An Interview with Refinement - Bold Journey Magazine
Hi Refinement, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Growing up in a hippie commune might not be where you’d expect someone to develop a strong work ethic—but you’d be wrong. Watching my parents struggle to provide for us after devoting their time to the commune was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life.
We grew up in Washington State, in a commune that was formed in the late ’60s and early ’70s. Like many alternative communities, the philosophy was simple: give to the community first, and then focus on your own household. Our home was a yurt—a circular structure that housed all nine of us: my parents, my six brothers, and me. We didn’t have electricity. We relied on kerosene lamps for light, used an outhouse, and kept our food cold in a camping cooler that served as our fridge.
Life was amazing. We had so much freedom, running wild with the other commune kids, exploring the land, and learning from nature. But we also witnessed firsthand the relentless hard work of our parents, who labored tirelessly for so little in return. To this day, now in their mid-70s, they’re still farming, growing their own food, and working hard. I’ve come to realize that their lifestyle has kept them young, and their dedication continues to inspire me every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a small business owner, you wear many hats—you’re the bookkeeper, the creative, the marketing director, and so much more. Running a business has made me realize just how essential the work ethic I was raised with truly is.
Several years ago, I made a career shift and became an interior designer in Portland, Oregon. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to building my business from the ground up. The small business community in Portland is incredibly supportive, with a strong sense of camaraderie. But at the end of the day, success still comes down to you—your drive, your resilience, and your willingness to push forward no matter what.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities have been most impactful in shaping my path as a small business owner and interior designer are:
1. Work Ethic & Resilience
Why It Mattered: Growing up, I saw firsthand how hard work and perseverance were necessary for survival. That foundation helped me push through the challenges of entrepreneurship—long hours, financial uncertainties, and the pressure of wearing multiple hats.
Advice:
Develop a routine and discipline in your work, even when motivation is low.
Embrace failure as part of the process and learn from setbacks rather than letting them discourage you.
Find a support system—whether it’s fellow entrepreneurs, a mentor, or a mastermind group—to stay encouraged during tough times.
2. Adaptability & Continuous Learning
Why It Mattered: Switching careers to interior design meant I had to learn an entirely new industry while also running a business. Being adaptable and open to learning has allowed me to evolve, refine my skills, and learn how to best serve my clients.
Advice:
Invest in education—whether it’s through formal courses, workshops, or self-study. Never stop learning.
Stay open to feedback from clients, peers, and industry professionals. The ability to adjust and improve will set you apart.
Keep up with industry trends and technology—things change fast, and staying ahead can give you an edge.Relationship Building & Community Engagement
Why It Mattered: Even though being a business owner can feel isolating, building strong relationships with clients, vendors, and other small business owners has been essential for growth. Word-of-mouth referrals and a supportive business community have made a significant difference in my success.
Advice:
Network authentically—focus on building genuine relationships rather than just selling yourself.
Get involved in local business communities—attend events, join organizations, and collaborate with others in your field.
Deliver exceptional service—when people trust and appreciate your work, they will recommend you.
Final Thought:
For anyone just starting their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay patient and committed and ask for help! There are so many people on this same journey and we do not need to reinvent the wheel.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
The past year has been one of the hardest of my life. Navigating a divorce, selling a home, moving, and being the emotional anchor for my young daughter was overwhelming, to say the least. At the same time, it was also the year I had to answer a crucial question: Could I build a viable business?
I took a leap of faith and invested heavily—working with a business coach, hiring a bookkeeper, and diving into learning opportunities to strengthen my skills. It was a year of uncertainty, resilience, and relentless effort. But through hard work, an open mind, meaningful connections, and sheer hustle, I proved to myself that I can make it as a small business owner and interior designer.
This past year wasn’t just about survival—it was about transformation. I emerged stronger, more confident, and more certain than ever that I’m on the right path.
