Today, we’d like to introduce you to Claire McKinzie.
Claire, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I came to Los Angeles at 23 with somewhat of a plan – as much of a plan as anyone at that age can have. I knew I wanted to work with musicians, loved writing for blogs and magazines, and had a great knack for people held together with a spark of visual creativity.
When I was young my mom asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I replied “lawyer, painter and ballerina” – “or” was not in that sentence. I truly believed I could do it all (aka believed an overconfident mom). I found myself just as undecided at six as I was at 23, yet married to the narrative that justified my move from home.
Within the first four years of living in LA, I worked and interned at various music companies in the press, copywriting, social media, and artist management, all the while balancing jobs as a hostess, waiter, retail stylist, and juice bar girl. At 27, I helped launch and run a record label out of JJ Abram’s company, Bad Robot, with its two general managers, Nicky Berger and McKee Floyd. Downtime has never been a part of my story. Working around an influx of creatives in film, TV, and music helped me to see what I had been suppressing.
I have always been passionate about design and had a distinct perspective. “I don’t know what to call it, but all I know is that’s so Claire” is something I have heard my entire life. After being at the label for almost four years, I joined a creative agency. As a marketing manager running a team of 5, I was at the forefront of creative ads for clients ranging from sunscreen to mattresses. And in the end, that shoe didn’t fit quite right either. And it never felt more okay to be rejected.
After getting laid off at the end of 2022. I realized this was the biggest gift I’ve been given in a long time. I was forced to take stock of who I was outside of a career. LA has always represented some kind of hustle – to survive, to make something of myself, to prove I was talented, but what it has never been about was simply being and seeing myself as I am and not what I thought I should be,
Ten years after moving to LA, I’m an interior design assistant for Shari and Tommy Creed. Working at Studio Creed this last year has forever altered my path. After months of coffee dates, job applications, and working for stylists, the universe solved my problem. All I had to say was yes. A friend I knew from music (Dani Russin at Good World) reached out to see if I could assist with a photoshoot the following day.
I had so much fun shooting (with an incredible photographer named Laure Joliet) one of the homes Studio Creed designed from the ground up that I was nervous about showing my enthusiasm. My love of interior design had always been a pleasure, never a career possibility, and I wanted them to know I took this seriously – something about that day felt special. Safe to say, the enthusiasm and nerdy couch designer reference helped. The rest is history!
In the last year and a half, I’ve learned the ins and outs of everything from construction to what to ask an architect in a design meeting, to carry myself in a creative business, and how to own my work and stick to my creative perspective. This time with Studio Creed has inspired me – I’m now back in school, pursuing a degree in interior design at UCLA while balancing projects. Being a novice has never felt more humbling, and I can’t wait to continue absorbing it all.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I can wholeheartedly say that I wouldn’t trade anything that has happened over the last ten years. As cheesy as it sounds, it’s all led me to where I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am more focused and excited about the work than anything else. Weeks ago, at a friend’s wedding, someone told me to “go where it’s warm,” that’s been bouncing around my head ever since. This new role and industry aren’t easy and, at times, challenging but never discouraging. I have always believed in the power of creativity. As much competition as there is in LA, I wholeheartedly believe there is enough room for everyone to find success.
I am included, but right now, I am more focused on the work than on being successful. I want to continue learning and hopefully build up a portfolio that reflects my perspective and hard work ethic. I’m also very good at budgeting and designing for clients willing to spend $5K – $15K to redesign a space- I’m a wiz at Facebook Marketplace and flea markets. The key is to know what you want, go early, and stick to your budget. I once found a Milo Baughman bed for a client for $1500! Fellow design lovers will know that is unheard of.
Outside of interior design, I dabble in painting, jewelry design, ceramics, music – you name it. I come from a family of creative women and am surrounded by art from them in my own home, too. As far as what I’m proudest of, I’d have to say that’s my attitude – I’m not afraid to ask for help and work with kindness at the forefront.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t believe in luck; however, I practice saying yes without knowing the result and trusting in something bigger than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clairemckinzie.com and www.studiocreed.com
- Instagram: @kinzie0 and @studiocreed
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mckinzie/
Image Credits
Ian Quay
