Meet Alicia Griffiths | Interior Designer

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

Hi Alicia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I never thought I’d start my own business. I started my professional career in PR and I’ve always worked for larger firms that I thought were ‘safer’. But after moving back to the US after 10 years living and working in the UK, I started going freelance to give me more flexibility with my young family. At the same time, I realized my passion wasn’t in PR anymore. Having kids really made me rethink how I spend my time, and if I’m going to put in the hours and hard work, it better be for something I love. And I’ve always loved design. I’m the kind of person who watches a film and can’t remember the plot, but can remember the wallpaper and furniture arrangement… So I went back to school to study Interior Design, and eventually started freelancing for other designers and helping out friends which then led to my own clientele. I think those early days of going freelance were so pivotal, as they gave me the confidence that I can make a living working on my own, which eventually laid the groundwork for me starting my own interior design business. I’m still working hard, but I’m so much more energized and fulfilled doing what feels most natural to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting a business was not a natural or easy path for me. Despite having managed marketing and social media campaigns for big brands as part of my previous career – it’s a whole different ball game when it’s for yourself! For me, sharing has been one of my biggest challenges. And in the interior design business, you can’t convince a client you have style or talent if they can’t see your work or point of view. I’ve since learned that you only get over your fears by taking action on them, and that’s what I’ve gradually been working on. Essentially, getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable – whether that’s sharing a photo on Instagram, networking, or asking for help or business. I’ve also been reminded that relationships are everything. I have an amazing group of friends and family who have supported me and referred me on for business. And those relationships have spurred on some really exciting projects that I truly can’t wait to share!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have to say moving back to San Diego and the Carlsbad/Encinitas area has been a dream. I grew up in San Diego but frankly took it for granted and kept moving to bigger cities like San Francisco and London. With young kids and a different perspective on what’s important in life, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. If a friend were visiting the area I’d take them to grab a beer at Culture Brewery on the 101 in Encinitas and head down to Moonlight Beach to catch the sunset. Presuming my kids are with the babysitter (!) we’d next head to Herb & Sea for dinner and cocktails. Assuming things are back to normal, we might even go to the Belly Up in Solana Beach for some live music. For breakfast, we’d grab pastries at Isabelle Briens French Pastry Cafe which has hands down the best croissants I’ve had outside of France. We get them every Saturday as a family, they’re that good. Next we’d take our SUPs to Agua Hedionda Lagoon or Ponto Beach, followed by surf and turf burritos on the beach. We’d then go to Buona Forchetta in Encinitas for the most delicious pasta. If they were new to San Diego, we’d visit the Zoo, La Jolla to see the sea lions and awesome houses, and Balboa Park and Barrio Logan to check out the amazing murals and get the best tacos ever at Salud! Otherwise we’d spend the rest of our time visiting North County’s awesome beaches, and wandering along the 101 and checking out the local breweries and restaurants.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, who’s always (and often annoyingly!) supported me and pushed me to just do it and start my own business. And my amazing girlfriends who’s referrals and support have made my dream a reality! Kristin, Kimiko, Katie (AKA ‘The Mayor’), Kristen, Allison, Sabrina, Lanette and Ashley, you are the best.

Website: agriffithsinteriors.com

Instagram: agriffithsinteriors

Image Credits
Photographer: Aurora Vilchis Photography