Meet Michelle Payne | Interior Design/Realtor

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

Hi Michelle, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Honestly, I think taking risks is the only way to go! When I think about the things in my life so far that I would have missed out on without taking risks, I would have definitely missed out! My entire career came about from taking a risk and taking a chance on me and my ability to become a designer. Interior Design is a second career for me. I spent 15 years as a Probation Officer and after being in this field for about ten years I knew that it was not really where I wanted to be. Despite the job security and good retirement, change needed to come my way. I decided at that time to return to school and follow what has always been my dream, Interior Design. Although it consisted of keeping my full-time job, going to school full time, being a wife and mother, and many late nights() four years seemed like a lifetime. Taking that risk was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I received my degree in Interior Design in June of 2014. I left Probation for a design opportunity at a great design firm but within six months I knew that residential design was more the direction I wanted to go. I left in March of 2015 and took a leap of faith and went out on my own starting Living Beautifully Affordable Home Design and Decor. It has taken several years to grow my business and build a clientele and I still have a lot of work to do to make Living Beautifully truly successful. I recently took another risk and added Real Estate to my career path, and I believe the two go hand in hand. I don’t think there is any way for me to continue to succeed in life and my career without taking risks!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Living Beautifully Affordable Home Design and Decor is exactly what we are. I love to provide design services to those that may not otherwise be able to afford a designer. Living Beautifully is built on a strong foundation of passion and I specialize in creating beautiful spaces on any budget. We have a genuine desire to make a difference in the places where you build your life. Starting your own business is never easy, it has taken me several years to build clientele, build a group of good contractors, and learn how to handle the business side as well as the design aspect. Owning your own business definitely has its pros and cons. As a business owner you are able to generate your own hours and work as your own boss. This sounds great but owning a business means you carry a lot of responsibility as well. However, the best part by far is the creative freedom and being able to use my passion everyday and to help people unleash their inner creativity within their homes. Living Beautifully can provide design services for anyone and any budget, we work hard to create great spaces for our clients no matter the price range.

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.
BRUNCH always! I love having brunch either at Pinstripes or Fixture followed by shopping around town at the Camp Bowie Boutiques or The Market at Ridglea. I would also definitely suggest heading out in the evenings for some live music and cocktails.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I had a tremendous amount of support from co-workers, friends, and family while in school. Living Beautifully would not be successful without the help of all my friends/family who seriously do everything to promote my business.

Website: www.livingbeautifullytx.com

Instagram: living_beautufully_fortworth

Facebook: Living Beautifully affordable home design and decorating @mpayne.designer

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