Women are breaking the glass ceiling to fulfill their dreams!! An in the Women Entrepreneurs edition of The Success Talks, entrepreneurs in a landscape that was considered to be male-d
In In this edition, we are celebrating the spirit of women who ar industries. Every entrepreneur has a diierent story but all of achieve them. Our featured entrepreneurs come from diverse i of women in business.
W While crafting the narratives of these remarkable women I got t have achieved. Their journeys are a testament to the power o edition is not just a collection of success stories, it reflects the p entrepreneurs have.
These beautiful words “The future belongs to those who belie describe our women entrepreneurs.
As you flip the pages and explore this magazine, you will read th journeys are enough to ignite passion and remind us that with
nd the stories of women entrepreneurs are saying it aloud. Here I am thrilled to share stories of women who are successful dominant.
e breaking the barriers and building new pathways in diverse f them have one thing in common, their dreams and spirit to industries and backgrounds symbolizing the limitless potential to know the challenges they have faced and the milestones they of determination and the impact of innovative thinking. This power of resilience, perseverance, and dedication these women eve in the beauty of their dreams” by Eleanor Roosevelt aptly he unique story of the incredible women featured within. Their courage and hard work, anything is possible.
Deepti Tanwar
24 CREATING ACCESSIBLE DESIGNS AT LEWIS & ROSE INTERIORS- BRETT NICOLE
very color, curve, and contour speaks volumes in the world of Luxury Interiors. And in this world, Anne Marie’s journey shines like a gem unearthed through grit and grace. Her journey started from a humble beginning as a nurse, but a beautiful turn in her path led her to Hamilton Interiors. Her path has been as dynamic and layered as the spaces she now creates. Her creations are an amalgamation of elegance and functionality with the hint of a unique story. For Anne Marie the year 2003 proved to be exceptional. She found her hidden passion while traveling and exploring new dimensions of life. “I studied interior design for fun and self-development,” she recalls, “But the moment I explored this world of art and design, it was like a tidal wave. I felt attracted to this field. I wanted to create spaces that were beautiful, restful, and functional.”
Anne Marie was balancing the joys and chaos of motherhood when her second daughter was just a baby. But her inner calling was too powerful to ignore and she gave in to her inner calling. She entered the interior design field with the same spirit that she brought to nursing. This was her career’s turning point and she founded Hamilton Interiors in the same year.
“I had to choose a path and I followed my heart,” she says. “I haven’t looked back since then.”
Her journey into design was intuitive and free-flowing just like a brush dancing on the canvas creating masterpieces. It was not at all accidental, rather it was an artistic leap guided by vision, conviction, and work ethic.
Every big mansion is built brick by brick. The same is the case with Hamilton Interiors, it also began modestly but soon carved out a niche in high-end renovations. Anne Marie managed projects from design conception to turnkey delivery. According to Anne Marie, her business outshined others because of the carefully nurtured relationship with tradespeople which deepened with every successfully executed project.
Today, the company is known for all the good work done. “We are a team of highly motivated and experienced designers and interior architects driven by perfection and attention to detail,” Anne Marie explains. “We work on some of the finest properties in terms of location, quality, and design.”
Hamilton Interiors doesn’t merely create homes, they craft living experiences. Anne Marie and her team utilize every detail to reflect the client’s personality and aspirations. Whether it is a peaceful family residence or a stylish commercial renovation, they have the flair to convert every project into a blend of luxury, functionality, and soul.
The Power of Perspective: Visualizing the End Before It Begins
What sets Anne Marie truly apart is her ability to visualize the final space long before the first brick is laid or wall painted. “Our design concept must reflect the client’s taste, the building’s aspect, and it must be practical and enduring,” she explains. “We consider how the space will feel with people living and working in it. It’s about more than beauty it’s about longevity, usability, and value.”
This practical meets aesthetic philosophy is the cornerstone of Hamilton Interiors’s success. Just like a successful chess player seeing ten moves ahead, Anne Marie’s foresight enables her to deliver homes that feel both intimate and infinite in their appeal.
Breaking Barriers: A Woman in the Man’s World
Like many women entrepreneurs, Anne Marie’s flight to success was not without its trials. The most crucial was establishing credibility in a traditionally male-dominated industry, some were visible and others with insidious.
“I had to work harder to gain trust, especially with high-end contractors and big projects,” she admits. “It was a challenge to establish my voice while staying true to my values.”
But rather than adjusting for less, Anne Marie chose to lead with integrity. She didn’t just crack the glass ceiling, she designed a beautiful skylight through it. Her leadership style blends confidence with compassion, assertiveness, and authenticity. She has built a team that thrives on collaboration and creative freedom by providing transparent communication and building trust.
The Heart of the Process: A Client-Centric Approach
At Hamilton Interiors, the client is not just a part of the process; they are the process. The journey begins with a detailed consultation. Anne Marie prefers to hold it at the client’s home so that she can understand their lifestyle, personality, and aesthetic preferences.
“This first step is crucial,” Anne Marie says. “It helps us understand their needs and aspirations. Our goal is to make them feel comfortable expressing themselves.”
LEADING WITH INTUITION AND VISION
This natural, down-to-earth approach is the basis of Anne Marie’s design ideology. Her team always ensures that every element they use for designing fits perfectly and aligns with the client’s vision of their dream space.
Trends may come and go like seasons but Anne Marie’s belief in timeless designs remains undisturbed. “Interior design should be luxurious, inviting, functional, and practical; exceptional without exception,” she states. She focuses on timeless classic elements rather than fleeting fashion, hence her designs age gracefully much like a fine wine or a vintage leather chair, gaining charm and character over time.
Actions speak louder than words holds true for Anne Marie. She doesn’t need to boast about her work because her procedure does all the talking; she oversees all the aspects of the business from the initial concept to the final walkthrough. Her leadership is rooted in confidence, decisiveness, and understanding of each project’s uniqueness.
These ethics act as a catalyst for Hamilton Interiors’s internal culture and help elevate the client’s experience by designing homes that are lively as well as high-end.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE
The interior designing industry is ever-innovating. Anne Marie keeps track of the latest design trends through social media, design blogs, and professional events like conferences and trade shows. However she doesn’t blindly chase the trend, she filters them through her own creative lens and comes up with fresh yet timelessly enduring ideas to life.
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Looking ahead, sustainability is a growing priority. “We’re sustainable practices,” she says. “We’ve also worked extensively but it’s fun too!”
“We’re evolving our business towards eco-friendly materials and extensively with clients living abroad, which has its own challenges,
Hamilton Interiors had evolved into a niche provider of turnkey renovation solutions long before the pandemic reshaped how people live and work. Their work began expanding beyond aesthetics, comprising full-scale transformations including insulation, windows and doors, bathrooms, flooring, and even changing existing footprints or adding entire extensions. As the projects grew complex, she did the stakes. Anne Marie and her team managed substantial budgets and coordinated multidisciplinary teams over long, detail-intensive timelines.
As her work scope grew, Anne Marie further strengthened her leadership role. She pursued and completed a Masters in Professional Design Practice at TU Dublin in 2021. This helped her integrate strategic project management and advanced design methodologies into the core of Hamilton Interior’s operations. This academic advancement empowered her to merge creativity with deeper technical insight elevating the business and setting new standards for execution and innovation.
THE BALANCE ACT: LIFE BEYOND DESIGN
Anne Marie’s schedule is quite demanding but she is still mindful of maintaining a work-life balance. She admits she learned this lesson of balancing through experience. “It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget about personal happiness,” she shares. “But I’m lucky to have a wonderful team, which allows me time to recharge and reflect.”
According to Anne Marie, it is this balance between ambition and awareness, creativity and calm that fuels her resilience and longevity in the business world.
As the design world evolves, passionate women like Anne Marie are leading the industry. Their contributions are reshaping the narrative, and bringing more empathy, innovation, and authenticity into design leadership.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Anne Marie shares a heartfelt encouragement in yourself. If it interests you and you try.”
“To encourage more women, mentorship is key,” she advises. “It builds confidence, expands networks, and provides invaluable career guidance.” She also emphasizes the power of internship considering it to be a powerful learning tool. “Working in a team, observing a project unfold teaches more than any textbook can.
encouragement for those dreaming of making their name in the design field. “Believe you spend time doing it, you will learn it. You just have to be brave enough to
To Sum Up
Anne Marie’s journey is more than a success story, it is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and compassion. She turned her passion into a successful business and built a brand on the foundations of trust. She continues to inspire a new generation of designers especially women to dream big and design boldly.
Hamilton Interiors is not just about beautiful spaces it is about the beautiful memories they help create. Just like a perfectly designed room, Anne Marie’s career balances every element with grace. And that, in itself, is a design worth celebrating.
RESILIENCE REWARDED: ADRIEL COGDAL’S UPHILL CLIMB TO INTERIOR DESIGN SUCCESS
MEET ADRIEL COGDAL, THE FOUNDER AND DRIVING FORCE BEHIND ADRIEL DESIGNS
Entrepreneurship is not only about profits, it is about courage, determination, and success which often emerge as guiding lights, illuminating the path for those who dare to dream and strive to achieve. In the realm of business, particularly in the intricate domain of interior design, the story of one woman stands out as a tale of courage, innovation, and unwavering passion. Meet Adriel Cogdal, the founder and driving force behind Adriel Designs. Her story resonates as a testament to personal triumph and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, particularly in the interior design sector.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Adriel faced the realities of the industry, including betrayal from a former partner. However, from the ashes of adversity, Adriel Designs emerged, showcasing a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to her craft.
Adriel Cogdal’s journey in the interior designing world was quite unusual. Initially, she started her career as a professional dancer and later she gracefully transitioned through various roles, from legal secretary to office manager, until a pivotal moment altered the course of her life. Fueled by her husband’s passing and armed with a VA educational benefit, Adriel delved into the world of interior design. Little did she know that this leap of faith would eventually lead her to establish her design firm, Adriel Designs.
APROPOS ADRIEL DESIGNS
Today, Adriel Designs offers a plethora of services ranging from consultations to conceptual drawings, Adriel Designs epitomizes sophistication and innovation in design. Adriel Designs traces a meticulous design process, conscientiously crafted to encapsulate clients’ unique aspirations and desires. The process starts with a creative consultation, Adriel Cogdal and her team embark on a collaborative journey, weaving together dreams and practicality to breathe life into each project. From conceptualization to execution, every step is taken with a sense of purpose and dedication, culminating in spaces that inspire and empower.
WORDS OF WISDOM
MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Reflecting on the milestones and achievements that adorn the chronology of Adriel Designs, one cannot help but marvel at Adriel Cogdal’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft. She started her journey by achieving professional certifications and now she has garnered prestigious awards and accolades. Her journey epitomizes the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As the first Platinum winner of the ASIDOC Design Impacts Life Award and a recipient of numerous industry accolades, Adriel Cogdal continues to blaze a trail of excellence, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike.
VANQUISHING CHALLENGES
Winners always emerge by overcoming their share of challenges and obstacles. Adriel Cogdal encountered her fair share of obstacles along the path to success. The crucial one was the acquisition of new clients which is often considered a daunting task in a competitive industry. But armed with resilience and a willingness to embrace change, she sought guidance from mentors, embraced networking opportunities, and honed her business acumen, ultimately surmounting the barriers that once seemed overwhelming.
THE ROAD AHEAD
While envisioning the future of Adriel Designs, Adriel Cogdal remains steadfast in her commitment to pursuing large remodeling projects, fueling innovation, and pushing the boundaries of design excellence. Amidst her professional pursuit, she remains apprized of maintaining a harmonious work-life balance. According to her, it is a delicate equilibrium achieved through setting boundaries, pursuing personal interests such as sailing and motorcycle trips, and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Adriel Cogdal’s journey offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, particularly for aspiring women entrepreneurs seeking to carve their niche in the competitive realm of interior design. Her advice is spot on, it is evident of the transforming power of bravery, strength, and an unwavering pursuit of passion. To those embarking on their entrepreneurial journey, she offers a simple yet profound mantra: “Don’t let fear be the reason you don’t take an opportunity that comes by.“
Contemplating Adriel Codgal’s remarkable journey, we are reminded of the boundless potential residing within each of us like the power to dream, persevere, and redefine the contours of possibility. In celebrating her achievements, we honor her triumphs and the collective spirit of adaptability and determination that fuels the entrepreneurial landscape. For in the tapestry of entrepreneurship, the stories of individuals like Adriel Cogdal inspire us to reach for the stars, to dare greatly, and to seize the limitless opportunities that await.
In conclusion, Adriel Codgal’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering dedication. Her odyssey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women in business, shaping the world one dream at a time. As we chart our course through the ever-changing styles of entrepreneurship, may we draw inspiration from her story – a beacon of hope, empowerment, and boundless possibility in a world filled with opportunity.
Leading Interior Design Company o ering creative design and exquisite decor in your home.
CREATING ACCESSIBLE DESIGNS AT LEWIS & ROSE INTERIORS- BRETT NICOLE SEIDL
The interior design space has witnessed a resurgence over the years. This has paved the way for new, innovative entrepreneurs to join the space. Entrepreneurs who love interior design, but who are also ready to innovate. We have featured various Interior designer entrepreneurs on our page and today we are featuring award-winning designer Brett Nicole Seidl.
The interior design space has witnessed a resurgence over the years. This has paved the way for new, innovative entrepreneurs to join the space. Entrepreneurs who love interior design, but who are also ready to innovate. We have featured various Interior designer entrepreneurs on our page and today we are featuring award-winning designer Brett Nicole Seidl.
As an avid traveler, she now brings a variety of cultural influences into creating home spaces with vibrant pops of color. Since its inception, Lewis & Rose Interiors has thrived, going from a “side hustle” to a multi-million dollar firm driven by dedication and hard work.
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BRETT NICOLE SEIDL AND LEWIS & ROSE INTERIORS.
LEWIS & ROSE’S OVERVIEW AND OFFERINGS
Lewis & Rose Interiors is a full-service interior design firm. It’s “modern and tailored interior design with a dash of whimsy,” as Seidl explains it, with the whimsy part really meaning that, “we value personality and lifestyle.”
“We’re not afraid of spunky, fun, and color!”
Lewis & Rose Interiors specializes in full-service designs for new construction, renovations, and furnishings. The company employs several other designers who truly capture a client’s vision and implement that in both big and bold ways, but also in the little details.
However, if a full-service design firm package isn’t for you, the firm has also created a unique “ “Designer for a Day” offering as well as a “Design-Plans Only” tier so that anyone who wants great design can have access to it.
“I strongly believe that good design should be accessible to the most amount of people,” Seidl says. “And so that’s reflected in what we offer and how we go about our streamlined process.”
APPROACHING THE INTERIOR DESIGN PROCESS
If you want to understand Seidl’s unique approach, all you have to do is read one of her glowing reviews.
BRETT NICOLE SEIDL OWNER/PRINCIPLE
“We had a client who lovingly wrote, ‘This is not yo grandma’s interior design firm!’” she explains. “I think that perfectly sums us up. We’re constantly trying to innovate and push people out of their comfort zones so they can discover new aspects and frontiers of design.”
How does Seidl and her team succeed in that? It comes down to their tight and clean process, which includes a North Star document to cast vision and obtain buy-in, and then carries through their project management ability. “We get excited about deadlines and deliverables,” Seidl says.
Seidl and her team understand that interior design is an investment, so they’ve developed a streamlined process and payment structure that takes the guesswork out of nearly everything for the clients. “We use flat-fee pricing whenever and wherever we can, and we provide exact dates with deliverables, and we represent the client’s desires and needs to contractors, trade workers, and anyone else so as to make the process less intimidating.”
STAYING UP WITH THE LATEST TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS
Seidl understands the significance of remaining “in the know” on the latest and greatest trends to educate her clients properly and source unique pieces. There are hundreds of trade shows, thousands of showrooms, and hundreds of thousands of new products coming out regularly. As a good designer, she has to be aware of the innovations.
HOW DOES SHE DO THAT?
“Social media is key to understanding what’s trending,” she says. “But I also make sure that my team and I are going to different shows, events, and seminars to make sure we expose ourselves to new ideas and materials.”
In fact, after every event they go to, Seidl has her designers present their observations and findings so that the entire team can learn.
However, you won’t find Lewis & Rose Interiors simple regurgitating the latest fad.
“We appreciate trends and use them when necessary,” Seidl says, “but we also want to make sure that our designs transcend trends and are timeless. Our clients spend a lot of money for a good design, and we’d be doing them a disservice if in five years it’s ‘out of style’ or feels dated.”
ACHIEVEMENTS
Lewis & Rose Interiors has been recognized for local and national awards, including being featured in magazines and publications like Architectural Digest, Luxe magazine, and the Dallas Morning News. Lewis & Rose Interiors was also recently given an award from Wayfair Professional, and recognized by the competition’s judges, Lindsay Lamb and Leslie Davis of HGTV’s “Unsellable Houses.”
The biggest achievement for Lewis & Rose Interiors, though, is its plethora of incredible online reviews, because those come directly from the clients.
“We value client feedback, and we’ve been blessed that it’s been so positive,” Seidl explains. “Our most internally rewarding achievement is when we get an email or a picture from a client or see one of our designs in the background of their social media. I love that we get to design the backdrop for people’s memories!”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Seidl’s advice for up-and-coming entrepreneurs involves two key elements. The first: “Don’t give up.”
“There are plenty of times when it gets tough and giving up seems to be the only option available,” she says. “But those are the moments you’ll learn the most.”
FUTURE PLANS FOR LEWIS & ROSE INTERIORS
So, what does the future hold for Lewis & Rose? The company recently launched an online home styling course to train future home stylists who are not classically trained in interior design but have an “eye” and are enthusiastic to join the industry. The course contains over 30 videos focused on design, business, and insider industry knowledge.
In addition, the company is preparing to get into the short-term rental space. Seidl has a vision to create one-of-a-kind-design rentals that transport people to a place of beauty and serenity. There is also a mobile home styling business and home decor line in the works.
MAINTAINING THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Seidl believes strongly in finding work-life balance, although that can be hard to come by as a serial entrepreneur. She considers herself a wife and a mother first, and being an entrepreneur actually gives her more flexibility to fulfil those callings.
“I love being able to have lunch with my husband and kids during the day,” She says. “Now, that may mean I have to do some work after the kids go to bed, but I love getting to choose that and the freedom that comes from working for myself.”
Her second piece of advice? “Surround yourself with people who support you but also challenge you.”
Too many businesses and leaders fail when they only take the advice they want to hear, she explains. “And if you only surround yourself with ‘yes’ men and women, you actually hold yourself back. You need to be challenged to think differently. Reach out to others who are experienced and ask questions!:
