We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Riddei and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When you are free to fail, you are free to fly. Cheesy intro? Maybe. But worth the risk. Risk-taking, in my life and career has been shaped (and continues to be shaped) by my comfortability with failure and tolerance towards mistake making. On the daily, my husband, Ryan and I deflate this fear of failure by asking each other, “how did you integrate a mistake today? Let’s talk about it.” Sounds backwards, I know, because not landing the deal or flopping that meeting or missing the mark suck and it’s absolutely painful. No doubt. But that means we took a risk that day by trying something new and challenging that ultimately produces learned blossoms in the garden. Becoming not just “okay” with failure, but friends with it, has been the secret sauce for my career.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Part of my mission as an interior designer is to bring my clients alongside and into the design process with me. In the traditional and exclusive world of design, this can be counter cultural but that’s exactly what sets me apart and has given me much success. I enjoy coaching my clients into taking risks, affirming and elevating their ideas, reimagining grandma’s oak chest or watching them light up when a fabric swatch screams ‘them’. The most successful projects, hands down, are the collaborate projects between designer and client – reflecting the client’s unique lifestyle and personality.
My design business specializes in the architectural and finish selection process that comes with new construction, historic perseveration and custom renovations. Paint colors, tile choices, flooring and lighting, exposed beams or no beams, oh my! It can be overwhelming for clients, but that’s why they hire a designer. I found my niche that’s for sure.
And a FUN side note – Recently I launched a vintage home decor shop solely on Instagram focusing on “conversation pieces” – unusual objects and furniture that provoke conversation, comment or interest. Check it out: @ShopLouLouInteriors
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being based in Myrtle Beach, SC – I luckily live where most folks vacation. There is so much to see, do and experience here! Our friends recently opened up a sweet bike shop in town so renting cruisers from Boardwalk Bikes and taking Ocean Blvd is a no brainer. Myrtle Beach DOES gets waves, so if the swell was there and the tide was right, Surf City Surf Shop would have everything we need. Organic grub and cold pressed juice can be scored at some of my favorite eateries in town- Lekker Eats, Projuicery and Earth Cafe. We would have to see historic Atalaya Castle, Brookgreen Gardens and visit the Marshwalk. Throw in an off-shore fishing charter with Mark Allison of Captain Smiley’s charters and a competitive round of putt-putt, sounds like a stellar week!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A good friend once told me that ‘isolation robs perspective.’ It boils down to community and connection – who are you investing in? How are you investing in them? How can you build up others in ways that you have been served? I am grateful, so grateful for the hands, offerings, advice, challenges and support that have molded my story.
I am beyond appreciative for my husband, Ryan. He encouraged me greatly when I was in a season of “lostness” and helps me to welcome more of my true authentic self. I am also thankful for my sisters, Sydney Bass and Hannah Bass. You both inspire and challenge me in so many ways! And a huge thank you to Susan Seagroves, my interior design mentor and friend. You affirmed my gifts, honed my skills and call me to “edit, edit, edit!
Website: www.loulouinteriors.com
Instagram: @LouLou_Interiors and @LaurenRiddei
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouLouInteriors
Image Credits
Machel Green Photography