We were lucky to catch up with Erica Murphy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
It can be very intimidating when you are the only one in the room that looks like you. For me, it can be uncomfortable, at times, but it pushes me outside of my comfort zone. Whether it be at a networking event, or a conference call at work, I have to make sure that I show up in confidence. Growing up, I have always been the only one in the room that looks like me from elementary school to an Architecture program in college, to working in corporate. It has never gotten easier, but I have learned that it starts with how I carry myself with being secure and confident in who I am. Being a black woman, in my corporate career, I was always the only black woman or black person in the room. To be effective, I’ve learned when you walk in any room, make sure you introduce yourself to everyone in that room (if possible). I am learning that social capital is the most important, meaning your network is your networth. For anyone reading this who looks like me, when you are in that room, remind yourself that you have what somebody else needs and you are that missing piece that compliments. When you are in that room, speak up, let your ideas be known, ask questions and take initiative. I had to learn to focus on what I am in the room to do. I had to remind myself, I am in this room for a reason, I have something significant to bring to the table. These affirmations help me be effective when I started to feel fear or doubtful. To be successful, I believe representation matters and I have an assignment to show up as my authentic self representing those who do look like me, in hopes to help open more doors of opportunities for those like me, that would be true success!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started my business off of my love for interior design, decorating and overall creativity. I am a certified Interior Decorator, I started my company, Erica L. Murphy Interiors, LLC. (ELM Interiors) as an independent Interior Stylist. I specialize in virtual interior design, styling and consulting services. Initially, I wanted to offer services completely virtual, as a convenient way for clients to work with me even from another state. For those who need assistance with decor ideas, a concept consultation, or a complete e-design of the space, all interior services are done entirely online. I provide my clients with customized mood boards, concepts, a shopping list of items to purchase and a custom How to Guide curated by me for DIY. I am so excited to announce that this Spring, I have expanded my business by offering in-home decorating and design services! My company is now accepting new clients for In-home services including full service interior decorating and room styling services. You can think of me as your personal shopper for all things interior! When you hire me as your interior decorator, you’ll work with me to create an atmosphere within the home that aligns with your personal style. Using paint, fabric, furniture, and accessories to transform the visual aesthetic of your space. Whether you need a home refresh, as a decorator it is my job to understand the look my clients want to achieve, and I begin sourcing the soft furnishings. This includes selecting colors, furniture, fabric, rugs, wallpapers, and accessories to create an inspiring atmosphere. I am now accepting new clients, if you are interested in a In-home service, contact me via my website to schedule your free clarity call to help identify and answer questions on what services work best for you!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that are the most impactful for me is to: Invest in yourself, Learn from the experienced, Study your craft. Those are three qualities, I believe, will always be ongoing throughout your journey. Invest in yourself by signing up for a conference in your industry, signing up for an online course (some of them are free!). When I started planning to expand my business to in-home services, I had to make sure the foundation of my business was up to par for this next phase. Meaning, I had to do my research, find out what it takes to register a business, what affiliations should I join to expand my network. Those are things to invest in that will increase your knowledge and skillset. Secondly, learn from the experienced. The best decision I have made on this journey this far was to get a Mentor. My mentor has been such a blessing in my life by teaching me the ropes, providing resources and knowledge from her experience as an Interior Designer for over 10 years. It is important to get around those who are doing what you aspire to do, I believe that is the best way to learn. And the third quality is to study your craft. Whatever your skillset may be, invest in yourself to learn more about your craft. I decided to obtain a professional certification in my field as a certified Interior Decorator. It is my goal to continue studying my craft to help me level up. Fall in love with learning your craft on a different level. The overall message here is: Never stop investing in yourself, never stop learning from those more experienced, never stop studying your craft.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
The person that has been the most helpful is my Interior Designer Mentor. She has been instrumental in helping me with the expansion of my business services. She has been an Interior Designer for over 10 years. Earlier this year, it was my goal to do something outside of my comfort zone and one of those things was to shoot my shot, professionally, by attempting to make a connection. So, I sent her a DM on Instagram asking if she would to meet me for lunch. I knew I needed to hear from an experienced designer on what it’s like in this industry. I was blown away by her willingness to help me and from then on, she has been my Mentor to help me with the expansion of by business. She has been the most helpful by sharing resources, knowledge, experiences and connections. I couldn’t be more grateful for her. In this competitive industry, it’s rare to find a connection that are willingly serving others that are coming up. I truly believe that we measure success by how many are successful next to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elm-interiors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elminteriors_/
Image Credits
All photos by: Terica B Photography | IG: @tericabphoto
