Inspiring Conversations with Marisa Wilson of Marisa Wilson Interior Design

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Marisa Wilson.

Hi Marisa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Many people are surprised to learn that my undergraduate degree was in Biology. Needless to say, it’s been a circuitous path from my childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian (like James Herriot’s inspiring novels) to an interior designer.

Along the way, I earned a Master’s degree in Arts Administration and a residential interior design certification, all while working full-time. I hadn’t initially thought of having a business and figured I’d work for another firm when I finished school. But in 2014, I had my very first design client, at which point I decided if I wanted to share that project, I should have a website, business name, etc.

After working in non-profit fundraising and training for nearly two decades, I was able to take my design business full-time in 2022 after eight years as a side hustle. This year, I celebrated ten years in business, and I feel incredibly grateful that I have had the opportunity to share my passion and creativity with the world. It may have taken a while to figure out where I was meant to be, but I truly believe it’s never too late to go for your dreams!

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?
All of the degrees I earned post-undergrad were done while supporting myself with full-time work. I sometimes reflect that during most of my adulthood, I’ve either been in school or had a second job in addition to my 9 to 5, so there’s just not much free time. In my last role, before taking my business full-time, I was traveling a significant amount while also juggling client projects at home. You have to really want it to make those kinds of sacrifices on your schedule.

In one particularly difficult work environment when I had just started dipping my toe in design courses, I didn’t see any pathway from there, a completely unrelated field, to becoming an interior designer. A career coach helped me navigate leaving that role to a better-suited company where I could focus more on my interest in interior design. Even though I had to take a pay cut, my new team was incredibly supportive of my dream, and it was a significant energy shift for me to be able to continue exploring design.

Smooth? Anything but. After years and years (and years) of working toward becoming a full-time interior designer, I had what I considered to be my breakout year – quit my day job, bought a house, got a tattoo – and felt like I was really on my way. Then, seven months in, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. As you can imagine, that was one of the greatest challenges of my life. Now, I had expensive health insurance, was completely responsible for earning my paycheck, and had no other employees to help support me through this.

My very supportive network of family, friends, and medical professionals helped me make it through 2023, but it was a significant blow. I learned so much about myself and my resilience and what’s truly important.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an anti-stuffy designer. I try to make the process as fun and easy-going as possible. It’s an extremely personal process to let someone into your home, and I want my clients to be comfortable and know that I am there in a non-judgmental capacity to serve them and create a beautiful, unique, and functional space that will help them live better lives.

I feel particularly called to clients who are going through a life transition, like divorce or illness, and need extra support and care during a difficult time. I have personally experienced how transformative it can be to have a home that encourages healing and lifts your spirits. It’s an honor to be able to do that for my clients.

Style-wise, I curate vintage-inspired, livable, and approachable spaces. Incorporating items with a story of their own adds interest and individuality to my designs. I always encourage people to showcase their special collections, hobbies, and interests – no matter what they are – to make their home a true reflection of them.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Looking back, my love of design has always been there. As a child, I wanted to be switched to a room with built-in shelves so I could display all my trinkets and collections.

I have always loved taking art classes since I was a child; in college, where I was a biology major, I had to seek special permission to have a spot in the small art classes. Art and beauty were always special to me, and I was significantly influenced by the homes of family and friends that I grew attached to, whether it was shelves full of books or artwork collected from their travels.

My love of learning comes from growing up with professor parents who, thankfully, always valued and encouraged education. Even if I’m not taking a course, I am fueled by curiosity and constantly reading, listening to podcasts, and exploring my many interests.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marisawilsoninteriors.com
• Instagram: @marisawilsoninteriors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-wilson-5633a435/
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marisawilsoninteriors/

Image Credits
Amanda Anderson and Laura Sumrak