Today we’d like to introduce you to Maris Woods.
Hi Maris, 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?
I grew up in Athens, GA and have always had a deep love for interior design. However, right after graduating high school, I moved up to Baltimore, Maryland to pursue a degree in Communications at Towson University. My early career at Country Club of Maryland and additional education in Country Club Management was fulfilling, but ultimately; I made the decision to return home to Athens in 2019. I was bartending when the pandemic hit and that was a huge catalyst for me to make a career change. I applied for a sales position with a high end furniture store that also offered design services. I knew once I got settled there and started doing design work that this job was exactly what I needed to be doing for the rest of my life. My husband encouraged me to enroll in the design program at a local technical school and I completely immersed myself in my education and my job. After getting my bearings in the world of fabrics and furnishings, I moved on to custom cabinetry design.
In 2024, I returned back to work after taking maternity leave and was let go from my full-time job. What felt like a nightmare turned into one of the best days of my life. Looking back on it now, I would have been too scared to start my own business with a 3 month old- so that was definitely a plan that was greater than my own.
I took on 2 high caliber new build clients and immediately started doing everything I could to network and get my name out there. That was almost 2 years ago and the growth of this business has been nothing short of a blessing and something I’ve dreamed of my whole life. There is so much on the horizon for 2026.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say yes and no. Nobody expects to get fired. I always had plans to eventually go into business for myself. But it was a lot earlier than I had anticipated. So for a while there, it was pretty stressful financially. But most people don’t jump right into million dollar new builds. So yes it was stressful, but also not as much of a hurdle as what I had anticipated. I had the full support of my husband, my mom, and my mother-in-law; so even in that stress, that was always reassuring to know they believed in me.
As far as finances go, I ended up starting my secondary business (Hunter’s Brim Hat Co.); selling feathered hats and accessories. That brought in additional income for us to put the baby in daycare so I could have hours during the day for meetings, work time, and to be on-site. We ended up pulling her out after about 6 months when my mother-in-law retired. Then she was able to help me. Honestly, sometimes I would just strap the baby to me and be walking around the construction sites. Luckily, she could sleep through just about anything- including nail guns and air compressors. Then we graduated to a stroller and so on. She loves it!
Honestly, the hardest challenge really was balancing a new baby and a new business. There were days I would sit working on my laptop, hooked up to a breastpump, with a newborn asleep on the bed, surrounded by all kind of paint colors and tile samples, putting together a whole design concept for these houses and running on just a few hours of sleep. Then once she was in daycare- I would have to pull over in a parking lot between meetings during the day to sit and pump and eat lunch. I had a cooler bag with me at all times. Then I would pick her up and head home.
It’s all worth it, knowing I am building something so fulfilling to me. I think it’s made me a better, more present mom. I have a bonus daughter who I adore and she has been able to see the whole process. I hope it inspires her to chase her dreams one day and build the life she wants for herself.
As you know, we’re big fans of M. Woods Interiors. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
M. Woods Interiors is a full service boutique interior design firm. I specialize primarily in residential new builds and remodels.
What sets me apart from others is that I am a one person team and I really pride myself on connecting with my clients.
Brand wise, my logo is a duck. That concept was inspired by my husband and I’m really proud of that. He is an avid outdoorsman and was my inspiration for a textile design while I was in school. I loved that my duck pattern stood in stark contrast to the other florals and geometrics and it seemed only fitting that would be my logo. Also, more often times than not, you will see me hands-on at a job site in Carhartt overalls and boots. I am not one of those designers that is dressed to the nines and afraid to get dirty.
I love to be involved in every facet of the project from framing, to tile to furniture selection. I enjoy every second of it.
My brand is authentic. My goal is to create your favorite place to be. If your home isn’t your oasis, I haven’t done my job correctly.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I came into this pretty green in a lot of areas of construction and not a single person ever faulted me for asking a question. People would prefer you clarify and understand- than not ask and make a costly mistake later.
Often times, asking a question leads to a lot more education that is always useful later on down the road.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mwoodsinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwoodsinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mwoodsinteriors
