Reinventing Home and Business: Abby Guild’s Inspiring Interior Design Journey

Whether you’re an entrepreneur starting over or just looking for inspiration to make your own space feel more like you, this episode will open your eyes to the beauty—and the opportunity—of reinvention.

We’re excited to introduce you to Abby Guild, the creative force behind Abby Guild Interior Design and Decorating.

Having recently relocated from Los Angeles to Upper Arlington, Abby brings with her an impressive background: a professional certification from FIDM in Los Angeles, a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, accolades from the American Society of Interior Design, and projects ranging from boutique hotels to stylish residences showcased on Houzz and Vogue LA.

In this conversation with hosts Brett Johnson and Katie Ellis, Abby shares her journey of relaunching her design business in Columbus, navigating big life changes, and finding professional purpose after a decade devoted to raising her kids.

She opens up about battling imposter syndrome, building a sense of community from scratch, and why creating spaces that nurture wellbeing is at the heart of her design approach.

Plus, she lets us in on her travels across six continents and how those global experiences shape her philosophy on what it means to make a house a home.

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Here are three key takeaways from her conversation with Katie Ellis and Brett Johnson:

• Embrace New Beginnings: Abby reminds us that starting over professionally is an opportunity to recalibrate around your values and experience. It’s a chance to ask, "Who am I this time?" and shape your business to match the person you’ve become.
• Build Community Organically: Moving to Columbus from LA during COVID, Abby learned not to force connections. Authentic community forms naturally when you follow your interests and let the right people gravitate toward you.
• Design for Wellness: As an interior designer, Abby advocates for biophilic design—spaces that foster a connection to nature and prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants. Even a simple change like maximizing natural light can transform how a space feels.

Moments

00:00 Abby Guild: Interior Design Expert

06:15 Joyful Chaos of Moving Family

08:16 "Creative Confidence and Gender Perspectives"

12:33 "Be Your Best Self"

16:23 Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

20:51 "Finding Belonging Without Forcing"

21:45 "Embracing Change and Connection"

25:28 "Curiosity About How Others Live"

29:09 Boutique Hotels: Creativity Unleashed

33:58 "Biophilia and Urban Well-Being"

36:01 "Light, Plants, and Wellness Integration"

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To run a successful business, you need resources, valuable connections, and community recognition. Business Inspires will provide you with the tools, resources, and examples to inspire you to create the business you envision.

With more than 60 years as an integral part of the Grandview, Upper Arlington, and Marble Cliff communities, the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership is dedicated to a singular purpose - the success of the business community.

Thank you for downloading, listening, and following Business Inspires, a Tri-Village Chamber Partnership podcast.

This season is presented by:

1. Grandview Heights

To schedule a guest appearance or find out more about sponsoring Business Inspires, send an email to:

Katie Ellis, President/CEO, Tri-Village Chamber Partnership

[email protected]

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Business Inspires is brought to you by Grandview Heights, where opportunity isn’t just a promise, it’s a way of life. This is where innovation meets community.

This is where local businesses thrive alongside vibrant neighborhoods.

Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or investing in the future, Grandview Heights offers the perfect balance of access, culture, and connection.

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