What inspired you to become an artist and interior designer?

Although I had always been creative as a child, I grew up at a time when "entrepreneur" wasn’t a word; it might as well have been called “starving artist." It wasn’t until later on in life that I reconnected with my creative side, realizing that I felt stuck and unhappy in corporate America. After trying my hand at upcycling and working in few local markets, I decided that it was time for a career change.

I took a leap of faith and used my skills in sales and project managing to start working at a commercial interior design firm. Around the same time, I started to create and design things for my own home and selling my products online.

After a few years spent learning from incredible designers, I, like everyone else, was affected by the pandemic. I lost my full-time job and decided that the only thing I had to fall back on was the two hands God gave me; I started diving into my artwork full-time. It was the most vulnerable yet most rewarding year of my life... I haven’t looked back since. Now, I can't imagine doing anything else!

Tell us about Candice Luter Art + Interiors. What makes your collection and design unique?

Although we are most known for our fiber-art and textured mirrors, we pride ourselves on ensuring that we provide loads of options. I don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach to design; sI make sure there is an open door policy for options in color, size, and style. It’s very frustrating as a consumer when looking for furniture and home accents to find exactly what you want... only to see that the colors or sizing don't work quite "right". So, I like to make sure that there is room for adjustment without a hefty price tag. I believe that good design should be accessible to everyone, so I try to offer a wide range of artwork in a wide range of pricing that can fit every budget.

What color/pattern/texture/style are you currently obsessed with?

I cannot get enough of arches at the moment. Arched doorways, arched wallhangings, arched wallpaper... you name it! Although I plan on incorporating arched elements in my work for awhile, I am always actively working to reinterpret my vision so that it can stay fresh as design trends change.

What's your signature style in your home? How did you come up with your signature style?

My home is a reflection of my studio. That way, I am always immersed in and inspired by the same design elements. I would describe it as a subtle mix of boho and modern while including hand-made, upcycled elements. Most of the fiber art that I originally created was designed for my small bungalow home, so I have kept my original work to remind myself of why I do what I do... but also of how far I have come. The rest of my home space is a mix of hand-curated antiques, upcycled furniture, and prototypes for pieces in the process of development. It’s fun to be able to bring designs home and see how they work in the real world with my growing and active family.

What are the most valuable lessons that you have learned as an entrepreneur?

Lean on others who truly have your best interests at heart. Know who your tribe is as well as who should not be in that tribe (sometimes, this includes family, too!). No one will ever see your vision in the same the way that you do, but those who truly want to see you succeed will not hesitate to lend a hand to grow that vision.

I waited far too long to ask for help, but when I did, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I could finally breathe and take more time for myself. I didn’t have to wear all the hats; instead, I found people who were better at wearing those hats than I was. Once you find those who propel you towards your vision, you will quickly be able to identify those who do not need to be a part of that journey. Establish boundaries with who you do and don’t let into that space... and, I promise you, that road will only get more smooth and more productive as you find your lane! □

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Website: candiceluter.com