We recently connected with Tiffany Anich Mansito and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, so happy to have you with us today and there is so much we want to ask you about. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others developed certain skills or qualities that we are struggling with can be helpful. Along those lines, we’d love to hear from you about how you developed your ability to take risk?
Risk-taking was woven into my story from the very beginning. My parents were young entrepreneurs who started their first industrial supply business with just $500 borrowed from each of their grandparents. I watched them build that company from the ground up, eventually selling it just two years later for a meaningful profit. They went on to start a second, larger business that they owned for over three decades.
Growing up in that environment—spending time in the warehouse, sitting in on office conversations—I saw firsthand what it meant to work hard, stay nimble, and believe in something bigger than fear. That early exposure gave me the confidence to take leaps in other areas of my life: from competing in athletics, to choosing a university ten hours from home, to accepting a competitive internship in Washington, D.C., and landing my first “real” job in Atlanta.
Eventually, my path led me to take the biggest leap yet—leaving a stable position at a design firm in Miami to move to Chattanooga and start my own interior design firm. It was a new city, a new state, and a brand-new chapter. But I trusted what I’d learned: that every bold move is a chance to grow. And in taking that risk, I found not only professional fulfillment, but a place to truly plant roots.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At the heart of our work is something deeply personal: a mother-daughter design team bringing two generations of creativity, perspective, and passion to every project. What makes our firm special is the way we blend timeless design principles with a fresh, modern point of view. My mom attended interior design school before starting her own successful businesses, and she brings a wealth of creative insight and practical wisdom to every space. I bring a modern lens with traditional touches—like incorporating antique pieces and meaningful heirlooms—to create interiors that feel both current and enduring. Together, that balance results in homes that are elegant, layered, and deeply lived-in—spaces that reflect both heritage and the here-and-now.
Southerly Abode Interiors officially launched in 2014, though in many ways it’s been a dream in the making since I was a little girl, watching and learning from my mom’s creative spirit. We celebrated 11 years this past April as a woman-owned business, a milestone that fills us with deep pride and gratitude. We’re proud of the firm we’ve built together and even prouder of the clients who trust us with their homes.
Our boutique firm specializes in creating thoughtfully curated interiors that feel effortlessly beautiful and genuinely personal. Whether we’re designing a new build from the ground up, breathing new life into a historic home, or reimagining a single room, our collaborative process is rooted in listening—really listening—to how our clients live and what they love.
From finishes and furnishings to color palettes, textures, and those meaningful details that make a space feel like home, we guide our clients through each step with care and creativity. Our belief is simple: the best spaces are collected, not staged. They tell a story, reflect a life, and grow with the people who live in them.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to be partnering with another talented designer to create a collaborative group for interior designers—a shared community where creativity, connection, and support take center stage. It’s our hope to foster a space where designers can grow together, share resources, and feel encouraged in their work. And of course, we’ll continue doing what we love most—creating beautiful, livable spaces that stand the test of time.
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?
Education and experience—both formal and hands-on—have been foundational to my journey. In an age where there’s a temptation to shortcut the process, I’ve always believed in building a strong foundation. After earning my degree in Communications from ASU, I made the decision to return to school in Atlanta to pursue a BA in Interior Design. I didn’t want to just “wing it”—I wanted to immerse myself in the fundamentals: art history, furniture design, materials, drafting, AutoCAD—all of it. That foundation gave me the knowledge and confidence to grow.
But just as important as classroom education was real-world experience. I interned for a design firm in Atlanta while in school, and that time was invaluable. I started at the very beginning—organizing the fabric library, pulling FF&E for presentations, drafting furniture plans and schedules. Eventually, I was attending client meetings and walking job sites. Every task, no matter how small, helped me understand the rhythm of a successful design practice. I also worked for several design firms under talented mentors before ever thinking about launching my own. That time learning from others was essential.
Second, my background in Communications has been a powerful asset. Interior design isn’t just about beautiful spaces—it’s about understanding people. Managing expectations, presenting ideas clearly, working with vendors, and guiding clients through the process all come down to strong communication. The ability to listen, articulate, and connect is one of the most important tools any designer can have.
And finally, belief in yourself is everything. The path won’t always be linear or easy, but having confidence in your vision and the courage to pursue it makes all the difference. For anyone early in their journey: seek out mentors, stay curious, do the work from the ground up, and trust that each step is preparing you for what’s next.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, my first instinct is to step outside and reconnect with my family and nature. Getting outdoors with my husband and children—even just for a walk—has a way of grounding me and putting everything back into perspective. There’s something about the simplicity and stillness of nature that soothes worries in a way nothing else can.
Movement is also key. Some of my most challenging business dilemmas have been worked out on a trail run. There’s clarity that comes when your body is in motion and your mind can wander a bit more freely. It’s in those moments that solutions often rise to the surface.
And when I need to refill my creative cup, I turn to inspiration in all its forms—visiting museums, strolling through art galleries and gardens, even exploring fashion. Creativity is everywhere, and sometimes all it takes is stepping away from the screen and into something beautiful to spark a fresh idea or renewed energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southerlyabode.com
- Instagram: @southerlyabodeinteriors
Image Credits
Personal Photo: “Photo taken by Casey Yoshida for The Scout Guide Chattanooga Volume 12”
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