Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Pulley.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was a young girl, I used to get so excited to go with my Mom to JCPenney’s catalogue department and pick up that huge catalog so I could look through the pages over and over. But it wasn’t the toys I was looking at–it was the furniture. I would dog-ear all of the pages of the curtains and (then called) bedspreads, as I was so fascinated at how all of the rooms were put together so perfectly. I guess you could say that was how my love for interior design began.
In the early 1990s, I took a position at a local non-profit that focused on the multifamily industry. After 2 years, I was promoted to Director of Education where I spent the next 12 years. By chance, I was speaking with a member about her needing assistance decorating a Model apartment. I offered, she accepted and that job marked the beginning of my career in interior design. Recently divorced and raising 2 children on my own, I found myself loving my newfound success, but having to keep working in order to support my family. After 2 years of juggling my passion and my profession, I stepped out on faith and pursued my passion full-time.
Prior to leaving my position, I went back to school and earned my Bachelor’s degree from UIW and in 2006 I registered my DBA Interior Affairs. Because of my multifamily connections, I was met with much success and began working full-time as an interior designer with my own business!
As I continued to work hard developing my brand, I learned to relax more, expand my horizons and gain as much knowledge as I could along the way. Early in 2021, I was presented with an opportunity to purchase a wallpaper showroom that was about to close, as the owners were retiring. The renovations began and on May 31st, I opened the doors to my new showroom! In the 8 short months I have been open, I have had so much success. I attribute that to my very supportive family who have always been my biggest cheerleaders, to an awesome group of people who are part of a team that makes me shine and to God-for guiding me, keeping me humble and blessing me beyond measure.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Although I have had much success over the years, it was not always smooth sailing. There was a lot of blood, sweat and tears (literally) over the years and at times, I was less than successful. At times business was slow, projects I had worked so hard to get a contract for didn’t work out and I had more money going out than coming in. And although I had saved several month’s salaries before I left my position, I was a single Mom taking care of 2 young children, a mortgage and a relationship that had become very unhealthy. I prayed for strength, guidance and a fresh anointing and things literally turned around. I learned I had to let go of things that no longer served a purpose in my life and that were keeping me from my destiny. I refocused my time and energy into getting new clients and thanking God for the blessings that were coming my way. As soon as my mindset changed, so did my business and my life.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Interior Affairs is an interior design firm, specializing in the multifamily industry. We just celebrated 16 years in business and recently expanded the business and opened a wallpaper showroom. The only one of its kind in San Antonio open to the public, Interior Affairs offers wallcoverings, fabrics and interior design services. We carry all the latest and best-known brands including Schumacher, Phillip Jeffries, Brewster, Thibaut and more. We also offer custom window treatments, reupholstery service and of course, wallpaper estimates and installation.
Interior Affairs also offers full-scale renovations and provides design service for residential and commercial projects. From salons and offices to nightclubs, and apartments, we handle all aspects of interior design.
There has been so much to be proud of like having a home we staged, featured on an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters. Currently, we are embarking on several multi-family projects including a couple of multi-million dollar renovations which we are super excited about. I am so proud of this accomplishment and so thankful for an awesome team!
As the business continues to grow, we plan to expand our offerings to include furnishings and home decor. We are so excited about Interior Affairs future and look forward to continuing beautifying spaces!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Along this journey, I have learned many valuable lessons. One being to always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Pursue your passion, stay focused and know that if you can “see” it, you can achieve it. If you don’t work on building your own dreams, you’ll work to build someone else’s. I have also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with an amazing support system. You have to learn to let go of people and habits that are not vital to your success – not just the success of your business, but your personal success as well. I’ve learned that your biggest (business) supporters will be complete strangers – and that’s ok. You really have to have thick skin to make a living as an entrepreneur because it isn’t for the faint of heart! Late nights, early mornings, and A LOT of prayers and self-motivation is what keep me going, Finally, I think it’s important to understand that it is ok if you fall. As long as you get back up, get focused and keep your eyes on the prize, eventually you will reach your goals.
Pricing:
- $425-Residential and Commerical Design Consultation
- $100-Staging Consultation
- $25-Wallpaper Estimate Outside San Antonio
- Complimentary-Wallpaper Estimate in San Antonio
- Complimentary-Multifamily Estimate
Contact Info:
- Email: info@interioraffairssa.com
- Website: www.interioraffairssa.com
- Instagram: #interioraffairsllc
- Facebook: @interioraffairsllc
- Youtube: Interior Affairs Texas
Image Credits
Paty Araujo Photography
