Kylie Tyrrell – Interior Design and Styling Mentor

There is nothing we love more than seeing people champion others. In what can be a sometimes overwhelming and daunting industry to get into, Kylie Tyrrell (formerly known as Gold Chalk Interiors) is doing her part to change that for many women entering the field of interior design and styling. Kylie has had over 12 years of experience working in the design industry. Her career has spanned from working as a real estate stylist to working on new builds and renovations and also working as a retail buyer. Drawing from her past experiences, Kylie is now a mentor and support for many women who have either had a career change and decided to go back and study interior design and styling, or younger women who are just starting out in their career and need a bit of guidance. In our interview with her, Kylie shares her heart behind why she is so passionate about championing and equipping women with the knowledge and insight she has gained, she offers advice for designers and stylists who are new to business, and she also shares how you could get involved in her mentoring program.

Photographed by Chloe Smith Photography

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

Hi Kylie. Thanks for being involved as one of our Style Makers. Can you tell us a bit of background about yourself?

I have been styling homes for about 12 years, I started my business as a real estate stylist and later changed to styling to live and helping clients with new builds and renovations. I love working on kitchens and helping my clients feel amazing in their spaces. Prior to styling, I worked in the corporate world as a retail buyer.

We noticed you recently had a bit of a name change from Gold Chalk Interiors to Kylie Tyrrell. What was the reason for this and what will this new venture look like?

Ooohh, what a huge year it’s been, I have recently decided to fully jump into mentoring and supporting other designers wanting to start or grow their own design businesses. I decided to do this because it’s so hard to know how to run your own business, design school teaches you so much about styling, but not about running a successful design business – there are so many things to know and learn. I also saw a lot of women go back to study design, then finish their course and freeze. Not knowing where to start or what to do. I want to help them get started because these women are so talented but lack confidence.

You’re a mentor for a lot of women in the interior design and styling industry. What is the most common question you get asked and what would be your response?

There are a couple – how did you get started and how do you charge for your services. I got asked this so often that I decided to write a course about it. It’s been a year in the making – It’s a 6-week program called Interiors Insider.

View this mood board here

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

What is your advice to someone who is just starting to get their interior business up and running? 

Ha Ha – do my course! My advice is to think about what aspect of design they enjoy, once they know that, identify their ideal client and their pain points and start marketing their business to them. Be consistent, keep going – it will take a good 12 months to get the business up and running – stick with it and invest in good branding and photography.

What tools, platform and resources should a new designer/stylist use to help grow their business?

Instagram is a powerful tool in this industry – 80% of my business is driven from Instagram and I can see Pinterest is a close second. Style Sourcebook is amazing for creating mood boards easily and communicating design ideas/concepts to clients. The other must-have platform is Canva Pro! IT’S AMAZING!!

Who are some people that have shaped and inspired you in your career?

Heather Nette-King was my first mentor – she gave me my first opportunity and even took the time to have a coffee with me. The other one was Julia Green, she gave me some amazing styling gigs and showed me what it takes to survive in this amazing industry. The other person that has influenced me greatly is Megan Morton – I attended so many of her courses – I am so lucky to have learnt from some of the best in the industry.

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

"I started seeing a pattern – Women going back to study but then not do anything with their studies – these were amazingly talented designers who lacked the confidence in themselves to get started. The industry can also be a little prickly, sharing is not something that is done very well. It can also be closed and a little elite – I want to change that".

- Kylie Tyrrell, Interior Design & Styling Mentor

Photographed by Chloe Smith Photography

Why are you so passionate about helping women in the interior design industry?

I started seeing a pattern – Women going back to study but then not do anything with their studies – these were amazingly talented designers who lacked the confidence in themselves to get started. The industry can also be a little prickly, sharing is not something that is done very well. It can also be closed and a little elite – I want to change that – there is enough work for us of all and as women we need to start supporting each other and sharing what we know. I also get so much satisfaction from helping these women grow and achieve their goals – it is a real feel-good role. And the other amazing thing that is happening is that I am learning too, and we are creating some beautiful friendships.

You’ve had over 12 years’ experience in the design industry. What are the top three things you’ve learnt during these years? 

1. Keep showing up – don’t give up!

2. Don’t worry about what people think – don’t dim your light for anyone.

3. Join a community of likeminded women and watch yourself and those around you rise.

You have used Style Sourcebook to create mood boards for a little while now. How has this helped you in your business?

My mood boards have helped show my clients and my audience my signature style – I use them to convey concepts to clients but I also use them to show off my individual style and what’s possible – as a visual tool on Instagram- I love using them to inspire my community.

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography

What are your top tips to creating a beautiful mood board?

Start with a hero piece and build the room around that – don’t be afraid of colour and always use artwork and greenery in your board/room.

Talk to us about your mentoring program. What does this look like and how could someone go about getting involved?

Interiors Insider is a 6-week program that helps designers/stylists and decorators to start and grow their own design business. I share all my knowledge, tools, resources and templates with them. It’s really about giving them the right tools to succeed and providing them with a supportive community to ask all their questions. It’s a safe space for them to learn and evolve. It really is the beginning of something very magical. The mentoring programming is evolving already – I now offer an industry mastermind group and a monthly membership - really, this is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see where it all goes.

Why is having a business mentor so important?

Having a mentor allows you to see outside the box . When we work for ourselves, we get so busy working in the business that we forget to work on the business. We keep doing things the same way. Mentoring opens us up to new opportunities, new ways of doing things and it really allows us to blossom and enjoy the ride. A good mentor should be able to make your job easier and show you what’s possible, but you have to be ready and willing to do the work!

View this mood board here

View this mood board here

Photographed by Kate Hansen Photography