Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Friedman.
Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins with a love of fashion. Ever since I was old enough to have a job, I worked with clothing. My mom would have to drive me to the mall because I didn’t have a license yet, but I think she was proud of my young work ethic. After having a couple of different retail jobs throughout high school and college, I moved to LA knowing that I could easily continue in this industry in a new city, and soon after my “accidental” retail career was born. I moved up the ladder within several companies and eventually landed in a multi-brand luxury retailer where I oversaw the visual merchandising for their west coast region of high-end boutiques. This role not only influenced my appreciation for beautifully made things but also for how they are displayed and how the space & environment influence people and their moods.
After moving in with my fiancé, my passion was redirected to creating our home together, and my love for interior design grew. What started with decorating my own home soon became an internship with an incredibly talented designer, and then I began consulting friends and family on their spaces. Eventually, I got an incredible opportunity to help some friends with the design of their new home, and my business was born. My goal is to create spaces that seem to effortlessly marry form & function in a way that clients feel both comfortable in and inspired by.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Although the crossover from fashion to interiors is not a particularly large leap, breaking into a new industry with minimal experience can be a slow and daunting process. The pandemic has been tough on so many people, but it provided me the time I needed to take courses, do a short internship, and really dive into the world of design headfirst, so overall I consider myself incredibly lucky.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Working in fashion & styling, my signature look was always cool and classic without trying too hard, and the same goes for interiors. I’m proud to have worked in different retail markets all over the country due to my ability to elevate an aesthetic in a localized way. This translates to residential spaces as well – a cool, comfortable, and personalized home is a CFC hallmark.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories were made in Ohio at my grandparents’ home in the picturesque suburbs. On over 40 acres, they had horse stables, a pond, tennis courts, and endless land to explore. The chic countryside aesthetic and my affinity for nature that developed still influence me today.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @_cfcollective_
