Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Roxandich.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have always been a gifted artist. I just wanted sure how I wanted to share that with the world until I took some courses at a local community college to see how I enjoyed the art of interior design. I followed up with more courses to then acquire my associates degree while working 50 hour work weeks. While determining which colleges I wanted to apply for to continue my education, I threw a shot in the dark and applied for an interior design position with a small local construction firm.
I got a call back that week for an interview. Within the next two weeks I started my first position in interior design just a month out of college.
Within a year of part time work there I received 2 offers from other companies for full time work, one of which I took. I worked with that full scope interior design build kitchen and bath firm for 2 years before I was offered yet another position… This time with a job that was a supposed downgrade by everyone’s standards.
One interview with that manager there and I knew in my gut it was aligned and where I should be. Within one week of back and forth with offers and counteroffers, I made my decision to leave my position with that firm.
I quit a good and comfortable position (that didn’t make me happy), to pursue a position as a tile showroom consultant.
So not glamorous.
Everyone thought I was crazy. Everyone was trying to tell me how bad of a decision it was. I was terrified of making the wrong decision, but I still stuck with my gut.
That ended up being the position I not only learned the most about sales, but also the most about business and communication especially with the types of specialists and installers who make all of our design dreams come true.
After working with a bunch of older “fathers” as I called them in this tile shop (none of them were under 45 and they all had a daughter or two of their own) I gained an immense amount of insight into how these laborers and vendors worked and communicated. It was mostly men, mostly not design, but I met every big hitter client in the area for both large and small positions. Plus, the position gave me the opportunity to actually end the day at 5pm… which I had never done before.
I was able to network, relax and plan for my future outside of work, all while having a massive support in my manager and my other coworkers while at work. From there I made contacts, got familiar with clients’ pain points and got a feel for large projects that most people only see in magazines.
When I got the right opportunities, I TOOK them. Sometimes I would work 60+ hours between my main job and my side clients until I had to make the leap…
I promised myself that if I made the jump into owning my own company I wouldn’t look back (until now) and I did. No matter what it would be my desire to actually LISTEN to my clients and how they live and execute their requests for them.
The home shouldn’t just be a creative expression of yourself or your clients. It should also tell the story of the individuals who dwell in the home and show how they live.
The random nook for the keys that they always lose without a proper space, the hidden medicine cabinet behind a client favorite piece of art because they have so many toiletries, the room “just for the dogs”… these are all areas that make the home THAT client’s home. And they usually add the most intrigue later on. These details also make the home extremely functional for the individual(s) who live there.
I am here to reign my clients in sometimes, but the contractors who work closely with me know me as the designer who rallies for my client’s odd requests.
While this story is in some ways a chronological story of how I got here, the how I got to where I am, with the projects under the belt that I have, is all about being able to listen to my clients and make their actual desires come to life. Everyone says they want the cookie cutter pottery barn look, but the really stunning homes have the odd pieces that “speak” to the clients. Do they match the entire aesthetic? Nope, and that’s part of the charm. But part of that is being able to understand where to push your clients into a more creative or openminded position… or reign them in. It all depends. I am the orchestrator and this is my orchestra.
Finally, the last piece of my story is my work ethic.
I have pushed the limits, given into weird requests, told my clients “no” and learned how to roll after a punch or two. I am here right now not only because I am creative, but because I am resilient. And part of that isn’t in working harder, but rather working smarter with the right clients. I turn away more clients than I take on at this point.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. The road had blocks, delays, set backs and pivots all along the way. Plus, the nature of interior design is a constant evolution of technologies, artistry and communication. There is always a new and current challenge I have never before seen. I think I kind of enjoy the challenge though. 🙂
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sereine Home Design Services?
I am a full scope interior design firm. I take on both large and small projects and prefer to work more with the proper client than the proper job. To me it’s important to have open communication and a respect for artistry both from my and our respective vendors.
I am proud of ever aspect of my work. I have the stereotypical beautiful large projects while also having the small odd pantry that was inspired by a piece of artwork. I deal in odd and unique designs for the most part now. Because life is too short to press copy and paste.
I am currently working on an addition in a transitional style, a massive garage with in law suite in a modern spanish colonial style and a tiny creative laundry room. haha
I do full home interior design and styling. That means I take projects from start to finish and from build to furnish. 🙂
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory. Ooh that is a difficult one. There are so many. I like to focus on the good stuff. One of them is cherry tree picking with my friend on her farm. I was very outdoorsy. Still am!
Pricing:
- Single Design Consultation $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sereinehome.com
- Instagram: @Sereinehome
