Michelle Lynne is one busy woman. You might even call her a super woman. If running a pair of successful businesses — ML Interiors Group, a full-service interiors firm, and Designed For the Creative Mind, a mentorship/business development service — wasn’t enough, two more are at-the-ready.
Next week, Sidemark, a design-centric sales and marketing software company, will make its debut. And on June 1, she’ll launch Studio Works, a boutique-style workspace featuring rental offices plus a resource library, “to-the-trade” buying program, and a host of other amenities.
“My goal all along has been to elevate interior design companies as a whole,” Lynne said. “My motto is ‘community over competition.’ I’m trying to give other designers what I would have wanted when I was starting out.”
She’s done that — in spades. The businesses themselves have grown organically.
“I see a need and I go for it. If something doesn’t exist, I think, why not just design or create it,” said Lynne.
Case in point: Studio Works was born when she and her team outgrew their former space.
But a larger office just wasn’t enough. In true “go big or go home” fashion, Lynne secured a building in Addison to house ML Interiors Group — with plenty of room left over to rent to other creative professionals.
“My plan was to open it up to other designers, builders, and architects; a place to network over a cup of coffee and build relationships that could drive their businesses,” she said.
There’s more. Studio Work’s multifaceted “to the trade” program includes an A-list of home furnishing, appliance, and accessory partners — Four Hands, Visual Comfort, Burlington Design Gallery, and Thermador, among others.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Lynne. Brands will be able to showcase their wares in a real-life setting; members can purchase them at the deepest trade pricing available.
Other concierge services include a private conference room, state-of-the-art technology, and a fully stocked kitchen. Tours of the space can be booked via the Studio Works website.
An open house is scheduled for June 8.
Not surprisingly, Lynne is already looking to expand outside Dallas — the Mid-Cities, Austin, and Houston are all viable markets. Long-term, she has her eye on developing a franchise program.
“Who wouldn’t want to work in a creative environment surrounded by your peers — or just get the hell out of your house?” she laughed.
We asked. Michelle answered.
CD: What’s the key to juggling so many businesses?
ML: I have a bad-ass team that supports me.
CD: How do you squeeze in a personal life?
ML: I’m a total late bloomer. I adopted my daughter when I was 48. You can have it all — you just have to ask.
CD: Describe your design aesthetic.
ML: Smart (knowing where to save, spend, and splurge); sophisticated (elevate a client’s style into something they wouldn’t do for themselves); and fun (take business but not yourself, seriously).
CD: When did you know you’d be successful?
ML: I finally got comfortable with my own voice. It’s much easier just to be yourself.
CD: Your ultimate goal?
ML: I want to forge a path for other designers.
