Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Henderson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Tess. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was introduced to interior design at an early age by my mother, although I didn’t know that’s what it was called at the time. Growing up, I could tell that my house was different from my friends’ houses. Not because it was bigger or because we had fancier things, but because my mom was true to her style. Trends would come and go, but our home was always unique. That’s not to say it wasn’t constantly evolving – it was! She had a natural talent for curating items and pulling colors and patterns together. She never played it safe and if she couldn’t find what she loved, she would make it herself. She taught me that authenticity is the most important element of design.
I don’t remember a specific moment where it clicked that this is what I was meant to do. I have always been creative and would put that energy anywhere I could, whether it was scrapbooking, baking, or picking out my clothes for the day. Every task or activity was an opportunity to make something beautiful and I still feel that way.
On top of my need to create, I love people. I am highly extroverted and enjoy getting to know people and their stories. When I learned what interior design really is, it seemed like the perfect blend of everything that lights me up.
I went on to earn my BFA from CIDA accredited Iowa State University where I had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome for several months. After I graduated, I moved home to Los Angeles and started my first job at an architecture firm in Santa Monica where I focused on workplace design. A couple of years passed and I was itching to design sexier environments. This leads me to San Francisco where I joined the hospitality design team at Nicole Hollis. I helped design beautiful hotels and restaurants and met some of the kindest, most creative people I have ever known, who are still some of my best friends. My mentors pushed me and leveled up my skills and taste.
I eventually realized that something was missing – the story. The whole reason I got into design in the first place was to meet new people and make their home a reflection of who they are. I decided to make yet another switch within my career; this time to residential.
Life has a funny way of working itself out. Around the same time, my sister just had her first baby and found out that he needed heart surgery. I kid you not, the night I decided I needed to move back home to be with family, was the same night Amber Interiors posted a job listing for an interior designer. Three weeks later was my first day. I love Amber’s aesthetic and learned so much while working there. Every single person on that team is a powerhouse. Fast forward to COVID and me being the most recent hire… Well, you can guess how that ended!
As corny as it sounds, I believe everything happens for a reason. I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit and starting my own studio was always the end-game. I even said it in interviews. Oops. When I was laid off (and after I had a good cry) something inside me told me it was time. Within a few hours, the game plan for Tess Interiors was set in motion. The website was live, the Instagram handle was acquired, and the software was downloaded. It’s been almost ten weeks and I’m starting two full remodels along with several small decor projects. It’s been a complete ride, but nothing short of a dream come true.
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think anyone has a smooth road, even if it looks like they do from the outside. I’m thankful that things have worked out the way that they have, but I’d be completely full of it if I said there weren’t some extremely challenging moments. A personal struggle I have always dealt with is having patience. I have so many ideas firing off constantly and I want them all to happen right away! But the truth is, it takes time to learn the things you need to learn and meet the people you need to meet.
No amount of passion can make up for experience. It can be very humbling at times. I wanted to start my own design studio years ago, but knowing what I know now makes me grateful that did not happen. Sometimes we think we know what we want or deserve, but there are better things in store. I have to remind myself that the same will be true for all of my ambitions and take it one day at a time.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Tess Interiors – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Tess Interiors is a full-service interior design studio specializing in residential and boutique commercial spaces. Our aesthetic is influenced by nature, fashion, art, and above all else, people. We believe interior designers are storytellers, therefore our process begins the same way for every project. We start with you. Getting to know the depths of your personality and what you’d like to achieve in your space is the foundation for our design. It’s not about showcasing our signature style. It’s about understanding your way of living and elevating the spirit of your surroundings. We are focused on creating meaningful experiences within spaces that bring people together and exhibit their individuality.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
It checks all my boxes! Mountains, beach, art, food… It’s an endless supply of inspiration and talent. On top of all that, it’s a place I’ve left many times that has always welcomed me back. It’s where my family is. It’s my home.
As far as dislikes… Traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: tessinteriors.com
- Phone: 8054053205
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tessinteriors/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessinteriorsla
Image Credit:
Nate Twiehaus
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