Ready…set…launch…SOAR

Wow. I can’t believe it’s been literally 8 months since I made my first blog post in December 2025. So much has happened since then!

At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what was next. All I knew was that I was ready for what was behind the next door.

I set up my designbyerine.com website and started putting myself out there. At the time, "out there" meant applying to several entry-level interior designer positions, reaching out directly to designers who live in my area or who I was familiar with through social media or TV, and applying for designer positions with retail stores like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, etc.

I was eager to get my foot in the door professionally and absorb and learn all that I could. While I’ve always done some form of interior design for most of my adult life, whether through helping family and friends or incorporating it into my marketing and communications roles, this was my first step into becoming a full-time designer.

My first leap was an interior designer role with a local furniture store. It was honestly fascinating, and I did learn a lot about people, furniture, the selection process, and what it was like to not work in an office and be in front of a computer all day. But I also learned that environment wasn’t for me. I like to get people excited about things, which is the marketing and branding part of me. But I’m not a pushy salesperson. It just didn’t feel comfortable to me.

So, as I was navigating how to handle these revelations, the next best step revealed itself.

An interior designer position with a local nonprofit that designs and fully furnishes homes for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. As soon as I read it, I knew it was for me. Being able to do what I love and make a difference. Those were parts of me that I didn’t want to lose with this new chapter.

I’ve been there for about 5 months now and am loving it. I also appreciate that it gives me space to build up my own business endeavors and passions, like Make It Pretty design makeovers by Erin E., as well as set decoration.

So, here we are.

I’ve been working hard these past few months to really conceptualize how I want to work, what that looks like, and what the Design by Erin E. brand is. It’s warm, welcoming, thoughtful, resourceful, calming, and of course... pretty. Thank you for your support in this journey. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I’ll be checking in more frequently as I enter into this launch period, and I can’t wait to keep you posted!