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

Hi Michelle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
An unwavering belief in myself and my team, envisioning my goals, and being grateful for meeting them – as if they had already happened. A wildly supportive husband and not being afraid of other’s opinions of me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I launched my interior design firm, ML Interiors Group, in 2008 while still working in Corporate America (in an unrelated industry) and muddled my way through the ins and outs of the business of the interior design business…there are a LOT more details than you would imagine. I lost a lot of time, sleep, and MONEY. I promised that when I figured it out, I wouldn’t be as secretive about the “how-to” run your interior design business profitably without trading time for money. So I kept trying and revising, and finally, my business was profitable AND able to “run itself”. I knew it could operate without me present when I left for a month to adopt my now 2 1/2 year old daughter and my team didn’t call me with a million questions. I had to call THEM to make sure everything was in order! At this point, my knew I could replicate my processes and procedures and teach them to other aspiring / struggling interior designers. THIS was the “birth” of Designed for the Creative Mind – a division of ML Interiors Group that provides education for other interior designers about the business of running their business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Eat & drink: – Bishop Arts…almost anyplace with a patio when the weather is lovely; but even if the weather is not welcoming for outdoor dining, the choices are amazing: pizza at Eno’s, a bar (with shopping!) at Neighborhood Cellar, all day breakfast at Tribal, Stock & Barrel for some hearty plates. Oh my! I’m getting hungry…. and then wander around to all of the shops / new shops continue to pop up. I love Magic Hour and White Rock Soap Shop and Oasis Plant Shop for some unique and easy to carry gifts, … ending at Dude, Sweet Chocolate for a quick hit of sugar. – Frisco – the Heritage Table is worth the drive north to get some delicious food, just like Grandma would make (if you were from Texas – haha). And since I’m an interior designer, I’d definitely take a spin and show my guest the Design District…maybe popping into a few shops like McGannon, Artistic Tile, Uncommon Market, Scout Design Studio and whatever else there is time for. While in The Design District, I’d be sure to consider Sassetta, the original Pie Tap location, or District. I would also opt for a lazy day at the spa at The Joule hotel, a cozy underground retreat with lunch brought to us and later cocktails or dinner at CBD Provisions.

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 amazing designers: Debbie Pratt & Megan Fornes…without them, I’d be up to my eyeballs in design details and instead can plan our next move together. Along with The Handsome Hubs, Brian, who has supported me from the moment I told him I was quitting my corporate job and starting this business…the same year we got married, bought a house and the Great Recession hit…THAT is love.

Website: mlinteriorsgroup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlinteriorsgroup/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellelynnepant/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleLynneInteriorsGroup
Other: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/ https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/

Image Credits
Jason Kindig Photograpphy Jamie Brogdon Photography Emery Davis Photography Matti Gresham Photography

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.