Today we’d like to introduce you to Annie Nguyen
Hi annie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As the founder of Indulge Design, an interior design firm based in Malibu and Lake Tahoe, I have cherished the elements of design for as long as I can remember. As a child, it was difficult for me to stay still in the classroom. The subjects that I had ambition for consisted of fine arts, drawing, ceramics, home economics, you name it. It wasn’t until I went to college that I recognized my love for design and decided to pursue it as a career. Initially, I started my academic journey studying Biochemistry, thinking it would be a safe financial route. However, after almost flunking out of my major, I decided it was time to switch over to interior design and take a chance on myself as well as my family. After switching over, I realized I wasn’t succeeding until I embraced my passion for interior design, graduating with honors.
Unfortunately due to cost, I had to move back to Texas after my third year at university and transfer to another school. During this time I believed it was important to begin working and having more experience in the design industry, so I began working at a real estate development company in Dallas, Texas. This position taught me so much in the industry as I was balancing working full-time as well as school full-time. My days typically began at 6 am and ended around 9 pm, ranging from being on campus to being the designer on site and communicating with the construction team and project managers.
After a few years, I decided to move out of Dallas to see what else was out there which landed me in Phoenix and eventually Los Angeles. I noticed something was always missing when it came to working for someone else and the personal aspect when working with clients, so after 18 months in LA I decided to start my design studio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to finding Indulge Design Co has been a roller coaster of a ride. In the past 3 years, my life changed drastically and there was a time when I was not sure what my future held. I moved to Phoenix without any family and only knew 1 or 2 friends. It felt like I made the biggest mistake of my life but I told myself I would give it a year and after things did not seem any better, I left Phoenix for LA. Los Angeles was always a city I wanted to live in and felt like home to me, so I took a chance on myself with a new design position in line and moved everything I had to LA. Two years later, I found Indulge Design Co.
To be candid, becoming a business owner is not a smooth road, I have heard the word “No” more times during this period than at any other time in my life. Hearing no definitely hurts your ego a bit, but always maintaining confidence in what you create is so important.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Indulge Design Co is a full-service interior design firm based in Los Angeles and South Lake Tahoe. When it comes to working with my clients, I strive to create a space that will invoke comfort. I specialize in creating designs that will have you never wanting to leave your space.
I chose the name Indulge Design to embody my intention to create spaces that engage the senses. I firmly believe that creating within interior design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the human spirit and how one feels within a space. I aim to help clients cultivate environments that resonate with and amplify their unique styles. What sets Indulge apart from others is the personalized approach to every single project and the overall sensory experience. Creative problem-solving skills allow us and the client to balance design aesthetics as well as function which is the most important part of design. Although I am a full-service interior designer, design trickles into other parts of my creative endeavors such as floral design and custom-painted pieces.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My friends and family deserve credit for my successes and the overall product I produce. Without the support of friends, which I also refer to as found family, Indulge Design Co would not exist. Not only do my friends and family deserve credit but so does my partner, he continually challenges me to be the best person and business owner I can be in any given situation. Being a business owner himself, we have each other for endless support and he also plays a mentor role for me.
Believing in yourself is the foundation of what you need when owning your own business but having unwavering support allows you to push through during times of doubtfulness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.indulgedesignco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indulgedesign.co/
Image Credits
@ethanjones.co
