So excited to share an interview with these two Reading moms, Wendy Robinson and Lyndsay Scott. They are the founders of the local interior design firm, How We Haven. In addition to sharing their favorite COVID activities, they are also sharing the story of how they became interior designers and information on a very special course that launches today, to help moms turn their own homes into a haven. Which we could all use as winter and this pandemic drag on!
Where are you both from originally and what town(s) do you live in now?
We are both originally from Reading and currently still reside there. We are sisters-in-law and live only about one mile apart from each other so we see each other everyday.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
Wendy: 3 kids – Colby (15), Ella (14) and Isaac (12)
Lyndsay: 2 kids – Brady (13) and Savannah (11)
What’s your favorite family activity in Massachusetts?
Wendy: Since COVID, we enjoy heading to the beach in the late afternoon with dinner, to hang out as a family. I have three growing teenagers so anything that involves a free meal is considered their “favorite” activity.
Lyndsay: We really enjoy exploring different downtown areas which usually always involves trying out a local eatery. Some of our favorites are Bearskin Neck in Rockport, downtown Newburyport and Pickering Wharf in Salem.
Where are your favorite places to eat and shop in Massachusetts?
Wendy: I love any restaurant with an endless supply of fresh seafood and burgers. Two of my favorites are Woodman’s and Boston Burger Company. When headed out to shop, I typically skip the mall. My daughter and I make a day of it and can be found in Somerville or Cambridge searching for eclectic finds. We love antique and thrift shopping! I just went to Bow Market. It’s a must see!!
Lyndsay: We love The Black Cow in Newburyport & The Deck in Salisbury. We love anything by the sea! We usually head to MarketStreet Lynnfield for shopping. They have some big retailers but also smaller niche shoppes too! Great places to eat and a large grassy area to stop and relax when we need a break from shopping!
What has been your favorite thing to do for some “me” time, during the pandemic?
Wendy: Netflix, netflix and more netflix! Currently, I’m totally consumed with Bridgerton!
Lyndsay: Me time? What’s that? Haha! I enjoy going for walks with my two dogs. Even when it is rather chilly outside, getting fresh air has been key to keeping my sanity.
As interior designers, what part of your own homes do you like best?
Wendy: My family room! I can typically be found stoking a fire as early as 2 pm in the afternoon, since COVID has me home so much. I love lighting lots of candles for ambiance and having my fire for warmth. It’s the perfect combination.
Lyndsay: I love my living room. We recently renovated it. I included a lot of pieces that just make me happy when I look at them. Some old and some new! This room puts me at ease just sitting with a cup of coffee before the house wakes up or winding down in the evening with a glass of wine.
Tell us a little bit about your backgrounds and how you started The Haven Design Academy.
We are self-taught interior designers who dug in 7 years ago looking to make a career change and follow a passion for interior design. We have worked in both commercial and residential design.
How We Haven is an interior design and coaching company that works a little differently! AND we think you’re going to LOVE it! We specialize in educating our students on how to decorate and design a room from start to finish while we support and guide them through the process.
Our goal is not to do the job for them but, rather give them the skills and confidence to make their home a haven.
What sparked you to go from working as interior designers to launching an online design course?
We wanted to reach more women! We love our 1-on-1 clients but, we know there are families out there who need our help. Not everyone can afford to hire an interior designer or there are women who like to DIY but they just need a little guidance
Our goal is to educate and empower busy moms. We want them to create the haven they deserve regardless of their limited time, energy, resources, or their economic status. We truly feel every woman deserves a home that is joyful and peaceful and feels like a HAVEN!
We know interior design and decorating can be taught. How do we know? Because we taught ourselves. We are so excited to teach our process to our clients in the Haven Design Academy.
What can moms expect to learn in the Haven Design Academy?
Moms will learn the exact process we take to design and decorate a room from inception to completion.
Students can expect to learn their design style, Pinterest, budgeting, room layout, function, scale, and proportion, making a shopping list, styling and installing a room. Plus bonuses like – best white, moody and black paint colors, How to style a bookshelf, coffee table and console table. They will learn about texture, patterns, hanging drapes, appropriate pillow sizing, where to splurge and where to steal! The list keeps going!
How long does the course last and is there support?
This a 6-week self-paced, stress-free digital course. Course materials are delivered via videos and PDFs checklist, cheat sheets and LOTS of bonuses. The class is NOT live so you can do it at your own pace.
Here is what makes this course so special! You will have access to two designers for 6 weeks. We have weekly office hours for students to reach out with any questions. We will be providing the class with a Private Facebook group. This will encourage support from classmates and The Haven Design team daily. We will be hosting weekly live ZOOM calls to collaborate and discuss design dilemmas!
What are the benefits to signing up for the course, versus hiring an interior designer?
Interior designers are great for the mom who wants to be more hands off. The benefit to The Haven Design Academy is the educational component and the economic savings.
We feel proud to offer you our knowledge, resources and give you a skill to last a lifetime. We also know there are a lot of moms who like to have control over the design process. We love the DIY gals and we know that sometimes they need a helping hand.
What else would you like to share about the Haven Design Academy?
If you’re a mom who has put decorating and creating a haven on the back burner and you feel that your home is outdated, disorganized, unstylish, uncomfortable, or does not represent you, we can help! We educate, support and supply you with an action plan to make changes in your home.
Doors are officially open to The Haven Design Academy at howwehaven.com/designacademy. We are offering North Shore moms a very special discount of $50 off! Use coupon code JUSTFORYOU at checkout.
Visit The Haven Design Academy to learn more about this course and be sure to follow Wendy and Lyndsay on Instagram @how_we_haven and Facebook @hwhaven.
…
This post is sponsored by How We Haven.