Meet Ashley McClendon-Reese | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley McClendon-Reese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Towards the end of college, I was looking for a job in this field and was having a difficult time locating opportunities based on my skill set and level of experience. Being a minority in this field presented its own challenge and really had me second guessing my career choice. In 2016, I was introduced to Christopher Charles and he sponsored a ticket for me to attend the Black Interior Designer Conference, where I met the founder Kimberly Ward. That introduction opened me up to a new world of connections and allowed me to become familiar with designers who looked like me owning their own business within this industry.

What should our readers know about your business?
House of June Interiors is a collaboration built on love! We pride ourselves in not only sourcing exclusive and functional pieces to ensure that your vision is executed flawlessly with nominal effort from you, but we strive to emphasize the little details that make our clients comfortable. Our ultra-customizable experience includes ensuring your happiness and satisfaction with our work from start to finish.

This path has had its share of obstacles but once we made the connection with the Network, we had access to people who understood the struggle minorities face in this industry and were able to provide guidance on how to overcome those struggles and build a flourishing business. Along the way, we’ve learned that every client is not our client, patience is key, always go with the flow, and to maintain balance in both our personal and professional life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well food is the most important thing! We’re definitely self proclaimed foodies. Turkey Leg Hut mid week for good food and drinks, Taste Bar and Kitchen is perfect for weekend brunch, Kulture, The Breakfast Klub, and El Taco Naza are also some of our favorite places to eat. As for drinks, we love Holman Hall, The Candy Shack, and OST Liquor (the double cups are too genius). Some of our favorite hangouts include Discovery Green (in the wintertime, is a must), Midtown Park, the Buffalo Soldier Museum, and any of the other wonderful museums located in the city of Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my husband and partner, Trevar! Also, Kimberly Ward, Founder of the Black Interior Designer Network, Christopher Charles, who introduced me to Kimberly and last but not least, my mom!

Website: https://houseofjuneinteriors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjuneinteriors/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-june-mcclendon-reese-interior-designer-93a8b466

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/House-of-June-Interiors-107252287463401