Meet Erin McClellan | Principal Designer

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

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In all honesty, I never dreamed I would start my own business. It really culminated from needing a creative outlet because my teaching profession at the time kept me in a metaphorical “box”. Little by little, I leaned into my creativity within home design, and shared it because close friends and family expressed how much they enjoyed what I shared. As this continued, more people were curious, even people I didn’t know. Ultimately, sharing the ramblings of my brain allowed me to lean into creating my design firm, and become the principal designer of Sparrow Collective Co.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am the principal designer at my interior design firm, Sparrow Collective Co. What sets my firm apart is that we craft your home to tell your story. While there are material items that belong in the home, each piece is procured with intention around who the client is, and the story that they tell. We also believe in simplicity. Life is all too complicated and messy, so we strive to craft the beauty in simplicity for our clients. Business wise, I am at max capacity, with a wait list. I didn’t dream that in my second year full time, fourth year in total, I would be where I am now. I have two full custom homes I am designing from the ground up, a handful of small renovation projects, and a few home furnishing installments. I serve the best clients, as they are patient, kind, and truly love the creative ideas we implement to make their homes unique. The biggest lesson I have learned so far, out of the many, is malleability. You can plan details to the nth degree, but something will still call for a pivot moment. This can be when an item is backordered, to the vanity tower impedes on essential electrical outlets, or a creative block for a specific space. All of these moments keep me grounded and humbled as a human. I make mistakes, but I strive to make things right, and better than the original plan so that true success is achieved. (aka a happy client + contractor). I would like the world to know that Sparrow Collective Co. was birthed out of a season of relentless grief. The renovation of my current home became a renovation of my soul, and the final reveal is my design firm. This is the reason we claim to craft homes to tell a story. After all, we are a reflection of the story we tell.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I were taking a friend to visit the area, I would definitely take them to Read Shop by The Merchant. It’s my favorite local coffee shop. I would also take them to Ponce City Market, and eat at Marcel. Of course, I would take them to some fun antique stores I furnish decor items for my clients. I’d also love to take them hiking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is entirely too difficult to answer, if I am being honest. I have such a solid support group in my corner of the world, but I also love learning. I’d love to dedicate this to my close friends who relentlessly cheer me on, you know who you are! I also want to thank my business mentor who has gracefully coached me into the designer that I am now. Additionally, I deeply admire Luann Nigara’s podcast “The Well Designed Business”. If you are in the design field, it’s a must listen as a wealth of information.

Website: https://www.sparrowcollectiveco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowcollectiveco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowcollectiveco

Image Credits
Jess Henderson
Brooke Stone Photography