I am beginning a great new series. I will be mini-interviewing some of my favorite bloggers, designers and other inspirational young women.
To kick it off, I asked Macknzie Horan of Design Darling to answer some questions about her blog, boutique and life!
SM: What inspired you to start Design Darling, both the blog and the boutique?
MH: I started my blog in college as a place to talk about the things I love. I had no idea blogging would become such a big part of my life or introduce me to so many of my close friends but I’m so glad it has! The boutique came about earlier this year when I decided to create an online shopping destination for the kinds of young women who read my blog. I carry costume jewelry, home decor, monogrammed gifts, and more!
SM: The best piece of advice you were ever given:
MH: Do what you love and love what you do. My mom left her job in fashion to pursue a second career in nursing and her example has always been something I’ve looked up to. Life is too short to report to a job you hate!
SM: What is your dream job?
MH: I’m sure my career will take on many iterations over the course of my life but I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else right now!
SM: If you could only pick one of your accessories to wear for the next three months, what would it be?
MH: There’s a set of tortoiseshell bangles in my boutique that I haven’t taken off since they arrived. I’m constantly playing dress-up with all the jewelry on the site!
SM: Take us through a typical day for you…
MH: Check emails, pack orders, respond to customer service questions, schedule the next day’s blog posts, pack some more orders… It really depends on the day! And I try to pencil in a little time for social media and reading blogs around all the things on my to do list.
SM: One thing you cannot live without is your…
MH: iPhone! I held off for a long time (I didn’t give in until the iPhone 4 came around!) but now I don’t remember life without it. Instagram is my favorite!
SM: Out of all the little pretties in your boutique, which is your favorite?
MH: I just put out the cutest cosmetic cases in complementary prints that I’m obsessed with. I can’t wait to travel with the blue leopard/suzani combo!
SM: What is your advice to someone who wants to start their own business?
MH: Start a blog! There’s nothing more helpful when it comes to honing in on your aesthetic and your tone of voice. Plus it will help you identify people who love the same things you do — a built-in customer network when you decide to launch your business! I have lots of friends who started out blogging and now have their own digital publications, interior design firms, styling gigs… It’s inspiring to say the least!
Check out some of Mackenzie’s favorite things:
Bangles | Striped Cosmetic Bag | Elephant Necklace
Ice Cream | Scarf | Cosmetic Case Set
A huge thank you to Mackenzie for kicking off these mini-interviews! Be sure to check out her online boutique!
