Meet Asia Babbington

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Asia Babbington a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Asia, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Developing my confidence and self-esteem has been a multifaceted journey that required continuous effort and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. One of the most significant ways I’ve built confidence is by consistently advocating for myself. This isn’t always easy, especially in moments of self-doubt or when faced with skepticism, but it’s essential. I learned early on that if I didn’t speak up for myself, my ideas, and my vision, no one else would do it for me. This self-advocacy became a cornerstone of my development.

Starting Salvaged Sanctuary was a major leap of faith that challenged me to trust in my own ideas and capabilities. I had to believe that my vision was worth pursuing, even when others questioned it. This experience taught me how to truly believe in myself. Every challenge I faced, every piece of criticism I encountered, became an opportunity for growth. Over time, these experiences reinforced my confidence and showed me that I was capable of more than I initially believed.

I also pushed myself to continuously learn and to put myself in spaces where I might not always feel like I belong. These were often the most intimidating environments—new networking events, conferences, or even casual meet-ups where I didn’t know anyone. But I found that each time I walked away from these experiences, I felt uplifted and empowered, simply by meeting new people and engaging in great conversations. It was in these moments that I realized how much I could grow just by stepping out of my comfort zone.

Finding my way back to a consistent workout routine has been another crucial aspect of this journey. Physical exercise not only strengthened my body but also my mind. It became a reminder that showing up for myself, even when no one else is watching, was essential for building both mental and emotional resilience. Alongside this, I sought therapy to help navigate the mental challenges that come with running a small business. Therapy provided a space to work through personal challenges, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional strength.

Ultimately, developing confidence and self-esteem is a continuous journey. It’s about leaning in, even when things are tough, and taking that first step, no matter how small it might seem. Just like no city was built overnight, good things take time. It starts with one project, then multiple, then bigger ones, until you’re facing opportunities you never even imagined—all because you believed in yourself. The more you invest in yourself and your growth, the more you’ll see the results, not just in your career, but in every aspect of your life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Asia Babbington, the owner and designer behind Salvaged Sanctuary, located in Chicago, IL. Salvaged Sanctuary is all about creating unique interior spaces that challenge traditional design norms through out-of-the-box thinking. I specialize in transforming spaces by incorporating upcycled materials and innovative design elements that not only reflect the personality of the space but also tell a story.

What makes Salvaged Sanctuary truly special is the joy of seeing clients fall in love with their spaces. The most rewarding part of my work is knowing that I’ve created something that people get to experience and enjoy daily. This passion for crafting personalized, functional environments has led to my work being featured on Apartment Therapy and HGTV. These features have been incredibly validating, but what I’m most grateful for is the opportunity to create spaces from my heart that resonate with others and allow me to turn my passion into a thriving business.

I work closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life in ways they might not have imagined. Whether it’s repurposing industrial materials into chic furniture or reimagining a room layout to maximize both space and style, my goal is to make each project as unique as the people I design for.

At Salvaged Sanctuary, it’s not just about decorating a room—it’s about transforming spaces into sanctuaries that inspire and uplift. I’m passionate about helping clients create interiors that are as functional as they are beautiful, all through creative, sustainable design.

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, there are three qualities that have been most impactful: a strong work ethic, a deep yearning for connection, and the courage to take chances.

First, my work ethic was deeply influenced by my parents, who both worked full-time in their respective careers for over 35 years. They showed me the value of dedication and consistency from an early age. I started working when I was 16, often juggling multiple jobs at a time. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the need to consistently show up and give my best effort, no matter the task. This foundation has been crucial in shaping my approach to my career and life.

Second, my yearning for connection and meeting people has always been a driving force for me. I believe that every person you meet has something valuable to offer, and this mindset has opened countless doors. Whether it’s through casual conversations or deeper connections with clients, these interactions have enriched both my personal and professional life. Building genuine relationships has been key to my growth and success.

Finally, being brave and taking chances has played an essential role in my journey. I’ve taken risks knowing full well that things might not work out—and sometimes they didn’t. But each experience, whether it ended in success or failure, taught me something valuable. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone, but real growth happens when you step out of it and embrace the unknown.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to develop a strong work ethic by consistently showing up and doing your best, no matter how small the task. Seek out connections and relationships, as the people you meet will often be your greatest assets. And most importantly, be brave. Take that leap, even when you’re unsure of the outcome. Remember, it’s okay if things don’t always work out—every experience is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your goals.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was simply being who they were—people of strong character who deeply valued community, hard work, and independent thinking. They taught me the importance of showing up not just for myself but for others, which has shaped much of who I am today.

Their work ethic was clear in how they dedicated over 35 years to their respective careers, always leading by example. They instilled in me the idea that hard work and consistency are essential, and that whatever you commit to, you should give it your best effort. Beyond that, they emphasized the value of community—how vital it is to build and nurture genuine connections. They showed me that success is not just about individual achievements but also about how you contribute to and uplift those around you.

They also encouraged independent thinking and learning, which I sometimes resisted at first. They weren’t the type to handhold or provide all the answers. Instead, they shared their outlooks and perspectives in a way that allowed me to grow on my own terms. This pushed me to think for myself, question things, and learn from my experiences—an approach that has been invaluable, especially as an entrepreneur.

Perhaps most importantly, they instilled in me the importance of accountability. They weren’t afraid to call me out when I needed it, and that willingness to give honest feedback—sometimes tough to hear—taught me to look at myself critically and recognize where I needed to grow. While I’m not perfect and am always still learning to be better, the efforts to hold myself accountable and strive for improvement were deeply instilled by their influence.

Their impact shaped me into someone who values hard work, community, authenticity, and continuous growth, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.salvagedsanctuary.com
• Instagram: @salvaged_sanctuary
• Facebook: @salvaged_sanctuary
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-babbington

Image Credits

Roger Erickson, Phillip Sturm, and London Roddy