Today, May 3rd, marks the 5 year anniversary of our Minnesota design firm, Bria Hammel Interiors. Throughout May, we will be sharing behind the scenes details of our business, design, and studio as part of our May blog series: #WeAreBHI. On Monday, we shared the beginning of BHI. Today, it’s a Q & A with Principal Designer and CEO, Bria Hammel.

When someone asks you what you do, how do you respond?

I am an interior designer and business owner of a growing design firm, Bria Hammel Interiors, {More recently, I’d say I’m an entrepreneur}.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love following trends; there is always something fresh and new to discover. I also love developing interpersonal relationships with our clients. 

What is the best part about owning your own business?

I get to decide what my day looks like. I choose when I work, and when I am a mom. I truly have the best of both worlds!

What is the hardest thing about your job?

Shutting my mind down. Turning “it” off. There is always something that comes to mind that I feel like I should be doing for the business, but I have to make myself be present in my personal life. It can be hard sometimes!

When did you decide to start your own design firm?

It was the winter of 2012. I was working as an Assistant Designer for Mary Hickey Interiors. I was also pregnant with my son, Louie. I was planning on being a stay-at-home mom, but people were asking me to design for them. So, I thought I would have a small business on the side; working out of my home. 

What inspired you to take the leap?

Everything. I have to say, all of my work experiences led to Bria Hammel Interiors. Without these experiences; Fine Design in Lawrence, Kansas, working as a retail designer at Ethan Allen, then moving into management with Ethan Allen and then to Thomasville Furniture, and working with Mary Hickey, I wouldn’t be where I am today. 

When it all started, where did you see yourself in five years?

It’s hard for me to plan ahead five or ten years, so I certainly wasn’t planning to have nine employees and a large studio 5 years later. 

What has been the biggest change at BHI from 2012 to 2017?

{wide eyed, with a smile} Everything. Staffing. Number of projects. I remember feeling so overwhelmed because we had 16 projects at one time 3 years ago. Today we have over 45!

What has been the biggest personal change since five years ago?

Becoming a mom and figuring out this work/life balance thing {smile}. 

Where do you see the business going in the next five years?

Five years…larger, diversified by extending our brand. Maybe multiple locations?

To date, how many projects have you taken on under BHI?

Wow! Let me count…over 200 projects. Currently we have 45 active clients!

To date, what is your favorite project?

Scottsdale. Our clients gave us complete creative freedom. We started with an empty house and had the opportunity to touch every single detail. Throughout the project, we designed everything. Literally. We designed the entire house down to the final details like trash cans and soap dispensers. {And people think our job is so glamorous!} 

What is your dream project?

I would love to work on a project internationally. Working in other parts of the country, we discover new products and learn new ways of doing things. Our out of state projects are so rewarding, so I can only imagine what we would learn working overseas!

Bria, can you tell me three fun facts about you not related to your work?

Hmmm, I am boring. 

I competed in ballroom dancing when I was a little girl {before it was cool}.

I love to travel. If I could go anywhere, I would want to explore more of Europe. I’ve never been to Greece or Italy.

I was born in Texas and lived there until 1st grade {I’ve always said I am a Texan at heart!}.

The whole team at BHI is lucky to have Bria not only as a boss, but as a role model, influencer, and friend.  Bria’s passion for design and love for her company shows daily through her enthusiasm and “say yes” attitude.  Her spark radiates throughout the entire studio, giving the team a happy, uplifting place to work. Here’s to the next five years!