Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilly Brunk.
Hi Lilly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have had a passion for art and design since childhood, which led to my studying to obtain a Bachelors degree in Interior Design with an additional minor of Art and Design from Texas State University in 2011. Not everyone considered an art based degree to be a profitable opportunity… After completing an architectural internship with John Graves and Associates here in Uvalde, I went on to work in the lighting industry and residential interior design. After working for a lighting design studio as well as a commercial lighting manufacturer, my husband and I moved to Arizona, where I worked in a residential design studio. After having my two beautiful daughters, I had a battle with thyroid cancer. That really changed my perspective on life. I wanted to work for myself, while prioritizing my family and my faith. In 2021, I began implementing this plan. After obtaining a real estate license, I decided to open a full service interior design studio. My favorite projects became kitchens and bathrooms. Especially within historic homes. I also assist clients in purchasing homes for renovation, then executing those renovations with my team. I also work with investors who do the same. These two industries work well together and has helped me develop a niche in the market as the only real estate agent in the region that offers staging, full interior design and remodel services. My daughters often enjoy the job sites with me. They are well versed in 3D modeling software and their favorite color trends. I am thankful they my business is growing, and everything that I hoped and prayed for now sits before me!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There was never a clear path to my current studio business. I always tried to take the best opportunity I had before me, even when that meant taking off six years to stay at home with my babies. I am a law enforcement spouse and we are a stationed family, so I also do not have an option to live in the “big city,” where traditional design studios thrive. Plus life threw in a cancer diagnosis and a few bonus surgeries. I let that be a fire for me to enjoy life and open my eyes to see what amazing things God has given me. I took on the challenges head on and never quit. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. I correct them and I honestly laugh… A LOT!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Homestead Design is a full service interior design studio located in Uvalde, TX. Homestead offers full remodeling services, drafting services, finish selections as well as custom window coverings, furnishings and upholstery. As a licensed realtor, I regularly works with investors on purchasing properties, drafting plans, providing finish out specifications, staging and listing properties. I am very proud of my multifaceted offerings that overlap with the real estate and property development industry. I specialize in kitchens and bathrooms. I also have a heart for historic preservation of properties, working on several local projects to restore structures to their historic integrity.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I am a risk taker! Some things I’m willing to risk on. Some, not so much. I got an arts based degree, moved to a small South Texas town and opened an interior design studio! I have fallen through ceilings, climbed into old scary buildings, and bought properties that were un-insurable! I have also moved a 90 year old building from one property to another without a roof, hoping it wouldn’t fall to pieces. Risk is a guarantee in business. I believe there are smart risks worth taking. My first big risk was just putting myself out there as a local designer. From there, the growth began. The only thing I won’t risk is my reputation. I will always treat my clients with the upmost respect, I’ll always correct mistakes and ensure work is to their satisfaction. In a small town, reputation is everything for a business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homesteaddesignuvalde.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead.design.uvalde
