Rising Stars: Meet Clare Anderson of Golden, CO

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clare Anderson

Hi Clare, 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?
I was in health and wellness for over a decade. I was a Thai massage therapist, yoga instructor and health coach. My burnout in the industry collided with Covid; the yoga studio where I was teaching closed, and I was already one year into transitioning my career, so it was the best time to commit to my interior design career full time. I received my certificate from the New York Institute of Art and Design initially, but my knowledge really came from throwing myself into the field right off the bat. I’ve always loved to play with spaces and before I became a designer I was always reimagining wherever I lived trying to make it more beautiful and special. I want to create spaces for people that make them feel calm and happy.

When I started in 2018 there was not a whole lot of community with interior designers, so I was really on my own. I charged insanely cheap rates just to get field experience and with that came a lot of mistakes, trial and error, but mostly growth. There have been several moments over the years where I wanted to quit, but I stay committed and I am so glad I did. I’ve had the coolest projects over the last two years and they just keep getting better. Now that I am getting my GC (general contractor) license, I’m sure there is going to be a completely different learning curve that I will have to navigate, but I am happy and excited to do it! I am very happy that I have the support of my husband and daughter, they are definitely my cheerleaders.

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?
I don’t think working for yourself is ever a smooth road. Especially in a field where there is little to no industry standard. Interior design is a strangely competitive field. Designers don’t want to share any of their insights with others, and everything is very coveted. You are left to your own devices which I think makes you very strong. In a way I am glad it has taken so many years to get here, because all of the struggles and failures I have faced have taught me exactly how I don’t want to do business, who I don’t want to work with, and how I do and do not want to operate. I have to put blinders on a lot of the time because the design spectrum is huge. There are amazing designers out there doing six figure jobs and creating beautiful things, as well as people who just decided to become an interior designer simply because they can put together their own living room. You can choose to be threatened or choose to stay focused and on your path, which is my personal preference.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a freelance interior designer specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations. I love full renovations because you have the opportunity to envision something new from the ground up. There is so much potential in almost every single house I have worked on. Sometimes, they can be truly puzzling. Older houses pose different obstacles than newer houses, but I would almost always prefer to work on an older home. The house I grew up in Maryland was originally built in 1776, and there is so much quirkiness to work with that sets it apart from other homes. My style is very much combining the old with the new and finding either rare pieces or a “moment” that stands out.

I’d say the thing that sets me apart from others is that I am incredibly hands on. I consider myself a project manager as well. I hire the majority of the contractors and tradespeople who are doing the work to complete the renovation and you will see me on my projects weekly. I am highly communicative with my clients, perhaps to a fault, and make myself available. I care deeply that all the little details are executed properly which requires a lot of attention and a lot of communication.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I have so many favorite childhood memories. But I grew up in a very active family. We had a fire engine red diesel Suburban and would pack it to the brim with camping gear and essentials and drive long distances to camp, hike, site see, etc. One of our most memorable trips would be driving from Baltimore to the southern tip of Florida in the Suburban so we could go to the Everglades, kayak around the Dry Tortugas, or explore the Keys. My parents had an affinity for the outdoors and exploring which is probably where I get it from. I had a really wholesome childhood and feel very grateful and those are values that are being carried over into raising my own daughter. I’ve been a rock climber for a very long time and that connection to nature is something that continues to ground me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @clareandersondesigns

Image Credits
Sara Ford Photography