Story & Lesson Highlights with Howard Eason

Howard Eason shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Howard, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Honestly, yes—I would hire me not only holistically due to my strong work ethic since a child, but also in my career as an Interior Designer and Design Strategist. I bring a strong mix of creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical design knowledge to the table. I don’t just design spaces to look good; I design them to feel good. I craft and deliver designs that tell a story, and also to reflect the personality of my clients. I’m passionate about creating environments that feel like home, and I take the time to understand what inspires my clients—whether it’s a cherished memory, a favorite travel destination, or simply the way they want to feel when they walk into a room. I also know how to balance aesthetics with functionality, making sure that every piece has a purpose and every space supports the way people actually live.
That said, I’m always learning and growing. I think one of my strengths is being open to feedback and new ideas. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I do have the curiosity and drive to find them. I approach each project with fresh eyes and a collaborative spirit, and I genuinely enjoy the process of turning a blank canvas into something meaningful. So yes, I’d hire me—not just for my design skills, but for the care and intention I bring to every project.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! I’m Howard Eason, the founder and creative force behind HE Designs, LLC. I’m an interior designer with a deep passion for all things creative—whether that’s transforming spaces, planning events, or even diving into carpentry when time allows. My journey started in a small town in North Carolina (Dunn, NC), where I grew up surrounded by nature and hands-on learning from my parents. I was always curious—always asking how things were made and how they worked. That curiosity evolved into a love for carpentry, creativity, and design, which I nurtured even while working in finance at IBM. Eventually, the demand for my design work grew so much that I officially launched HE Designs in 2009. The name is a nod to both my initials and a spiritual connection to the Creator, who I believe is the ultimate designer.
What makes me unique is that I don’t just design spaces—I design experiences. My clients often say, “HE does too much,” and I’ve embraced that as my tagline because going above and beyond is just who I am. I’ve been fortunate to work on everything from residential interiors to commercial spaces like restaurants and boutiques, and even appeared as a contestant on HGTV’s All American Handyman. My brand is all about transformation—helping people live better by creating spaces that inspire them to reach their full potential. At the heart of HE Designs is a mission to use creativity to brighten lives, innovate solutions, and motivate others to tap into their own creative gifts.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up in a small town, I believed that my creative passions were just hobbies—things I enjoyed but couldn’t necessarily build a life or career around. I was surrounded by practical skills like cooking, sewing, gardening, and home improvement, and while I was curious and gifted in many areas, I didn’t see a clear path for someone like me in the world of design. There weren’t role models who looked like me or came from my background in the interior design industry, so I assumed that success in that space wasn’t meant for me.
But over time, I realized that my uniqueness was actually my greatest asset. What I once saw as limitations became the very things that set me apart and attracted clients. I no longer believe that I have to fit into a mold to succeed. Instead, I’ve embraced the idea that creativity is a gift—one that’s meant to be shared. Launching HE Designs LLC and building a career that blends design, entrepreneurship, and purpose has shown me that I was always meant to “do too much,” and that’s exactly what makes my work impactful.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would likely be: “Your uniqueness is your greatest strength—embrace it fully, even when the world doesn’t yet understand it.” I would also add “Although you are growing up in a small town without much inspiration or a clear path to enter into the design world, you will often fell like you don’t belong in this industry that you are drawn to. But over time, you will discover that the very qualities that make you feel different are the strengths that will make you exceptional. Your creativity, curiosity, and wide-ranging talents will become the foundation of a thriving design career.”

This message would serve as a reminder to my younger self to trust my instincts, stay true to my passions, and know that my path—though unconventional—was always leading somewhere meaningful.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
That’s a great question. For me, the difference between a fad and a foundational shift in interior design comes down to purpose and longevity. Fads tend to be flashy and short-lived—like a sudden obsession with a specific color or quirky accessory that pops up all over social media. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, are rooted in how people actually live and what they value over time. For example, I’ve noticed a growing emphasis on personalization—designing spaces that tell a story about the homeowner through meaningful accessories, travel mementos, or family heirlooms. That’s not just a trend; it’s a deeper shift toward creating homes that feel emotionally connected and authentic. It’s similar to fashion—just like a cohesive runway collection tells a story, a well-designed home should flow from room to room with intention and continuity.
I also look at how a trend influences the core elements of design—things like furniture layout, lighting, and functionality. Foundational shifts tend to touch all of those areas. Take the move toward multifunctional spaces and sustainable materials, for example. Those changes reflect broader lifestyle and environmental concerns, and they’re shaping how we think about design at every level. Fads usually don’t have that kind of depth—they might look exciting, but they often ignore practical design principles like scale, proportion, or comfort. So when I evaluate a new trend, I ask myself: does this enhance the way we live, or is it just a visual gimmick? That helps me stay grounded and design spaces that are both beautiful and lasting.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Wow. Interesting question! Let me see… When I, Howard Eason, am no longer here, I hope people will tell the story of a man who lived with purpose, passion, and creativity—and who used his gifts to uplift others. I want to be remembered not just as a talented interior designer and creative being, but as someone who transformed lives through design. From humble beginnings in North Carolina to becoming a respected design expert and entrepreneur, my journey was fueled by a deep belief that creativity is a divine gift meant to be shared. My brand, HE Designs, was more than a business—it was a mission to inspire, teach, and empower. I hope people will say I did not just design beautiful spaces, but that I helped people see beauty and potential in themselves.
I also want to be remembered as someone who defied expectations and embraced my uniqueness in an industry where I once felt I didn’t belong. I turned doubt into confidence, setbacks into stepping stones, and criticism into a powerful brand message: “HE does too much.” I hope the legacy I leave behind is one of generosity, integrity, and inspiration—a legacy that encourages others to pursue their passions boldly, live creatively, and believe that their differences are their greatest strengths.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hedesignsonline.com
• Instagram: @hedoestoomuch
• Linkedin: Howard Eason
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/apvcq8XSw/ HE Designs, LLC
• Youtube: @MrHowardEason

Image Credits
Images Owned by Howard Eason, HE Designs, LLC