From Small-Town Dreams to Big-City Hustle: A Journey in Design

Starting a business is a journey full of highs, lows, and everything in between. As the founder of LD Design Studio, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing this rollercoaster firsthand. My story began in a small town in Tennessee, where my passion for Mid-Century Modern style and interior design began to take shape, eventually leading to the creation of a studio I could call my own. But the road to success has been anything but smooth, with plenty of obstacles along the way. Here’s a look at my journey from small-town roots to setting up shop in Chicago, and how my love for design has kept me going through it all.

The Small-Town Dream

Living in a small town in Tennessee, I didn’t always know where I would land, but I always had a fascination with design. From the clean lines and organic forms of Mid-Century Modern to the functional beauty of minimalist spaces, I was drawn to the idea of making ordinary places feel extraordinary. However, living in a town where design trends didn’t always match my personal style made it hard to find like-minded people who shared my passions.

But the beauty of small-town life is that it forces you to think outside the box. I had no other choice but to dive into what I loved: creating, designing, and experimenting. Over time, I built up my portfolio, honed my skills, and made a very small name for myself. I was in a small community, but I wasn’t going to let that limit my dreams.

Opening LD Design Studio was a natural next step, and I poured my heart and soul into it. With my love for Mid-Century Modern design as the foundation, I started working on small Commercial and Residential projects, bringing a sense of style and timelessness to homes in and businesses my area. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I began building a clientele, working harder and smarter to refine my craft. But as much as I loved the work, I knew my journey was just only begining.

The Big Leap: Moving to Chicago

Eventually, I made the decision to take LD Design Studio to the next level. It wasn’t easy—leaving a small town and moving to a big city like Chicago was a monumental shift, but I felt that the opportunity for growth, exposure, and new challenges was something I couldn’t pass up.

Chicago is a city full of history, culture, and diverse design. From its iconic architecture to its thriving design scene, it felt like the perfect place to expand my business. The transition wasn’t as seamless as I’d hoped. The competition is fierce, and at times, it feels overwhelming trying to make a name for myself in a city that already have so many established players in the game. But I am determined, and I have something to offer that no one else does—my unique perspective, fueled by my love for Mid-Century Modern design and design in general.

I quickly realized that while the opportunities were vast, business ownership in a big city comes with its own set of challenges. There are days when I felt like I was falling short or questioning whether I made the right move. The hustle and bustle of Chicago could be exhausting, and it was easy to get lost in the noise. But every setback only fueled my determination to push forward.

The Hardships of Business Ownership

Running a design studio comes with a lot of responsibility. From managing finances to keeping up with marketing efforts, there are countless moving parts that need attention. And then there’s the client side of things—the pressure to meet expectations, to deliver designs that wow, and to constantly stay on top of trends while staying true to your unique style. It’s a constant balancing act, and sometimes, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day.

But despite the hardships, I wouldn’t change a thing. The satisfaction of seeing a space come to life, knowing you’ve made a real impact on someone’s life or business, makes all the sleepless nights worth it. It’s in those moments—when the design is finally complete and the clients are thrilled—that I remember why I took the leap in the first place.

Why Mid-Century Modern Design?

I get asked a lot why I’m so drawn to Mid-Century Modern design, and it’s simple: it speaks to me. The era was all about pushing boundaries, simplifying spaces, and creating timeless, functional designs that still feel fresh today. The clean lines, the integration of natural elements like wood and stone, and the focus on form and function are principles that resonate with me deeply. There’s a story behind every design choice, and that’s what makes Mid-Century Modern so special to me.

Incorporating this style into my work has allowed me to create spaces that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It’s about embracing the past while looking to the future—and I think that’s what drives my passion for design.

Looking Ahead

The journey from a small town in Tennessee to Chicago hasn’t been easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life so far. LD Design Studio is growing, and every day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn. I’m grateful for the community that has supported me along the way, from my clients to my fellow designers, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.

As a young business owner, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come overnight, and it’s not always linear. There will be struggles, but there will also be triumphs. I’m embracing the grind, and as long as I can stay true to my love for design, I know LD Design Studio will continue to thrive.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned along the way, it’s that no matter where you start, it’s the passion, perseverance, and willingness to grow that will take you to the places you’ve always dreamed of.

Thank you for following along on my journey—here’s to the next chapter of LD Design Studio!

Connect with LD Design Studio

Stay tuned for more updates, design inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my projects on our social media pages. I’d love to hear from you about your design aspirations or any questions you might have about starting your own business journey. Let’s connect!