Check Out Susanne Ordonez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susanne Ordonez.

Hi Susanne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My passion for interiors goes back as far as I can remember – when I was a kid, around five or six, I remember constantly rearranging my bedroom furniture and fussing over the perfect bed setup. Growing up in Germany in my family’s hundred-year-old merchant house on the city’s center, I was surrounded by antiques handed down through generations – I was endlessly fascinated about how beautifully things were made back then.

In college I studied history and literature – then I met my husband and we were stationed in Hawaii. After our time there, we moved to Portland, Oregon, where I completed my degree in art history and planned on getting a master’s in fine art. It never occurred to me that interior design could be a profession until a relative casually suggested that summer, “Why don’t you become an interior designer?” – and just like that, a light bulb went off. I enrolled that week and, four years later, graduated with a bachelor’s in interior design.

I spent the next few years at a commercial architecture firm honing technical skills – all the while taking on residential design side gigs. When COVID hit, I left my job feeling burned out and moved to Europe for a few months of soul-searching – then returned to the U.S. and landed in Raleigh. With my kids’ school schedule in mind, I realized I needed more flexibility – so I started House of Maevie without a fancy business plan and figured it out as I went.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No – nothing’s been smooth. I’ve learned everything the hard way and came close to quitting more than once. I struggled with pricing, structuring projects that can stretch from months to over a year, and setting boundaries with clients. Even though I’m naturally artistic, I also need plenty of structure. As a perpetual learner and perfectionist, I spent countless hours hunting down resources on how to run an interior design business. Fortunately, there’s a fantastic community of interior designers, coaches, podcasts, and Facebook groups – I signed up for every free or affordable course I could find and listened nonstop. Over time, I pieced together a process that’s both efficient and profitable. But I’m still fine-tuning it – I never imagined I’d actually enjoy this side of running a business, yet it’s been so rewarding and has pushed me to grow beyond my people-pleaser tendencies.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Our studio is known for creating interiors that carry a traditional sense of time and craftsmanship – spaces that feel intentional and perform beautifully for everyday life.

We specialize in crafting living composition – whether in soft neutrals or vibrant tones, each palette is chosen for balance and a rich tactile experience. Inspired by my grandma’s kitchen – the worn wood floors, lived finishes and morning light on patterned tiles – we layer texture, pattern and color using quality materials like natural wood, metals and hand-loomed textiles, then weave in contemporary details for a timeless, functional space.

What also sets us apart is how we bring real value to our clients: we specialize in navigating the often complex process of home renovation – from refining a clear scope and realistic budget to material selection, contractor coordination and final install – so that our clients feel confident and educated in what they’re investing and will love their home for decades to come.

We’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built along the way. When clients refer us to friends and family, it’s the greatest compliment – proof that our process, our craftsmanship and our commitment to honest communication truly resonate.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Being a bit of an introvert, I initially struggled with finding a mentor or networking. In the end, being honest and simply reaching out on social media – showing genuine interest in someone’s work or a shared passion – has worked well for me. When I love an interior designer’s work, I’ll message them, let them know and ask a question. More often than not, they get back to you and are very helpful. Over time, you find people in your industry you click with, look up to and learn from, and you build those relationships. The people I learn from most are fellow business owners – they relate to your struggles and curiosities because they’ve been there, and they’re often the ones who offer the best advice, which I value so much.

Pricing:

• We’re happy to schedule a discovery call to discuss pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://houseofmaevie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofmaevie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076052352615
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HouseofMaevie
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/house-of-maevie-fuquay-varina?override_cta=Get+pricing