Exploring Life & Business with Erin McClellan of Sparrow Collective Co. Interiors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin McClellan.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story actually began in a classroom. I taught 9th grade English at a title one school, and thought I had landed myself in my dream career. In 2021, my husband and I bought a vacant midcentury fixer upper on 3.5 acres. I slowly began posting and sharing what we were doing. The more I shared, the more people were interested. I was beginning to see a pattern when I shared, or had guests over to showcase our hard work – how did you know how to envision this space? I found myself speechless (something that is rare for me – ha!). As I began to really think about how to answer this, I realized it was truly a gift. With any gift, the more you lean into it, the more it grows. This is transactionally how my dive into full time design happened – the projects grew, and I felt torn between teaching and designing. When I landed my largest job in the heart of Trillith Studios, the stress derived from teaching was at an all time high. With a ton of prayer, long talks with those I trust most, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue interior design full time. In my third year full time, I now have a 4 month wait list, 8 new builds, and a handful of renovation and furnishing projects.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Much like life, the road has been anything but smooth. Are there moments of pure joy? Yes. However, much like I find myself no stranger to a gravel road, I find myself navigating ruts, potholes, and deep ravines. Running your own business isn’t for the faint of heart, but the joy that unfolds as you lean into a God given gifting is one that overshadows any difficult moment. Some of the struggles that I have found myself navigating is time management, maximizing profits, and catering to the client experience. I pride myself on a white glove client experience, and find myself pivoting to ensure we uphold a standard of excellence.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the CEO and Principal Designer for my design firm, Sparrow Collective Co. Interiors. We specialize in luxury residential design, narrated by the past, but inspired by the future. I am known for my design style that embodies organic, raw textures. These elements are inspired by the outdoors, yet create a relaxed, lived in aesthetic. Our designs also cater to nostalgic memories that hold intentional, and sentimental memories meant for a curated home for years to come. My design firm offers a white glove, full service design approach that handles every detail of the renovation or home build – from foundation pouring to final furniture installments – we handle every design choice, outlet placement, furniture arrangement, etc. All approved by our clients, of course!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for someone just starting a business would be to lean into where your natural talent and passion intersect. A lot of times, entrepreneurs will add various tasks onto their business models. This can actually stretch you too thin. There is a fine line in business where you navigate too much, when if you stay within your niche, you can excel within that lane.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sparrowcollectiveco.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/sparrowcollectiveco

Image Credits
Brooke Stone Photo + Jess Henderson Photo