From dream to design: the first year of millie jane interiors

One Year of Millie Jane Interiors

As I reflect on our very first year in business, I’m filled with gratitude, humility, and awe at how beautifully it all came together. This year began with big hopes, quiet prayers, and a leap of faith—and the Lord has been so good every step of the way.

Starting something new can feel overwhelming. The ideas are there, the passion is there, but taking that first step is often the hardest part. I’ve learned that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply get started. Having the faith to step out on your own, trust your calling, and move forward—even when everything isn’t perfectly mapped out—is truly key.

One of the greatest surprises this year has been the incredible support from the people around me. Friends, family, clients, and collaborators showed up in ways I never imagined. When you allow your talent and hard work to shine, people genuinely want to support you—and that encouragement makes all the difference.

Learning, Growing, and Building a Business

This year taught me so much about business. The behind-the-scenes work, the systems, the planning, and the growth that comes with running a company have stretched me in new ways. And while I’ve learned to love that side of things, I’ll always say this: the design work is the most fun. There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a vision come to life.

We were blessed with many new clients and exciting projects this year. Each home carried its own story, and it has been such an honor to work alongside homeowners to turn their houses into places that feel warm, personal, and truly like home. Creating spaces where life happens—where families gather, rest, and grow—is the heart of what we do.

Market, Inspiration, and Community

Another unforgettable experience this year was attending market. Getting to see new furniture launches, emerging trends, and innovative designs firsthand was incredibly inspiring. There’s something special about being immersed in the creative energy of the industry—walking showrooms, discovering new materials, and dreaming up what’s next for future projects.

Even more meaningful was getting to meet so many talented and passionate designers. Building relationships, sharing ideas, and connecting with others who love design as deeply as I do was such a gift. It reminded me how strong and supportive the design community truly is.

Sharing the Process: The One Room Challenge

Another highlight of the year was participating in the One Room Challenge. While the designing itself felt natural, the real growth came from documenting every step of the process. If anyone knows me, they know I’m all about living in the moment—and usually realize later that I should have taken more photos. This challenge pushed me to slow down, capture the details, and share the story behind the design.

The before photo

The design board

It was so much fun working on a project alongside others on the same timeline, each bringing their own vision to life. There was something special about being part of that shared creative momentum. I loved the accountability of showing every phase—from fabric selections and sketches to the behind-the-scenes moments (even paint on my hat). Being able to invite others into the process made the experience even more meaningful and reminded me how powerful it is to share not just the finished space, but the journey that leads there.

The final result

A Milestone Moment: Our First Commercial Project

This year also brought a major milestone: our first commercial project—a sorority house! While residential design will always be my go-to, stepping into the commercial world has been incredibly fun and creatively energizing. It challenged me to think outside the box, design on a larger scale, and balance durability with personality and style. That project opened my eyes to the exciting possibilities within commercial design, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to explore that side of the industry.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude

As I look back on this first year, I’m reminded that Millie Jane Interiors was built on faith, hard work, and a willingness to take the leap. Obedience and action open doors you never knew existed, and I’m so thankful for how this journey has unfolded.

Thank you to everyone who trusted Millie Jane Interiors this year—clients, collaborators, friends, and family. Your support and belief mean more than words can express. Here’s to continued growth, creativity, and all that’s still to come.

With gratitude,

Elizabeth