Today we’d like to introduce you to William Brown.
Hi William, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming a small business owner and interior designer is deeply rooted in my diverse upbringing and creative passion. Growing up and attending school in Europe and Asia due to my military family background, I developed a profound appreciation for different cultures and aesthetics, instilling in me a sense of adaptability and an eye for appreciating art and design.
Embracing my mixed heritage, which includes African-American and Korean roots, I found solace in creativity from an early age. Winning art awards and scholarships during my high school years fueled my confidence and propelled me toward a path of artistic expression. Pursuing graphic design at university solidified my direction, leading me into a fulfilling career journey that continues to this day.
My early career at Hallmark in Kansas City was a pivotal learning experience, especially in creative leadership development. During a particular creative rotation through the photography studio, I uncovered a new dimension to my design talents. Transitioning from the 2D computer screen to crafting 3D environments for the camera ignited my passion for visual storytelling. As a photo stylist and photo art director, I learned the importance of evoking emotions through imagery. This experience sparked the beginning of my interest in interior design, which grew as I expanded my portfolio through freelance collaborations with photographers and architectural firms. Recognizing the potential, and with support from those who believed in me, I decided to pursue interior design professionally.
Taking a leap of faith, I founded my business, drawing upon my corporate experience and honed creative and leadership skills. Embracing the unknowns of entrepreneurship proved advantageous; armed with only a vision and passion, I embarked on a journey of learning and growth. Today, I take pride in having established an interior design studio, where my dedication to bringing the sum of my lived experiences and crafting harmonious spaces shines through in my project work.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Transitioning from the familiarity of the corporate environment, which was notably insular, I encountered the reality of acclimating to the outside world. While Kansas City has a strong creative and design community, there isn’t an established design district or clear path to quickly get dialed into the interior design community. Recognizing the importance of orienting myself, I began the necessary journey of networking to navigate the Kansas City area, slowly identifying local design resources, to-the-trade showrooms and connected with key industry figures. If there was a networking event, I was most likely shaking hands and introducing myself. This took me no less than three years time to where I felt more connected and had built some solid relationships.
I didn’t follow the traditional route of going back to school to study interior design because I had to solely support myself. I took an entrepreneurial class at UMKC’s Small Business Development Center, dove headfirst into setting up my business, and began campaigning to market my design services. The clock was ticking, and my financial resources weren’t boundless. I’m grateful for that first year of referrals from my corporate network, which allowed me enough runway to at least complete some design projects, create marketing material, and earn enough to keep going.
Establishing my business venture in 2019, mere months preceding the global pandemic, posed significant challenges. With less than a year of operation, I faced the goal of ensuring survival. Adapting as best I could, I found myself deviating from my initial business plan as the landscape shifted drastically. Amid widespread home confinement, I recalibrated my approach, embracing online virtual consultation and venturing into the realm of E-Design. This pivot enabled me to cater to clients seeking design solutions delivered directly to their email inbox, capitalizing on the unique circumstances of prolonged home stays. This saved my business and allowed me to bridge the next year while things slowly shifted to a new normal.
I can honestly say this period was a trial by fire. Every day was a new round of frustrations setting up new systems, upgrading my website, figuring out social media, learning how to sell myself without selling out myself, and figuring out those darn taxes. Wearing all the hats all the time really wore on my resilience. Even as I look back now, I realize how indomitable my will has been. Exhale… I still have challenges; of course, they are par for the course, but I feel I’ve also gained more confidence to know it’s figure-outable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My intuitive and inquisitive nature led me to explore Feng Shui, a practice that resonates deeply with me. As a certified BTB Feng Shui practitioner, I bring a unique dimension to my design approach. By integrating key Feng Shui principles into my projects, I strive to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote harmony and positive energy flow.
Throughout my 20+ years of experience in progressive design leadership roles, including Target Corporation in Minneapolis and Hallmark here in Kansas City, I’ve honed my ability to anticipate and embrace emerging trends. This forward-thinking mindset has allowed me to collaborate with global brands and renowned designers, shaping innovative home product collections. My corporate experience also developed my passion for creative problem-solving and looking for innovative solutions to consumer product needs in the home and gift industry.
In essence, my multicultural upbringing and dedication to holistic design principles continues to help set me apart in the industry. I’m connecting dots to see where there could be opportunities, both in my own project work but also for our design community as well. I view each project as an opportunity to blend cultural influences with modern design sensibilities, creating spaces that embody both tranquility and practicality that homeowners can embrace.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel that we are the sum of all our experiences. Oftentimes, this isn’t apparent until after we’ve had to traverse our way through something challenging.
Looking at my own story, resilience, and adaptability have been crucial for molding (and holding) me. Throughout my journey as a small business owner with an entrepreneurial mindset, I’ve encountered numerous challenges that tested my confidence and resolve, not unlike others who are also on a similar path; however, I’ve learned that success often requires navigating through uncertainty and adversity. By maintaining a focus on my vision of success and remaining adaptable to changing circumstances, I’ve been able thus far to overcome obstacles and continue moving forward. My experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance and the ability to thrive in the face of challenges, ultimately contributing to why I haven’t given up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willbrowninteriors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willbrowninteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willbrowninteriors/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-brown-30878a7/
Image Credits
Matthew Anderson
Aaron Leimkuehler
Craig Keene
