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Meet Susie Maddox

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susie Maddox.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always been attracted to the world of interior design since I was a young girl. My mom is an interior designer and has always been a huge inspiration for me. I began my college career at the University of Alabama majoring in Interior Design, however I transferred back to Texas my sophomore year to attend the University of Texas at Austin. The design program there is within the Architecture school, and it was extremely competitive to get into, so I took a pause on my design education and majored in Corporate Communications. After graduation, I wanted to combine my love for interiors and my college degree, I accepted a job at a local luxury antique showroom, Joyce Horn Antiques, as their Marketing Coordinator. I learned so much in that first year about French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish antiques, etc. and was exposed to many high-end interior designers that filtered through the shop. I was thrilled to learn the retail side of the industry while also getting face time with some very talented individuals. After a year, I decided to dive into my marketing background a little further and began working Downtown for a Commercial Real Estate firm. I worked there for about two years until I decided I was crazy for not pursuing my dream! I applied for a job at a design firm, however they felt very strongly about hiring someone with a degree in interior design.

So I got to work researching every interior design program I could find. I wanted the program to check all of the boxes – CIDA Accredited, higher than an Associates degree, flexible hours, financially doable. I stumbled upon an Art school in San Francisco called the Academy of Art University that is a very well known school in San Fran. They had recently launched a Master in Fine Arts program in Interior Architecture and Design that is recognized by CIDA and was offered completely online. At the time, I was not in a place to move away from Houston, so I applied and was accepted. I then found a local interior designer looking to hire an assistant and began working for her. I learned so much from her, the ins and outs of how to run a small design business, lots of design lingo that you can only learn from someone who knows her stuff! How to hone in on your design aesthetic, etc. She was an absolute joy to work for. I worked with her for about two years while in school and then started focusing solely on my Master’s Degree.

Within all of this time, I was also engaged, planning a wedding, juggling school and work, and trying to live a normal life! After my wedding, I focused on school and picked up a couple of clients that trusted me completely with their interiors. I really owe so much to my first few clients for giving me their undeniable support and trust in my work and design aesthetic. These few clients truly helped me to grow into the businesswoman I am today. I was waiting until I graduated to launch my business (I will be graduating in December 2019), however I woke up this summer and could not wait a second longer! I felt like my whole life was on hold, so I launched in June 2019 and have had an amazing time meeting people along the way and picking up new clients that have all been amazing to work with on their home projects.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a very long road to get where I am today. I have always worked my way through to get to where I am, interning for a few interior designers during my summer breaks throughout college, working at an antique showroom after college, enrolling in a graduate program for Interior Architecture and Design, working as an assistant for a local interior designer, etc. It has been many years in the making, but I am so happy to finally be on my own and tackling this interior design industry!

Please tell us about Susie Maddox Interiors.
As I just launched in June 2019, I am currently my only employee. Me, myself, and I! 🙂 I specialize in Residential design, my services range from aiding in a large or small scale renovation process to a room revamp, furnishing and accessorizing a space, etc. I particularly love the architecture side of the business being able to completely transform a space from its bones is such a joy for me. There is nothing better than a really amazing Before and After. I also love the multiple layers of a project as well – the furniture layouts, drapery design, accessorizing.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t think I would have done anything differently! Each part of my journey has taught me so much along the way and I love having a split background in Marketing and Interior Design. I think it gives me a leg up on this technological world that is so important in the interior design industry these days.

Contact Info:

  • Email: susie@susiemaddox.com
  • Instagram: @susiemaddoxinteriors

Image Credit:
Headshot: Kelly Hornberger Photography Interior Images: Jen Burner Photography

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