Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Meinhold.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My introduction to the world of interior design traces back to my childhood when exploring model homes with my family sparked my interest in interior architecture and home staging. Like many designers, I found myself rearranging furniture and critiquing spaces from a young age. Being naturally drawn to creative pursuits, such as design, cooking, and art, I immersed myself in these subjects throughout my education.
By my senior year of high school, I was certain that pursuing a degree in design was my path. While attending Clayton State University to complete my basic courses, I later transferred to Georgia State University for Interior Architecture. My journey included valuable internships with a manufacturer rep and a commercial/residential designer in Atlanta.
These experiences emphasized the importance of building strong relationships and taught me valuable lessons about navigating the industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted my plans, leading me to take on a non-design job to make ends meet. While I cherished my time working at a family diamond business, I yearned to return to the design world.
Eventually, I found myself working as an AutoCAD drafter and later joined a national commercial design firm before venturing out to start my own business. It’s worth noting that I had prayed for clarity about sharing my designs and personal presence online. Surprisingly, shortly afterward, I found myself unexpectedly laid off. This experience allowed me to fully explore my creativity and authenticity, free from the confines of the corporate environment.
In early 2024, I launched Lauren Meinhold Design, offering services including concept imaging, design boards, space planning, and consultations. Whether clients seek comprehensive design solutions or simply need guidance on specific aspects of their projects, I strive to provide personalized assistance tailored to their needs.
What sets Lauren Meinhold Design apart is our commitment to fairness and efficiency. By operating remotely, I can serve clients worldwide without compromising on quality or timeliness. With five years of industry experience, clients can trust me to deliver exceptional value at a reasonable cost.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A recent challenge arose when I decided to explore the possibility of launching a virtual interior design business, a step I hadn’t foreseen at this point in my career. Interestingly, I sought clarity through prayer regarding whether to continue on the path of being a commercial designer or to embark on entrepreneurship. Shortly thereafter, I unexpectedly found myself laid off.
This unexpected turn of events granted me the freedom to fully embrace my creativity and authenticity, liberated from the constraints of the corporate world. Without seeking that clarity through prayer, I doubt I would have found the peace needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Like any new business owner, I’ve had to navigate the learning curve and wear many hats. Despite these challenges, I’ve never been happier.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
One significant moment arose when I completed my college education during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding myself unable to continue my internship due to reduced workload and a virtually nonexistent job market. This period taught me a valuable lesson: to place my trust in the timing guided by faith and to appreciate the distinctiveness of my own journey, without feeling the need to compare it to others’.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenmeinholddesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenmeinholddesign_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070349533808
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-meinhold-4341b7129/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/laurenmeinhold_/
Image Credits
Summer Evans
