Today we’d like to introduce you to Ella Mathis.
Ella, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I used to work with kids as a counselor at an after school camp and I really didn’t know what I wanted to be when I “grew up.” I threw a party at my home and a woman I didn’t know was there and said to me “wow your home is so beautiful, you should be an Interior Designer.” Well I took her advice and that Monday I enrolled in the Design Program at Santa Monica College. I then took a job at the Pacific Design Center, to the dismay of all of my teachers. They said I would get stuck there being a salesperson.
I assured them that I was giving myself one year to make my contacts and become a Design Assistant in a firm. Well, a few days shy of 1 year I became that assistant. I quickly became an Associate in the firm and enjoyed 20 years honing my craft. When it was decided that the firm was closing I took my moment to create my dream and opened up Ella Mathis Designs, Inc. Embarking on my own has brought out so many emotions: happy, terrified, elation, worry, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I am so excited to be doing what I love every day! I look forward to creating homes for my clients that they love and enjoy. There is no better feeling than when we do the reveal and they are so happy with tears in their eyes. Knowing that I had a part in creating that happiness is the best feeling!
Great, 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 here and now has been pretty wonderful actually, all in thanks to my wonderful Mentor Susan Cohen. From the very first day working with her she took me under her wing and taught me not only the principles of Design, but the business side of running a firm. Without that knowledge I think I would be telling you a much different story!
Ella Mathis Designs – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Ella Mathis Designs, Inc. Is an Interior Design firm based in Inglewood, with a defined philosophy of beautiful, personalized interiors, our main goal is to bring our clients’ vision to life.
Whether you’re building new construction or remodeling, we will guide you through the process and all of the decision making. Other services we offer are:
-Furniture Reupholstery
-Paint Selection
-Glamour Makeover
-Seasonal/Holiday Decorating
-Space Planning
With inspiration from world travels and living abroad, whether your style is Traditional, Modern, Boho or Transitional, we provide seasoned expertise and creativity, on time and on budget.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career has been opening my firm. Being my own boss, having successful projects and happy clients makes me very proud. I’m living my dream and it’s pretty amazing!
Contact Info:
- Address: 309 E. Hillcrest Blvd., #446
Inglewood, CA 90301 - Website: www.ellamathisdesigns.com
- Phone: 3109021477
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Photos: Debi Nevill
Robert Allen / Beacon Hill
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