Check Out Ellie Swanson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Swanson.

Hi Ellie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Ellie Swanson, the owner of Venetta Interiors. I focus on creating residential spaces that elevate lifestyles.

My journey into interior design has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and personal growth. At 18, I stepped into the world of design, working under experienced professionals in Seattle Washington where I’m from and the LA area. While juggling school and nannying, I immersed myself in learning the nuances of creating beautiful spaces.
Now, I’m thrilled to be launching my own interior design business. It’s a significant step, marking the transition from years of learning to leading my own creative projects.

A deep source of inspiration for me is my grandmother, Venetta. She owned a photography studio—a remarkable feat in her time. Being the first girl born in a century on my father’s side, I share a special bond with her. Her name, Venetta, is also my middle name, meaning ‘butterfly.’ This symbolism resonates with me now more than ever, as I feel like I’m emerging from my cocoon, ready to spread my wings and embrace new challenges. I also get my creative touch from my other grandmother Jean who is a professional watercolor painter and who has always pushed me to follow my dreams.

I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to create spaces that reflect the beauty and transformation that design can bring.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a new interior design business in a vibrant city like Los Angeles is both exhilarating and challenging. One of the most common hurdles for emerging designers is establishing credibility with potential clients who may be hesitant to trust a newcomer.

Despite being a new business owner, my journey in interior design began at 18, working under seasoned professionals while concurrently pursuing academic studies and managing responsibilities as a nanny. These experiences have honed my skills in multitasking, organization, and creative problem-solving—essential qualities in the design industry.

Fortunately, the family that I nanny for trusted me enough to design part of their Beverly Hills residence. This project was the first one I did on my own and I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I love most about being an interior designer is being able to mix vintage with modern pieces. One of my favorite things to do is go to consignment stores and most of the time I find furniture and art that makes my projects come to life. My clients and myself love incorporating vintage because it brings charm and character to the space. This skill definitely sets me apart from others because I truly enjoy the hunt!

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Podcast: Interior Design Business – Terri Taylor

Apps: Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram

Book: Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

Pricing:

• Pricing is dependent on project size not hourly

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.venettainteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/venettainteriors/