We had the good fortune of connecting with Mallory Saied and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mallory, what principle do you value most?

I remember when I was little and my parents were trying to make an important decision. They taught me to look at three things: 1) Is it the right thing to do? 2) What do you feel in your gut, your heart? Do you feel turmoil or do you have peace? 3) Does it bring joy? Those three criteria still influence me, which impacts my business. One lesson I have learned is to enjoy the process. Keep improving and enjoy the present. These questions help guide in making both personal and profession decisions. My answers have stopped me from making choices and urged me to make other choices. They are the foundation for many of my decisions.


What should our readers know about your business?

Pinecone Designs is a Christmas Design Company. What I do is definitely a niche market and is very specific. To my knowledge, we are the only company in Fort Worth whose sole focus is Christmas Interior Design. I have the privilege of creating and installing my clients Christmas décor. When I complete a job, it puts them in the holiday spirit and brings them happiness; but, also brings me joy! When you are happy and joyful, that spreads! Let’s be honest, who isn’t going to be happy when your own personal Christmas Fairy shows up to make your Christmas décor dreams come true! My team and I arrive and help take the stress out of the equation for our clients while doing what we love! Over the years, I have learned all sorts of tricks or tools of the trade. Some were learned from others but most lessons I’ve learned myself from years of experience as well as, trial and error. With a true focus only on Christmas, this has positioned me as an expert in my field.

I consider myself extremely fortunate for several reasons. I have been blessed with wonderful clients and a great team, my company has been able to grow organically; increasing each Christmas season. I have taken something I love to do and turned it into my job! Not many people can say they have done that, or get to do that. Honestly, it is awesome, and makes me smile and feel giddy inside when I think about it!


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Let’s take a stroll in the Historic Stockyards. Watch a cattle drive and then mosey around the newest addition, Mule Alley, full of shopping and food. You have to stay the night at the new Drover Hotel, you will not be disappointed! Make sure you stop by Billy Bob’s, the world’s largest honky tonk. Such a fun time dancing to the music of so many amazing artist.

Now, let’s pretend it’s January, you cannot miss the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It really is fun for all ages! While you are down in the cultural district there are so many amazing museums to see, the Kimbell Art Museum is by far my favorite.

We of course need to make a stop downtown.Happy hour at Del Frisco’s Grille never disappoints, the upstairs bar is my favorite. You can look out over Sundance Square while sipping on my favorite drink, the VIP and snacking on a plate of Philly Cheese Steak Egg Rolls. Then stroll over to Bass Hall for a performance.

We would have to start one of our mornings over in Clearfork. Grabbing breakfast at Press Café, so many good food choices, but the location can’t be beat. Right on the river, with plenty of grass area and seating to hangout long after your meal. We could then head over to the shops and have a leisure afternoon of shopping.

I can’t forget all my Camp Bowie favorites! Breakfast at Black Roost, I love it, espically when the weather is good and you can sit outside in the courtyard and the kids can play with the chalk and sit at their own outdoor table. I also discovered when I was pregnant that they make a mean hot chocolate. Little Lilly’s, their sushi cannot be beat, absolutely amazing!! Campisi’s, you can’t go wrong with their Chicken Parm or ANY Pizza, so good! Oh and don’t forget their house salad, the dressing is my favorite!

Last but definitely not least, Love Local Coffee, adorable locally owned coffee and gift shop that makes a mean latte!


The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My creative journey began at a young age. Both of my parents always encouraged my creativity which showed up in every area of my life, including playing make-believe with my sister, cousins and friends who lived next door. In elementary I won several competitions in both art and science. My mother, Laura McDowell, is an entrepreneur and she ran her own business as a professional Interior Designer and Contractor. Due to this, I was exposed to what a “boss lady” was at a young age. I also began working in the design world when I was twelve under the tutelage of my mother. When I went to college, I was unsure what to major in because I enjoyed both art and science. Ultimately, my passion for design won out and I graduated with my Bachelors in Fine Arts from Texas Tech University (Go Red Raiders!) My business started that first holiday season after graduating college. My mother handed me three of her clients who wanted their homes decorated for Christmas and Pinecone Designs has grown from there!

I also have to thank my husband, Steven. Without his support, my business would not have grown to what it is today.

Finally, I have to thank my amazing team who works with me; because, without them I could not accomplish all the Christmas Installs we do!

Website: www.pineconedesignsllc.com

Instagram: pineconedesignsfw

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pineconedesignsllc

Image Credits
Sarah Ann Cox-Kuss and Jen Burner

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.