Today, we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Warner.
Hi Abigail, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always had a love (and an eye) for interior decorating. I grew up in a very large family, and for most of my childhood, I had to share a bedroom with a sibling or two, so getting a bedroom all to myself was a big deal. I swear it was about every 6-8 months when I decided I wanted my bedroom to be rearranged, redecorated, or change the color of the walls.
My dad got tired of painting the walls for me the first few times, so he taught me how to do it myself. From then on, when I wanted to re-paint my room, he would provide the paint, but I would have to do the hard work. I truly think this is where it all stems from. I got such a sense of satisfaction completing a room by myself. I purchased my first home in my early 20s, where I got into the nitty-gritty of decorating and designing my home. I had a few trials and errors through many DIY projects, but it always turned out lovely.
My friends and family would constantly comment on how well-decorated my home was and how welcoming and cozy it felt. Eventually, friends asked me to help them decorate their homes or just go shopping to find things that would look nice in their homes. I didn’t imagine making it a career at that time in my life. It was just this kind of talent I had, and that was it. It wasn’t until a few years later when I was having a quarter-life crisis and contemplating what I wanted to be when I grew up that I came back to that little talent of mine and thought “I should make a go at interior decorator”.
I decided to start small and just create an Instagram page where I share what my home looks like and offer my assistance to anyone who wants help with their home. Immediately, I had inquiries from friends and acquaintances wanting my help. I remember that feeling, like a fire being lit inside me, when I first consulted with a client. THIS. This was my calling. It felt so natural and right to me in that moment. I knew I was finally on track. Since then, I haven’t stopped. I’ve been slowly building my clientele and portfolio and expanding my network. I still work with my first client on a need-by-need basis.
I helped renovate an entire home and a second rental home in Connecticut. I’ve worked on bathroom renovations and kitchen renovations. I’ve also helped with even smaller tasks like finding art work or the right paint color for walls. I truly love it all. I enjoy helping people create a home that feels authentic to who they are.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I wish that interior decorating is something I could commit to full-time, it’s just not in the cards for me right now. I still need to hold on to my full-time job (I do patient accounting for a hospital in PA) so that I can sustain my way of living. I would love to have enough clients and businesses to make it my full-time job, but I understand it will take time. I’m still enjoying the process and growing with my clients.
I would love to grow my connections on social media as it’s great for reaching new clients, but it’s hard to keep up with the trends and content creation required to become big on a platform like Instagram. I’ve found relying on word of mouth and connections within my local community more reliable. If you are interesting in following along with my journey please follow my Instagram page [@abigracehomedecor].
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I help people find their style and curate a home that speaks to them. Everyone has a different style, and sometimes it’s hard to nail down what your actual style is. More often then not we like a mix of styles and it can be difficult to pull it together. That’s where I come in. I can show you how to best style your home to feel unique.
I never want any two homes to be the same because no two people are alike. I’m proud when clients feel like their house is a reflection of them and that they feel authentically like themselves. My ability to make my clients feel seen and heard is what sets me apart from my competition. I take in what they tell me and collaborate with them until we’ve created something unique.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’m still working on this one myself. I grew up in Pennsylvania and moved here about three years ago. It’s difficult to integrate into a well established community but I do my best. I picked up a little part-time gig at a local coffee shop and have made connections that way.
Things started rolling for me when I decided to hand out business cards to my friends and anyone I spoke with. The best advice I can give is just to put yourself out there. The worst anyone can do is say no.
Contact Info:
- Website: abigracehomedecor.com
- Instagram: @abigracehomedecor
Image Credits
Ashley Ekin – @ashleyekinphotography
