Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Bens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I would religiously update my bedroom walls with magazine posters of my favorite pop heartthrobs, switch out my comforter sets and change the color of my bathroom accessories. Making surface-level, aesthetic changes to my rooms or spaces has always been something I enjoyed doing (before I knew the appropriate language for it: interior decorating). Naturally, this involved me falling in love with home improvement shows such as Myles of Style, Yard Crashers, and all things HGTV. Interestingly enough, becoming an interior decorator did not register as a career path for me growing up as my heart was set on being a fashion designer.
Fast forward a couple of decades, I decided to enroll in the Art Institute of Atlanta’s Residential Interiors program after realizing a career in fashion was no longer something I was passionate about. I enjoyed every bit of this program, including the many late nights of creating 3D models, mood boards, and researching materials; I knew I had stumbled onto something I was truly good at but was still uncertain of it as a career because of, you know, fear.
It wasn’t until spring 2018 that I realized people outside my family thought I was good at interior decorating. During my final year of grad school, I entered a student housing Room of the Year competition where we had to submit pictures of our apartment’s decor. I gathered snapshots of my space and submitted them to IG and let the world be the judge; I walked away with Best DIY Award. This award, albeit completely unrelated, resulted in my apartment being selected to be photographed for the University’s housing website!
Fast forward again to May 2019, I decided that I was going to take my shot at launching my boutique interior decorating firm. Did I have experience? No. Did I have a line of clients waiting? No. Did I have doubts? Yes! But, none of that mattered this time. I was determined to not let my fears and doubts continue to keep me from doing what I was called to do: create stylish and welcoming interior spaces where people can thrive at their fullest potential as their truest selves.
Now, here I am, embarking on a journey that I couldn’t be more excited about with my first client! My mother. She’s always been my biggest fan and I can’t thank her enough for always encouraging me to follow my dreams.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, yes, it has been a smooth road. A long, winding road with many pit stops but definitely a smooth one. But for me, just to be clear, a smooth road doesn’t equate to a road with no challenges or struggles; a smooth road encompasses all of the challenges that ultimately get you to where you’re supposed to be. Some of my struggles along the way were ignoring the innate gifts God gave me and not doing my own research.
To my young She-EOs:
1. Go for it! If there is a dream inside of you, that you just can’t shake, don’t stop until that dream has come true.
2. You are already equipped with everything you need to be insanely successful at ANY endeavor you seek to accomplish.
3. Create a solid SISTER TRIBE that wants nothing more than to see you succeed! There is nothing like the genuine encouragement of women to keep you guarded, grounded, and on the right path.
4. Challenges and struggles are inevitable. Decide NOW how you plan to tackle them.
5. Your dream is your own! No one will execute it like you.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Bungalow Interiors story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an interior decorator that specializes in assisting people throughout the world accentuate the “me” in home. I believe a home is more than where a person lives, it is a significant part of their self-definition.
Bungalow Interiors is known for providing our clients with a dynamic experience and a stylishly, functional space that doubles as their home and the next location for a dinner party. Our style is all about rich colors, eclectic textures, and bold patterns. Incorporating accents of nature, hints of gold, and wall art are our jam. We aren’t afraid to take chances by mixing fabrics and finishes.
As a brand, as well as a service provider, I am most proud of being trusted to engage in extremely intimate work of transforming clients’ living quarters into spaces that truly represent them. What sets us apart from others is that we operate with the mindset of style and function being synonymous and not two separate concepts; there can’t be one without the other.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I’m currently listening to the audiobook of Deep Work by Cal Newport; he talks about living a highly focused life in a world that is full of distractions.
I just finished More than Enough by Elaine Welteroth; she really hones in on being a badass girl boss unapologetically and the challenges and struggles that women of color face on that journey.
A podcast that I listen to frequently is Therapy for Black Girls with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford; she covers very relevant topics and situations that black women often experience and provides tools and tips on how to successfully maneuver through them.
Can’t forget the Bible; this is how I stay grounded and remain focused on the One who gave me my talents and gifts.
Pricing:
- 30-minute Style Consultation – $0
- Interior Decorating Fee – $75/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: Book A Style Assessment
- Email: bungalowinteriorsllc@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/bungalowinteriorsatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bungalowinteriorsatl/
Image Credit:
The crediting photographer is VKV Communications LLC
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/VKVCommunications/
Instagram: @vkvcommunicationsllc
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