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At KF, we believe in the power of women. Each month, we'll introduce you to a 'Woman Who Inspires'. These incredible women are entrepreneurs, innovators and makers who are paving their own way in business, education, society, motherhood, and many more aspects of life. Learn how they started their ventures, the challenges they faced along the way and see how they are building their future - all of our futures - while inspiring others.
Founder of Reverie Interiors, Megan Apple
Life has kept us at home more than ever this past year and many of us have invested in our surroundings to make our space a little sweeter. For some, decorating and sprucing up your home comes natural, but let's be real, most of us need a little help. Enter Megan, owner of Reverie Interiors, a beautiful online source that specializes in curating unique and thoughtful spaces.
Read on to see how this months inspirational woman started her business, keeps herself motivated, and how wellness has been a big part of her life.
Introduce yourself
Hi! I’m Megan and I’m the founder of Reverie Interiors, an online interior design firm that specializes in creating spaces that reflect our clients’ unique personalities. Reverie offers customized solutions for every type of interior need, whether that’s with help sourcing pillow covers for your new sofa or a full room refresh. I started this company because I believe quality design should be accessible to everyone, no matter where you live. I’m also a soon-to-be wife and devoted dog mama.
Why did you start your own company?
I worked in Accounting as an Accounting Manager / Financial Controller prior to starting Reverie Interiors. After working in both a corporate and startup environment for about 8 years, I was burning out and losing the creative side of me that I had growing up – the part of me that brought me true fulfillment. I always knew becoming an entrepreneur was what I wanted to eventually do but didn’t know it was going to happen as quickly as it did. With my last role as a Financial Controller for a start-up company that was unsuccessful in it’s fundraising round, I was forced to take a hard look at what “next” looked like for me. I ended up teaching myself Photoshop, SketchUp, etc. through YouTube tutorials and trial and error, then started helping friends with their homes using what I learned. Eventually, I realized there was a market for personalized, virtual interior design services at a price point that was attainable for most and with the support of my fiancé in the beginning stages, I was able to launch Reverie Interiors as a passion project that has since turned into a full career for me.
What has been your biggest failure in business and what did you learn from it?
When I first led a team a few years back, I had a really hard time delegating work out. I ended up taking on much more than I could handle for fear that I was giving them too much and quickly burnt out from working 12-14 hour days. Not only was I wearing myself thin, I wasn’t giving my team members the opportunity to learn and grow either. After allowing my team the opportunity to take those tasks on, not only did they feel much more fulfilled, but they were able to add another skill to their toolset that they can carry with them and I was able to prioritize the tasks that helped move the team forward. Although I’m not managing a team right now, I will always carry that leadership lesson with me.
What is the first thing you do after waking up to jumpstart a successful day?
I LOVE a morning routine. I always have to start with making the bed and opening the shades to let natural light start flowing in. Skincare is a must and I try to incorporate facial massage when putting on my products which really help to de-puff and work the products in. As I’ve gotten older, I care less about makeup and more about taking care of my skin. Downstairs, my fiancé always has my cup of coffee and water ready for me (an angel!) and we go on a walk with our dog, Alfie. I typically do a workout mid-morning after I’ve been working for a bit but it’s a key part of feeling my best. Having time with both my family and with nature lowers my cortisol and keeps my creativity flowing for the day ahead. I try to have a “no-phone” rule with this but that’s still a work in progress!
What tools would you recommend to anyone trying to start their own business
Time blocking is such a game changer! I learned this managing a team of 23 people in-house, with another 25 remotely in my corporate accounting days. I needed to find a solution to keep track of all of my tasks and projects and discovered how to block off my calendar for dedicated tasks to make the most out of my day. It really allows you to see how long tasks take and how much time you might be wasting when you put everything on your schedule. It also lets you stay in control of your day since you can visually see everything you have to get done! Things will inevitably come up unexpectedly but it’s still a remarkable, free productivity hack. I’m typically listening to more wellness/spirituality-based podcasts but “The Goal Digger Podcast" by Jen Kutcher gives valuable tips on email lists, marketing, etc.!
What person in history, living or dead, has inspired you and how?
I’ve recently been really into Brooke and Steve Giannetti for interior inspiration. I love how both he and his wife focus on patina and the beauty in things aging, which I think we can all learn from. They have an effortless, timeless style that focuses on quality and mixing indoors with outdoors. Their overall lifestyle is very much focused on slow living and it’s a nice escape to see their social media filled with their gorgeous farm animals and gardens.
If this wasn’t your job, what’s something else you’ve always wanted to do/start/create?
I’ve been into wellness for the past 6 years and it’s something I care deeply about. I could spend all day talking about both pillows AND skincare, so starting a clean skincare brand would be an absolute dream. Quarantine has me cooking a lot more too, so a little IG food blog with healthy recipes would be fun too!
Let's Get Deep...
What emojis do you use most when texting?
The crying laughing emoji (ugh! I’m a millennial, clearly!) and heart eyes… but I’d say that means I have pretty fun conversations!
What is your go to cocktail?
Does coffee count?! I do love a well-made Moscow Mule with crushed ice, extra fizzy!
What books are you currently reading?
I like to have one fiction and one non-fiction in rotation, so right now it’s ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear (NF) and ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Go to fave garment in your closet.
I am definitely a jeans kind of girl so I can never go wrong with my Agolde’s and a white blouse!
What is your signature scent?
Byredo’s Gypsy Water is my go-to recently, especially for spring and summer. I love the mix of citrus and sandalwood – it’s fresh yet grounding.
Early riser or night owl?
100% an early riser. I love the tranquility my morning routine brings me and having that time always helps set the tone for the rest of my day.
Follow Megan Apple and Reverie Interiors at their social accounts: Instagram Facebook Website
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