We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terri-Leigh Huleis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terri-Leigh below.
Terri-Leigh , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In the very beginning of my design career I sometimes worried I wasn’t good enough. I had years of hands on experience and was proud of the multiple homes I had worked on and the small side projects I had completed but imposter syndrome sometimes held me back from pursuing opportunities and putting myself out there. Eventually, I realized I needed to take on my career with the same attitude and ambition that I had approached everything with and so began my “make it until you make it” approach. When opportunities arose, I pushed myself to say yes rather than avoiding them out of lack of confidence, and dove into applying what I already knew to the challenge while putting in the extra effort and work needed to fill in the gaps, I also leaned on others, those who could help expand me, more. It was uncomfortable at first, learning on the job, it always is and the pressure of paying clients can be super stressful but what I found is that the more I put myself out there and around those who were also, in their own way, making it until they made it, the greater my sense of self-assurance. I started small, in both project and fee and it worked out well! My clients always got the benefit of more and I got the benefit of practice. My self-esteem improved as I the business grew, as our 5* reviews became more frequent and as we began to charge more. With each accomplishment and instance where I pushed past self-doubt and strived for better, my self-confidence grew. What started as “fake confidence” evolved into real and lasting self-esteem. I learned to make myself take on challenges before I felt ready, and by making it through them, I was able to grow valuable skills, a fantastic network and a legitimate confidence in my abilities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
At FoundHomeCo., we believe that the places we stay while traveling should feel as special as the moments we spend there. That’s why we started our boutique Airbnb interior design firm! Founded in 2020, FoundHomeCo. brings together our team’s combined experience of hospitality and interior design expertise to elevate short-term rental properties. We specialize in creating distinctive, photogenic spaces that attract our clients’ Ideal Guest, meeting their needs and appealing to their desire for a unique and elevated stay experience.
What makes FoundHomeCo. stand out is our obsessive attention to detail. We hand select every piece of decor, furniture, and amenity so that our designed rentals not only look beautiful but function flawlessly. The result is Airbnbs that feel curated, warm, and transportive for the guest and have exceptional ROI for the host.
FoundHomeCo. brings strategic vision, creative execution, and meticulous follow through. We transform empty spaces into exceptional places to make memories. Discover the FoundHomeCo. difference for your next Airbnb venture!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Courage, a desire to learn and being open to a support system (my network and spouse!)
My advice to those just starting out or wanting to progress on their journey is to take the leap, identify the goal and go for it! Be willing to do what is necessary and continually better yourself. Don’t forget to lean on those expanders! The ones a step ahead, the ones who know how to nurture you, the ones to call when it all feels too tough!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Growth! As wonderful as it is, is scary!!! We are growing at a rapid speed and with that comes the joy but also the responsibility of bringing others along! We are hiring and investing back into the business – A massive leap of faith and a test of courage, but like we’ve always done, we will continue to “make it until we make it”!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.foundhomeco.com
- Instagram: found home_co
Image Credits
Jake Niederhauser – Black Diamond Photography
