Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Flanigan.
Marie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I live in the Heights neighborhood of Houston with my husband and two little boys, John (age 4) and William (10 months). I grew up in a small Texas town and was blessed with a very creative family – my brothers and sisters are musically talented, and I’ve always gravitated towards a more visual expression. I earned my Bachelor of Architecture degree and began my career at an architecture firm shortly thereafter. It was only once I transitioned to a firm that managed both architecture and interior design projects that I discovered my passion for interiors.
I was delighted to be stepping out from behind the computer to connect with families and develop solutions that would enrich their home experience. The work remains technical, but it feels so much more meaningful to me now.
Over the years I also grew to love the strategy and marketing techniques that ensure growth for smaller businesses and decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration. In 2010, with my MBA in hand, I married my two passions and opened the doors to Marie Flanigan Interiors. Today, we are a team of nine women connected through creativity and service, helping clients across the country uncover the beauty of home.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t know that the journey of starting a business is ever described as “smooth,” but it has definitely been an adventure! When the idea for the firm was born, our country was in a deep economic recession – which wouldn’t seem like the most obvious environment for launching a luxury service. But, I started small, working out of my home and taking any and every project that came my way. One of my very favorite authors, the late entrepreneur Jim Rohn, wrote something that will always stick with me: “Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.”
As I was just beginning my firm, this simple yet profound message encouraged me to work diligently, find creative solutions, and never quit searching for ways to provide a valuable service. I’m so grateful that Marie Flanigan Interiors has grown and evolved relatively quickly, but at the heart of it all remains that original passion for bringing beauty to the lives of others.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We believe in well-articulated spaces that reflect the histories of those who dwell within. Concentrating on the details our clients cherish most, our firm seeks to elevate and enhance everyday experiences through exceptional interior design and extraordinary service. I deeply admire a number of industry leaders for their ability to craft gorgeous interiors, but I firmly believe our distinguishing factor is our people.
From the families, we serve to my incredible colleagues and the craftsmen we work with, the relationships developed throughout this journey are sacred to me. In fact, I am just as passionate about building a strong team as I am about interior design, and I am so proud of the culture we have fostered over the years. Each team member brings something unique and special to the mix that strengthens our group as a whole; it’s a beautiful dynamic that I feel blessed to be a part of every day!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is such a vibrant and diverse city, and I feel incredibly lucky to live and work here! It’s safe to say that, much like our work, Houston encapsulates time-honored traditions but executes them with a modern twist. The daily growth and sheer expanse of our city is truly Texas-sized, offering plenty of room in the market for new and emerging businesses. The sources of inspiration and collaboration here are nearly limitless with many of the country’s premier restaurants, artisans, and entrepreneurs already calling Houston home.
I also believe that Houston demonstrated its most valuable trait following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey – humanity. The people living here come from all over the world and still manage to share a unified spirit and willingness to help each other out. This is a remarkable place to live and an exciting time to be pursuing new opportunities!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2525 Driscoll Street Houston, Texas 77019
- Website: www.marieflanigan.com
- Phone: 979.574.9686
- Email: clientservice@marieflanigan.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/marieflaniganinteriors
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarieFlaniganInteriors
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MarieFlanigan
Image Credit:
Julie Soefer Photography
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