Inspiring Conversations with Danielle Billett of Interiors by Danielle Rae

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Billett.

Hi Danielle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I believe every single thing, good, and bad, that’s happened in my life has been a building block. I have finally stepped into my own and all these building blocks are finally taking shape.

I have always been creative. I’ve always thought differently than other people. I guess you can say I like taking the back roads of a thought process versus the direct route, sometimes situations call for a “backroad” approach. There’s a journey and beauty in the back road and a lot of times I find that the solution ends up being way better than just taking the direct route, if that makes sense.

From a young age, I was always a daydreamer with a big imagination. I loved doing hair and makeup and crafting. As I got older, I started rearranging my room and painting it almost every six months. However, I actually became a cosmetologist right out of high school and started working for Paul Mitchell at the school. After teaching for them for a while, I started working at Ulta Beauty and moved up in that company pretty quickly, I managed a few of their salons and they all ended up top performers.

Eventually, I had my own business, worked for myself, myself, and learned a lot. I started finding myself not entirely happy working in the beauty industry. I know I’m really good at it, but I struggled with knowing that I’m good and having loyal clients who depend on me, but still not being fulfilled and so I went on a journey… partially because of Covid and partially because I was expecting my third child. I took a break from my work life and reevaluated things.

I ended up getting into painting, creating home decor out of wood, repurposing furniture, and flipping furniture, and then it turned into doing little remodel projects in our house, and then I just thought, I can really do this. I love it, I can spend hours working on floor plans, I need to actually get an education so I can help people and do this for real life.

I have found, for me, the thing that will allow me to work without having it feel like work. I find that creating beautiful functional spaces a lovely challenge, and I will be awake at 2 AM coming up with solutions for people because that is just how much I love this industry.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel like the hardest part of this journey is exposure, getting my name out there, and having people trust me.

People’s homes are their nest, their space, their safe space, and it’s a big deal when someone allows you to come in and switch things up for them. They want it but they also don’t want it, because change is very hard but change is inevitable and change can be very very good.

I can go through and do a consultation and spend time with a client and give them all my ideas which they love and agree to but then they just end up doing whatever they want anyway and most of the time it’s literally the same thing that they have and that can be a little bit defeating. But I remind myself that it’s not my space.

I don’t have to go home to it every day and if they choose the same thing then that’s their comfort that’s what they want. I work for you, I am a medium, to bring your wants, needs, and dreams for your home to life.

We’ve been impressed with Interiors by Danielle Rae, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a solo designer and I specialize in eclectic design, 3D floor plans, and sourcing finishes and accessories.

The thing I love most about eclectic design is that it expresses a lot of different designs into one and even if you’re not eclectic I can still help you with your mid-century, traditional, or minimalist design, etc. because I just have a thing for functional beautiful spaces, whatever that means to you.

I have a wide range of services from a full-on remodel to just cosmetic and accessory updates. I can gather all your finishes for you or send you a product list for you to go shopping yourself. It all depends on how involved you’d like me to be in your project.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I have to say “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is a life-changing book.

Even if you aren’t an “Artist” this book will give you guidance and direction to help you find your ideal path in life.

Another book is “In the Meantime” by Iyanla VanZant. These books were some huge building blocks for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: InteriorsbyDanielleRae.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/interiorsbydaniellerae
• Facebook: Facebook.com/interiorsbydaniellerae