Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Mautner.
Rachel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 2014, I decided to attend college in Key West, FL.
There, I took my business courses such as macroeconomics, hospitality, and business management. What I found was that I wasn’t excelling fast enough. After completing my first year, I decided to return home and enroll in classes like AutoCAD and drawing.
My first project was a basement on the far northwest side with a budget of only $500.00. Following that was a two bedroom unit in Jefferson Park. After completing a few projects, weeks went by with no work. I was beginning to worry and was considering returning to school. That’s when I received a phone call for a project in Logan Square; this became my first million dollar project.
As my portfolio began to build, I was recognized by a design firm in downtown Chicago, and ultimately was offered and accepted a position as the in-house designer. During my time there, I learned so much but resigned after six months because I was confident I could begin building my own brand.
Now, at 22 years-old, I have begun to brand myself and build my own roster of clients throughout Chicago and Los Angeles.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting a business was everything but a smooth road. Although, diving head first into this industry was the best thing I could have done. I learn a lot from trial and error and enjoy finding what works best to serve my clients.
In the beginning, I struggled with the fact that my ideas and services were considered less valuable because of my age; seniority plays a major role in industries such as interior design.
My advice to any other young women who are just starting their journey would be, to constantly refine your craft. If it requires those late nights and early mornings, do it. Hold yourself accountable for what happens within your company. And of course, never give up.
Please tell us about Rachel Mautner Interior Design.
I am a residential interior designer who serves the Chicagoland and greater Los Angeles areas. I own and operate a full-service interior design studio. Meaning, we do everything as small as stagings, all the way to developing new homes.
I think I am most proud of what I have accomplished by going against the grain. Doing things unconventionally and still being successful is an accomplishment all in itself. I love being able to pave the way for other creatives in the Chicago youth. Each year, I speak to the interior design students at Oak Park and River Forest High School, to nurture their aspirations in beginning their careers.
What makes me happy, is when the hard work that goes into each project is paid off by a smile and a “Thank you” to our clients. When they are happy, I am happy.
I think what sets me and my team apart is that we are a group of young women who are truly passionate about interior design and providing our clients with the best experience from start to finish.
Who have you been inspired by?
1. My mom. Being a single mother with two kids, she showed me what work ethic looks like from a very young age. She is the reason why I know what grit is.
2. In terms of design, Iris Apfel. She reminds me to step out of my comfort zone and push my boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RachelMautner.com
- Phone: (773) 439 – 0312
- Email: info@RachelMautner.com
- Instagram: www.instrgram.com/RachelMautner
Image Credit:
Portrait: dontfeedtheartist
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