Recently, we had the pleasure of hanging out with Susie Robb, interior designer, business owner, and blogger. She also runs a Texas-based nonprofit where she spreads encouragement and joy to families and individuals who have gone through hardships like divorce, widowhood, illness or unexpected life difficulties with no-cost interior design services.
It was an absolute treat for our staff to work with her last month while she was in Austin to write a travel blog, “Where to stay in Austin, Texas.” Of course, we adored her glowing review of all things #LodgeWell and her review of several of our homes.
She explored Austin extensively with her stops at several Top Trip properties like The Graeber, The Littlefield Lofts, and The Bloomhouse. After her article, we wanted to give our readers a chance to learn about her blog and get to know her brand better.
Following is an excerpt from a recent conversation with René from Top Trip Rentals and Susie.
Q: Hello Susie! It was great having you last month at Top Trip Rentals! What was your favorite part of your trip to Austin?
Hey Rene! Thanks for having me. The best part of my trip was the R&R I got to experience in one of my favorite cities, Austin, TX! I also LOVED getting to tour the Top Trip Rental properties because I’m an interior decorator and I love all things home styling.
Q: What were your thoughts about the design personalities of the various Top Trip Rentals homes? What decor elements did you appreciate from a design perspective during your stay?
I really appreciated the uniqueness of each rental and how the design and décor fit perfectly with the style of the property. There were no hodge-podge styling. Everything was intentional and I can appreciate that! Sometimes properties are just filled with random pieces and Top Trip Rentals has clearly put thought into their rentals
Q: You have so much going on in your life. How do you stay inspired while being so busy? Which people, blogs, books, influencers have had the most influence on YOU?
Creativity is everywhere so travelling provides a lot of inspiration for me. I love designers like Brian Patrick Flynn and Grace Mitchell so you can usually catch me watching their shows and social media platforms. I also love Josh Greene and André Jordan Hilton. If you grabbed my headphones, though, its all Brené Brown and Richard Rohr books on tape.
Q: People have a lot of different opinions about the word influencer. What is something that people don’t know about the daily life of being an influencer?
That the work never stops. You have to keep creating content. You don’t reach a point that you can step away because YOU are the brand.
Q: What would you say is the #1 key to success for your blog?
Authenticity and expertise. I am an open book, so a lot of people come to my blog to hear me be open and honest. But others come to actually learn how to be a better stylist of their own homes. I think you have to have both!
Q: You have the opportunity to work with a number of different businesses. What do you look for in a branding partnership?
Brand awareness! They need to have very consistent branding and it needs to work with mine. You can tell when a potential partnership hasn’t done their homework on my business, and I don’t ever reach out unless I’ve done the same.
Q: What does a typical workday for you look like?
I’m a single mom so it’s getting kids to school first, then I’m either sourcing products in random antique dives or styling client homes. I own a retail store (shopfromsusie.com) and I run a foundation (626foundation.org), so I’m a busy gal! But I love taking my followers along with me on the daily as I go from one thing to the next!
Q: And finally, what is your favorite part about the life you have created for yourself with your own business? What encouragement would you give to other women that are thinking of launching their own business, brand, and blog?
I love the freedom! And my advice is, Just start! Start the IG account, start doing projects for free and documenting them, start writing the blog posts. JUST START!
Also, if you really want to take the leap you have to put down some financial commitment. I believe emotions won’t sustain a dream forever, but if you’ve put your money where your mouth is, it will keep you going when you get tired.
Thanks to Susie for sharing her wisdom and time with us today! To read more about Susie’s home decor business, check out her online store, From: Susie. To learn more about Susie’s charity, visit the 626 Foundation page. You can also follow her on Instagram @fromsusie.
“I FIND THE HOME TO BE A PLACE OF CREATIVE MOVEMENT. PERSONAL STYLES EVOLVE AND CHANGE OVER TIME. WHETHER IT BE THE TURNING OF SEASONS, THE BIRTH OF A NEW BABY, OR THE MOVE TO A NEW TOWN… OUR HOMES AND OUR LIVES ARE ALWAYS SHIFTING AND I HAVE COME TO LOVE AND EMBRACE THAT.” – SUSIE ROBB
From SusieRobb.com
