We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erynn Rose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erynn, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
In all my years of working since I was 14, I had never experienced being laid off or fired. So when it happened in my adulthood, it was a pivotal moment that reshaped my career path and ultimately led me to become an entrepreneur.
After a long tenure working for the federal government, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my passion for interior design. I left the comfort and stability of my government job for a position with a design company that specialized in home staging for model homes. The job required extensive travel—3 out of 4 weeks each month—which was incredibly challenging. Despite my best efforts, it soon became clear that the role and the company were not a good fit for me. Eventually, I was fired.
Losing my job for the first time was a tough pill to swallow. The shock and disappointment were compounded by the drastic shift from the stable environment I had known for so long. Processing and understanding this setback was difficult, but I am a firm believer that challenges and obstacles are necessary for growth and progress.
Rather than letting this experience discourage me, I chose to view it as an opportunity to reassess my career and align it more closely with my true passions. I remained committed to the field of interior design, refusing to retreat to the safety net of my previous government work. This decision marked the beginning of my journey into entrepreneurship.
Embracing the lessons learned from my previous roles, I ventured into starting my own design business. The skills and insights I had gained over the years, combined with the resilience developed through my recent experience, became the foundation of my entrepreneurial journey. Today, I am proud to run a successful interior design company, helping clients create beautiful and functional spaces.
Looking back, getting laid off was a turning point that propelled me towards my true calling. It taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and following one’s passion, even in the face of adversity.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At Rose Luxe, we believe everyone deserves a comfortable and beautiful home, regardless of location, income, or race. Our mission is to make high-quality interior design accessible to all, transforming living spaces into havens of comfort and style.
Our Vision:
We aim to break down the barriers that have made interior design a luxury for the few and transform it into a service for the many. By focusing on inclusivity, we ensure that high-quality design is within reach for everyone.
Rose Luxe Collections is a Los Angeles, California-based interior design brand. As someone who grew up in a modestly-paid family in a less-than-ideal neighborhood, I firmly feel that everyone should be able to return home to a wonderfully constructed space. Growing up, I had to always be resourceful, use what I had and think outside of the box, so now I use those skills to transform spaces! Similar to how cozy it was for me to construct my first apartment. All people are entitled to that emotion, regardless of their financial situation, geography, race, or income level.
Undoubtedly, this journey has been marked by numerous challenges, particularly on an emotional level. The process of relocating across the country, leaving behind loved ones, and embarking on a pursuit of my dreams was incredibly difficult. Adjusting to life in Los Angeles meant familiarizing myself with the available resources and understanding the dynamics of the design world in the city. Working with design firms helped me navigate and determine what would be the best fit for my creativity. Simultaneously, I faced the challenge of self-funding my business while working full-time to sustain myself. Despite these hurdles, I remained resilient and committed to my path, determined to overcome each setback and continue pursuing my passion for design.
All the while, we have created amazing environments! We are thrilled and happy that one of our created projects was acknowledged by Airbnb Luxe during the previous season, even though we were working on interesting new projects. With its upscale collection of immaculate, beautifully built houses, top-notch amenities, services, and committed trip planners, Airbnb Luxe provides a luxurious experience. The Luxe title that Penmar, our initiative, received proved that all of our effort had been worthwhile!
One aspect of my brand that fills me with immense pride is the fact that I built it from the ground up. While it may sound like a cliché, as a small-town girl from Cleveland, OH I could have never imagined having my own successful design business where I get to do what I love and collaborate with wonderful people from all around the world. Additionally, I take great pride in the relationships I’ve developed with my clients and their satisfaction with my work. Customer service is of utmost importance to me, and having started working at a young age, I learned the value of ensuring my clients are truly happy with the designs on each project I undertake.
I want readers to understand that with Rose Luxe Collections, having a beautiful home doesn’t require immense wealth. What matters most is taking that initial step, and with Rose Luxe Collections, we focus on the small details that eventually culminate in bringing our clients’ full vision to life. We firmly believe that everyone deserves comfort and luxury, and we would be thrilled to embark on that transformative journey with you.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities were particularly impactful: resilience and adaptability, passion and dedication, and business acumen and networking.
Resilience and adaptability were crucial in helping me bounce back from setbacks and navigate unexpected challenges. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and being open to change allowed me to stay focused on my goals despite obstacles. For those starting out, developing resilience by reflecting on and learning from adversity, and being flexible in adjusting plans as needed, can be immensely beneficial.
Passion and dedication fueled my perseverance. My deep interest in interior design kept me motivated, even in difficult times. Following your passion is key to staying committed and overcoming challenges. Choose a career that genuinely excites you, set clear goals, make a plan, and stick to it. Consistent effort, even in small steps, can lead to significant progress over time.
Lastly, business acumen and networking were vital in starting and running my own company. Understanding basic business principles and building valuable relationships opened doors to new opportunities. For those early in their journey, learning the basics of management, finance, and marketing, and actively connecting with professionals in the industry, can provide essential support and potential opportunities.
Success is a marathon, not a sprint. By cultivating resilience, pursuing your passions with dedication, and continuously learning and building connections, you can establish a solid foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allowing me to establish my own independence while setting clear expectations and providing unwavering support. By giving me the freedom to make my own choices and learn from my experiences, they helped me develop confidence and self-reliance. Their expectations encouraged me to strive for excellence and stay focused on my goals, while their support ensured that I always had a safety net to fall back on. This combination of independence, guidance, and support has been instrumental in shaping my journey and achievements.
I want to take a moment to thank my parents for the incredible job they did raising me. Their unwavering support, love, and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. I am deeply grateful for the values they instilled in me and for always believing in my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roseluxecollections.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseluxe.collections/?hl=en
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