do not think I would have grown into the business owner I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Maison de Molly, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Maison de Molly is a full-service interior design studio based in Pittsburgh, PA. We are known for looking at a home as a whole – not just choosing beautiful pieces, but thinking through how the rooms connect, how the layouts function, and how each design detail helps tell the client’s story. Our work spans everything from floor plans and technical drawings to finish selections, furnishings, procurement, installation, and final styling.
One thing that sets us apart is that we do not design around one signature look. I never want a client to walk into one of our projects and feel like they have seen the exact same room somewhere else. Every space should tell the story of the people who live there, so we spend a lot of time learning how our clients use their homes, what they are drawn to, and what they want the space to feel like.
We also handle much of the technical design work in-house, including floor plans, elevations, cabinetry drawings, and 3D modeling. That allows us to become intimately familiar with each project and helps bridge the gap between the creative vision and what is actually being built. I think that combination of technical knowledge and visual storytelling is a major part of what makes our work successful.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Maison de Molly has become known for being approachable, collaborative, and deeply invested in our clients. Interior design can feel intimidating or overwhelming, and we want our clients to feel heard and supported throughout the process. We take the work seriously, but we do not believe the process has to feel stiff or overly formal.
At the heart of the brand is the belief that every space should tell a story. Our goal is not simply to make a home look beautiful. It is to create a space that feels personal, functions well, and genuinely reflects the people who live there.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think the best thing you can do is simply put yourself out there. You would be surprised by how many people in your field – or even in a related field – are open to grabbing coffee, talking shop, and sharing what they have learned. You will never know unless you are willing to reach out and extend the invitation.
The same goes for networking events. Try not to spend the entire evening talking only to the people you already know or looking at your phone. Introduce yourself to someone new, ask thoughtful questions, and be genuinely curious about what they do. That is often where the best connections begin.
I try to be an open book when people ask about my experience. For example, I am getting coffee tomorrow with a woman who currently runs her own 3D visualization business and is interested in expanding into interior design services. Will there likely be some overlap in what we offer? Probably. Do I see her as a threat? Not at all. She has followed parts of my journey and wants to talk about what it was like to start a business, so I am happy to share what I have learned.
My motto is that there is enough work for everyone. We all bring something different to the table, and that gives clients the opportunity to choose the person who feels like the best fit for them. I have found that approaching networking with openness rather than competition leads to much more meaningful relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.maisondemolly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maison.de.molly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Maison-de-Molly/61568209166393/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-lucas-allied-asid/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maisondemolly
