Local business owner finds her passion in interior design

Stacey Williams, owner of Quinn Williams Design in Mount Pleasant, didn't originally start in interior design.

The Maryland native went to the Conservatory of Music in Boston before moving to Mount Pleasant and starting her business in 2005. Interior design has always been a part of William's life, however, and she said it was advice from friends and experience from working for multiple corporations that catapulted her toward starting her own business.

"I'm much happier working for myself," Williams said. "I made the leap."

And she couldn't have picked a career that makes her any happier — Williams said she eats, lives and breathes design. By the contents of her office, with rows and rows of fabrics of all colors under the sun, it's easy to tell.

"Design is my absolute passion," Williams said. "I just love it."

Something Williams said that separates her from other interior designers is her ability to avoid overshadowing her client's style with her own.

"I feel strongly about reflecting each client's personal style," Williams said.

Her process for gauging a client's style starts out with a complimentary consultation where she asks questions about their budget, priority, time period and lifestyle. After this, Williams asks clients to cut pieces from magazines that speak to them and then moves forward by picking different options for them to choose from.

Her involvement in decisions varies from client to client. Williams said one of her clients in Mount Pleasant has such a deep trust and rapport with her that she gives Williams free rein and likes to be surprised by what she designs.

Williams said the scopes of her projects range from designing a whole house to helping find window treatments. She primarily works with homeowners and real estate agents.

Her favorite part of the job is satisfying her clients and she enjoys the creative aspects of design. Williams even designs furniture, which is made by a Mount Pleasant woodworker.

She said many local interior designers have had to close up shop due to the stagnant economy, and she is grateful to still be hanging on. Because of this, the bulk of her work right now is redesign.

"A lot of people aren't moving," Williams said. "That means they want to consider renovations."

If anyone is interested in hiring an interior designer but feels intimidated by costs, Williams said projects don't have to be huge to make a space feel more customized. A simple touch, such as a piece of furniture or a couple of customized pillows, can really give clients more bang for their buck.

Reach Kara Apel at 937-5709.