That’s right, folks – I can hardly believe it, but am officially celebrating my one-year anniversary as a small business owner! To be totally honest, I’m still getting used to the fact that I’m a business owner period. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: never in a million years did I think I’d start my own business. However, I always follow that up by saying regardless of how unexpected it was, starting EPD has been one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
In a way, the year feels like it’s flown by, and in other ways, it’s hard to remember a time when this wasn’t my life! I’ve always loved interior design – that was true when I worked for other employers – but for me, there’s a new joy in working for myself. Trust me, any small business owner will tell you that there are many pitfalls; I’ve had days so filled with fear and doubt and uncertainty that my fingers have been itching to google-search for open interior design positions at local firms. But then I have days or moments filled with such joy and freedom, that I know I wouldn’t trade entrepreneurship for anything – at least for the time-being ;)
When I say “freedom” I don’t necessarily mean the freedom to work from home or a coffee shop, or to set my own hours (although those are nice perks!). When I refer to freedom, I mean the freedom I now feel to truly be myself as a professional and as a designer. Now don’t get me wrong – I worked for several fantastic firms prior to starting Elle Peters Design, for which I am forever SO grateful for. But the freedom I feel now is that I can listen to my gut and my instincts in every aspect of my work. I represent myself and only myself in every interaction with a client, every design I put forward, and every project I take on. I love that I have the freedom to take on "passion projects", collaborations, and even non-interiors work. It might sound silly (and likely cheesy) but for me, it’s liberating to be able to follow my heart and embrace all of my interests and passions under the umbrella of my own business.
I’m grateful for every former colleague, past and present client, family and friend (and especially that guy who married me and has to live with me on the good and the bad days!) that has supported me and helped bring this little business of mine into fruition. I don’t know what the future holds – whether I’ll do this for just a while longer or for the rest of my life, but at the end of one year, I just feel grateful. Thanks to you all. xo
All photos by Genevieve Renee, Lindsay's hat: Chapters/Indigo, Lindsay's cardigan: Aritzia, Lindsay's blouse: Maple & Leigh, Lindsay's jeans: Gap, Lindsay's shoes: Steve Madden