Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Williams.
Hi Erica , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey really began as a hobby back in 2010. I’ve always been drawn to interior design—watching HGTV for hours, flipping through design magazines, and finding inspiration in DIY projects. What started as simple curiosity became a true passion. I found so much joy in curating spaces—it felt like art to me, a way to bring creativity, comfort, and style together. That passion grew into Kewnique, my home styling and décor business.
I’m a Registered Nurse by profession and have been working since 2012, currently as an independent contract Case Manager and Consultant in the HCS program, supporting clients with intellectual disabilities. Nursing has taught me patience, compassion, and the value of structure—all of which translate beautifully into design and business.
I’ve always believed that design shouldn’t be boxed into one particular style. If I find a single piece—a chair, artwork, or even a small accessory—that inspires me, I can build an entire room around it. Each project feels like a blank canvas, and that creative process keeps me motivated.
It hasn’t been easy breaking through in such a saturated field with so many talented designers and influencers. I’m a one-woman show—handling everything from web design to social media, marketing, and content creation. My husband manages our properties for Kewnique Retreats, our corporate housing brand that I started during COVID. What began as research into Airbnb hosting evolved into providing mid-term corporate housing for professionals, which turned out to be a much better fit.
I’m completely self-taught. I’ve learned through books, YouTube, HGTV, and a lot of trial and error. Honestly, ChatGPT has become my right-hand virtual assistant—helping me with everything from business planning to affiliate marketing and social media strategy. It’s incredible how much you can learn with the right tools, determination, and a $20 monthly membership!
I moved to Houston in 1996—not originally a Houston native—and started my career path humbly as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Shriner’s Hospital. While working there, I attended Houston Community College and earned my first degree in Computer Information Technology. Later, I returned to HCC to pursue nursing and graduated in 2012 with an AAS in Nursing.
It’s been a journey of resilience, faith, and growth. There have been challenges, but I’ve learned to see them as stepping stones. I truly love what I do—both in nursing and design—and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. As the saying by Mario Andretti goes,
“Desire is the key to motivation, but it’s determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal — a commitment to excellence — that will enable you to attain the success you seek.”
By God’s grace, I’ve come this far, and I’m excited to see what’s next for Kewnique.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve faced plenty of challenges along the way—especially balancing multiple roles. As a nurse, wife, business owner, and creative, there’s always something demanding my time and energy. Being a one-woman show means I’m handling everything—branding, web design, marketing, finances, and client relations—without a big team or outside funding.
When I first started Kewnique, I didn’t have a clear roadmap. I learned everything through trial and error—what worked, what didn’t, and how to pivot. There were times when I felt overwhelmed trying to get noticed in an industry filled with talented designers and influencers. Staying consistent, believing in my own style, and not comparing my journey to others took time and maturity.
Starting Kewnique Retreats came with its own learning curve too. I launched it during the uncertainty of COVID, when travel restrictions and changing rental regulations made things unpredictable. I had to learn property management, marketing, and hospitality—all on the fly. There were times guests canceled last minute, maintenance issues came up, or things didn’t go as planned—but every experience taught me how to adapt and build better systems.
Financially, I’ve invested my own money and energy into both businesses, often taking risks without guarantees. But each struggle has strengthened my faith and resilience. I’ve learned that success isn’t about having a perfect path—it’s about showing up every day, learning, growing, and trusting that the hard work will eventually pay off.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through Kewnique Home Styling, I help people reimagine their homes into spaces that feel intentional, beautiful, and personal. My design approach is all about curating spaces that tell a story—not just decorating for aesthetics, but creating environments that feel calm, cohesive, and inspiring. I don’t limit myself to one particular style. Whether it’s modern, transitional, organic, or eclectic, I let creativity and emotion guide the design. Sometimes, one single piece—like a piece of art or a unique furniture find—can inspire the entire vision for a space.
Alongside design, I’ve built a fulfilling career in nursing. I’ve worked as a Dialysis Nurse, Med-Surg/Telemetry Nurse, and now as a Case Manager and Consultant in the HCS Program, serving clients with intellectual disabilities. Nursing has shaped how I see people and spaces—it’s taught me patience, empathy, organization, and the importance of creating environments that promote peace and well-being. I believe that connection between health, comfort, and environment naturally flows into my design philosophy.
With Kewnique Retreats, my husband and I extend that same care into corporate and mid-term housing. Each property is designed to feel like home the moment guests walk in—warm, stylish, and thoughtfully equipped for comfort and productivity. We host professionals, traveling nurses, and families who need temporary housing, and I love knowing that our spaces offer both beauty and functionality.
What sets me apart is my self-taught journey and holistic approach. I’m not just styling rooms—I’m creating experiences. I blend creativity, hospitality, and wellness into everything I do. I’m most proud that I built both businesses from the ground up through persistence, faith, and a love for helping others—whether it’s through nursing care or curating a space that feels like home.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that growth takes faith, patience, and consistency. Nothing happens overnight—especially when you’re building something from the ground up. There were times when I doubted myself or felt like I wasn’t making progress, but I learned that every small step forward still counts.
I’ve also learned that you can’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Social media makes it easy to feel like you’re behind, but everyone’s path looks different. Staying focused on your own purpose and trusting God’s timing has been key for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kewnique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kewnique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kewnique
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kewnique9293
- Other: https://www.kewniqueretreats.com
