Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Meade
Hi Andrea, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ellie Cate Home was officially founded in January 2021. I retired from the pharmaceutical industry after 18 years in 2019 and wanted to begin the next chapter in my life as a stay at home Mom. I had a 5 year old in Kindergarten and an 8 month old who were both born prematurely and I really wanted to be able to spend more time with them and not travel as much. I also wanted to work on a lot of the home projects that had been on my list for a while. I have always been interested in interior design and interior styling. When I built my first home at 23 years old, it was a fascinating and exciting process even with all of the decisions. I went on to build 2 more homes on my own prior to getting married. My husband and I dabbled a bit in investment property but determined that wasn’t the right direction for us because both of our careers required lots of travel and time commitment.
So when we purchased our family home, we immediately begin making major changes and documented the process. I started an Instagram page during The Great Pandemic to share our progress and just use as an creative outlet and distraction. Quickly, friends and followers begin to ask questions about materials and design advice. A few close friends begin to inquire about potential services. I inlisted a friend to help with those projects and the rest in kind of history. It was so much fun to help others with their homes and share my passion for creating an elegant and tailored home atmosphere.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an Interior Designer and Entreprneur are extremely rewarding but definitely come with a few challenges. I really didn’t know much about operating a business and how to set up systems to ensure operational efficiency. I have a B.S. in Marketing from The Universty of Alabama but realized early on I had a lot more to learn about creating a sustainable business model. We were just making things up as they came to address the clients and projects we had but I knew we needed to be more organized and orderly if I wanted this to last. I also knew I would need a talented and highly skilled staff to acquire that next level of success. I enrolled in courses for Interior Design and Entrepreneurship and started gathering as much additional intel from books, podcasts, and videos as I could. I joined an elite Interior Design Mastermind and really began to learn, from experts in the industry, the best way to proceed. There were a lot late nights and long days trying to build the best internal structure to handle large projects and work with professional clients. But once I hired the best team in key roles and established our own system to implement more automation into our process, everything began to feel a lot easier and flow more smoothly. Another hurdle I had to overcome, was establishing a CEO mindset to create a profitable business. I didn’t realize I has so many limiting beliefs around money and placing a monetary value on my creative work. I began working with a professional business coach, Melissa Froehlich, to help overcome some of those mental blocks and understand more business fundamentals like human design, profit margins, building a team, and financial leverage.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our signature design style is modern traditional and transitional. I really like to create elegant, sophisticated, and comfortable spaces that have a bit of formality but are just as easily livable and functional. I am highly influenced by a modern Europen aesthetic with neutral color palettes, brass details, and opulent design elements. I like to create space for furnishings to breathe and stand alone but implement layers of pattern and movement to create visual interest. I like to add statement art and accessories that standout and captivate the eye immediately. I also like to use high-end and high quality brands that are known for their craftsmenship and beauty. I could spend hours looking at elegant fabrics and textiles. I really enjoy adding as much customization as possible to each design. I like for rooms to feel personal and elevated but really peaceful and calming. That is my goal for each design I create.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
In my spare time, I enjoy watching and attending the ballet such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. I grew up training in professional ballet and jazz. I studied throughout college and performed across the country. I had the opportunity to dance on scholarship in Los Angelas when I was 13 and returned to LA after college to pursue a full time dance career. So I’m fascinated by graceful movement and strong but delicate features. I actually took ballet class until I was 32 years old. My home is full of dance art, sculptures, and books. I appreciate harmony and an ease of rhythm. Dance is definitely my first creative love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elliecatehome.com
- Instagram: @elliecatehome
Image Credits
Photographers:
Tomiko Franklin
