Photos by Nick Glimenakis

As soon as we were introduced to the bubbly & creative Eneia, we couldn’t get enough. Eneia’s experience designing across the country, creating her own hand sketches, and making the most of social media makes her a source any designer would be lucky to learn from.

Let’s start from the beginning. Where did you grow up and when did your love for design start?

I grew up in and around Baltimore, Maryland. I caught a glimpse of a design show soon after I started college, majoring in elementary education, but decided to switch my major to interior design after realizing you could get paid to be creative and design homes!

How would you describe your style?

My style is sweet and layered! I love utilizing energetic prints with soothing colors, masculine hues against feminine tones and infusing some sort of “conversation starter” in each space!

We read that you switched majors 3 times in college - from Elementary Education to English to Fashion Design and finally Interior Design. What pushed you to choose interior design? How have your other interest areas come into play with your design clients?

I’ve always been a creative, even as a child. In school, my favorite class was Art. I would get lost in a world of bringing my thoughts to life. I enjoy storytelling, which drew me to the English major, and Fashion Design is yet another extension of telling a story! Interior Designers often need to successfully “pitch” a story to a client, and open their minds to a world that may be unfamiliar. I utilize skills from each “major” or category, daily!

What advice would you give someone who is struggling to pick an area of focus?

Don’t be embarrassed to try something new. It’s okay to NOT stick with something. No one wants to be around someone who hates their daily life, their job, their career, so keep trying new avenues. You can still build your work ethic, learn important skills and challenge yourself to try new things that you might be really great at!

You’ve designed in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and now NYC! How has each area influenced your design style?

Washington D.C., is all about the details! I really learned about traditional style during the first chapter of my career. Once I hit LA, I was submerged into a world of classic and coastal. Learning how to choose pieces that felt effortless really trained my eye to know when I’m overdoing it. Designing in New York has taught me “anything can be created, it will just cost you!” New Yorkers are like no other clientele. They want what they want, they like what they like, and they invite you to create something unique, like an artist!

What is the craziest thing that’s happened on a job, and how did you deal with it?

I had just started a new job for a high-end residential design firm in Los Angeles. My first assignment was to space measure a 4-story beachfront property overlooking the ocean. The family had not moved in yet, so it was just me, my tape measure, and my laptop! A few hours into the assignment, I used the restroom, only to find there was NO water, no flush and no toilet paper. Lesson learned - always check before you use the restroom onsite!

We met you and were immediately drawn to you and your bubbly personality! How do you stay true to yourself when social media and the design industry can try to put you in a box?

Thank you! I realized quickly that there will always be someone prettier, smarter, more connected or a “better fit” for just about anything I go for. I find confidence in my personality, my ability to make people feel comfortable by being honest about the voices in my head, and leading with my work ethic - because everyone loves a hard worker! Staying in that space keeps me grounded and fights off the jealousy bug!

What tips would you have for more introverted or private designers who would like to connect with their clients more intentionally?

That’s tough! I would still call myself introverted - perhaps more closeted now - but I understand how sharing your journey can cause a ball of anxiety! Honestly, share anyway! If you’re quiet and love sitting in front of the computer instead of chatting into the camera - share that! If you’re really into shopping for antiques, share a time-lapse of your shopping trips! Personalize your content and know that your dream clients need to stumble on your page and feel like they know YOU.

What is your favorite social media platform and why? Can you share your favorite tip for growing your online community and relationships?

I love Instagram! I’m beyond grateful for the doors it has opened for me, clients I’ve attracted and vendors I’ve found. My top tip is authenticity and engagement. Be yourself. I used to share videos of myself working at 3AM and hauling wallpaper rolls on the subway train. What seems embarrassing to you, is setting you apart! Try your best to respond to every comment and answer your DMs! Engage with the people who engage with you!

How do you get to know your clients and their needs?

I ask questions, but I also connect the dots when they might not necessarily know what they want or need, which is the fun part for me! A lot of communication in the design world is actually unspoken, so I read into everything from what type of “classic” sneakers they chose to buy, their favorite cocktail, if they’re a middle child… the list goes on! I could write a book!

You participated in the #SharetheMic challenge on Instagram to support Black Lives Matter. Have you seen positive changes become implemented in interior design in the last few months? What are some big areas where we still need to improve?

I’ve seen a lot of inclusion over the last few months, which is great! I’ve noticed that we each have a different voice in the “fight” for change. Some voices are more direct, and others are passive and consistent. I think highlighting someone for their skills, without mention of color, is a solid start. Leading with their achievements vs. their skin color feels more organic and welcoming to both the designer and the reader!

We love your hand drawn sketches! How long have you been creating your own sketches? Did it come naturally for you or do you have any advice to those that want to improve?

I’ve always been interested in drawing, but during my time at The Art Institute of Washington, I had countless classes where we were responsible for maintaining sketchbooks, drawing perspectives of interior spaces, and studying furniture. Like anything else, repetition builds confidence, but I still have a lot of learning to do!

What’s the best part and most challenging aspect about owning your own business?

The best part of owning your own business is being able to set a goal and do everything in your power to achieve it. Late nights, going for a huge project, getting into a magazine; you’re the boss and author of your story, so there’s no one to stunt your growth, except yourself! The most challenging part of owning your business is financial planning, taxes, 401K - all the things you don’t have to figure out when you work for someone else!

As a business owner, how do you find a good work/life balance? Do you outsource any of your tasks or recommend doing so?

In the beginning, I did everything! 3D renderings, sample sourcing, follow-up emails, accounting. I would sit at my desk for 12 hours, PLUS go back and forth to the city multiple times a day. It was not working and I quickly got burnt out. I realized if I brought on help, I could focus on bringing in bigger and better clients while prioritizing my creative energy instead of drowning in the small/thoughtless tasks!

Living in the city, we’d love to hear about any design trends coming up for fall! What do you predict for Fall 2020?

Blue is everywhere! What was once a masculine color is showing up in all of my client’s spaces. It’s really cool because I have the opportunity to reinvent what masculinity looks like, and challenge what feminine spaces should feel like too!

If you could leave your fellow designers with one piece of advice, what would it be?

Keep going. Re-center on your strengths when you start comparing yourself. Your dream client is out there looking for you - go post to your Instagram feed so they can find you!

Rapid-Fire Questions

What is your favorite home from film or TV? 

Father of the Bride - classic and charming!

Go-to sketching supplies?

Any felt-tip pen and a roll of trace paper

Most common design mistake you see clients make?

Making decisions in a vacuum. Pieces should be chosen based on the big picture, not separate from each other.

For clients on a budget, what’s one item to invest in and one to save on?

Invest in your sofa, save on your table lamps! 

Top 3 apps (for business)?

Trello, Zelle, Google Calendar

Top 3 apps (for fun)?

Dunkin, Spotify, TikTok

Prized possession?

My family

Fill in the blank. People don’t know I can _____.

Wiggle my ears

Dream vacation?

Bali.

Go to trim color?

Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore

Item you cannot leave home without?

My glasses

Where do you seek inspiration?

Movies that tell a story using the main character’s home

Favorite color to work with in design?

Fuschia

Favorite podcast or album?

The Crime Junkie Podcast