Meet Shelia Hail | Owner & Lead Interior Designer of Olivia Hail Designs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelia Hail and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelia, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
“Interior Designers DON’T have it all together”– most of the times what I come across not only outside of the Interior Design community but internally, there is this an assumption from clients and facade from interior designers, of the standard that everyone knows all of the answers, that their business is making millions, and that we never make a mistake. However that is not true – though many of us strive for perfection within our work, there will always be mistakes, costs, and learning as you go. In terms of revenue – Interior Designers are seen as very wealthy. But that is not always true. It may be for many, but each designer is at his or her own pace and growing and building their business.  Making that prejudgement or cutting payment for the service of a a designer or devaluing their fees inhibits growth for their business – solely on the ideal that a person out of the industry may be looking on and seeing the designer as “Made it,” and not needing to grow. In addition to shed light on this idea of being “put together” also has to do with a client who wishes to hire a designer and may believe the designer should be, look like, or act like a certain way- and that all interior designers are that one way. However the truth is each interior designer has his or her own stamp on life and lookout and how they do their business and design. When you’re hiring a designer, you’re not only hiring for their services, but really you are match making with one another. We aren’t one for everyone, but there is one amazing interior designer just perfect for you! We are all different, and thats beautiful and makes design what it is! Different & Unique. And not always put together.

Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This question is one that takes deep routes in my family. On both sides coming from aunts and grandparents that loved painting, making jewelry, throwing pottery, and teachers of art – I guess you would say art was in my blood. However I never thought I was a creative person, because I grew up only really being involved in sports. Not until about 8 years ago did I come into knowing I did love being creative and had something to offer. It hasn’t been easy always believing this, especially within my field, because I didn’t go to school for interior design. With that being said, I continue to grow in denying the imposter syndrome voice and just listen to the Holy Spirit as I design, and create spaces as I feel lead – and hold to that ground. A couple things that set me apart, one being I really listen to my clients. I want the space to tell their story and the businesses story. And I just use my knowledge to paint that picture for them. The additional item I’m not sure sets me apart, but that I love doing with within the spaces I design; I love bringing in all the textures and making sure there is a lot for our eyes to play with as we are in the room. Its been a journey of learning so much about me and how I relate to others – and I’m so grateful!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Gosh this is a hard thing to think through! Well for my bestie we would probably go to a new coffee shop – a chill space is “First Cup” in Pearland.
But we would probably go downtown as well, walk around shops at City Centre, check out Bellaire and eat some dumplings, then visit Harwin to shop the shops and find some good deals.

It all depends on the mood and what food we saw on Houston Foodies that day! ha!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Matthew Hail – my husband amazing creative and encourager. Also creator of and amazing Podcast for Kiddos Called “GreenField: A kids story Podcast”

Juan Hernandez – Dream Home Tile – my amazing GC

Elizabeth Brooke Photography – my photographer from the beginning and amazing friend

Mallory Crawford Photography – not only my amazing photographer, but junior designer and friend

Sherrell Neal – my amazing friend who keeps me in check in the design world and life

My family – they love encourage, push, share and just listen to me in the joy, frustration and wins.

Website: www.oliviahaildesigns.com

Instagram: oliviahaildesigns

Linkedin: Shelia Hail

Facebook: oliviahaildesigns

Youtube: oliviahaildesigns

Image Credits
Elizabeth Brooke Photography