Studio Molina Interior Design is celebrating it's fourth year in business! I personally can't believe it. In some ways, it feels like only a year has passed, and in others, it feels like a decade. Milestones like this offer the perfect chance to reflect on our journey, celebrate growth, and look ahead to the future.
In The Beginning..
It has been almost eleven years since I first stepped foot into the School of Design and Construction at WSU. Even just typing that made me choke up a little... There is where I formed bonds to last a lifetime (regardless of time and distance <3), pulled all-nighters over Revit crashes, and developed a deep love for conceptual design. From there, I was fortunate to work at amazing design firms, gaining invaluable experience that continues to shape my approach today.
Even then, I always knew my long term goal was to run my own business—a dream that became reality in March 2021.
The Leap into Business Ownership..
Flash back to 2020. We are in full COVID-19 work from home life. Stir crazy with lot's of spare time. I had joked with my fellow WSU colleague Aliyah on several occasions over the years of our friendship that we would end up starting a business together. It always felt out of reach, but in 2020 we both stopped joking about it and took the idea seriously. Even still, we continued to laugh at ourselves through the whole thing. I mean, who did we think we were starting a design business? And thus started a years long battle with imposter syndrome that I know many people, especially women, who own businesses can relate to.
Major Milestones
March 2021
Studio Molina Interior Design was born!
April 2021
Our first out of state project begins in Arizona!
BEFORE AFTER
February 2022
After lot's of late nights and weekends, we were able to go full-time in our business much sooner than we anticipated! This meant we were able to take on more projects, and dedicate our full attention to our growing list of incredible clients!
July 2023
Gold Winner in Best of South Sound!
October 2023
Our first multifamily project is completed!
May 2024
E-Design services launch!
July 2024
Gold Winner in Best of South Sound! Our second year in a row!
August 2024
Our largest project at the time, a modern new build in Sammamish, was completed!
DURING AFTER
March 2025
SMID turns 4!
Lessons & Challenges
No business journey is without challenges, but each one has helped shape SMID into what it is today.
Getting Started
The overwhelming paperwork, licensing, and logistics—I will never underestimate that process again!
Unexpected Hurdles
From tax season woes to adjusting after my co-founder moved on, every challenge brought valuable lessons in resilience. We miss you Aliyah! (check out what she's up to now!)
Industry Changes
Economic shifts have given us an opportunity to adapt and refine our processes—ultimately making our services even stronger!
Looking Ahead
The next chapter for Studio Molina is all about:
✔ Stronger industry collaborations – Working more with architects, builders, and artisans to create cohesive spaces.
✔ Community engagement – Showing up more consistently online (I’m working on my social media game!).
✔ Continued growth – Expanding our portfolio and taking on even more multifamily, boutique commercial, and residential projects.
With Gratitude
To our incredible clients, thank you for your trust and support—SMID would not exist without you.
To our talented contractors, tradespeople, and industry partners—thank you for your expertise and dedication; Studio Molina’s designs wouldn’t come to life without you.
To Aliyah, my co-founder-and-lifelong-friend, you are forever part of this journey.
To my mom, a fellow entrepreneur and my biggest mentor—your encouragement has meant everything.
And to my husband, who has been the rock, the unofficial CFO, and my biggest cheerleader—I am beyond grateful.
Let's Celebrate!
Thank you for reading and celebrating our anniversary with us! With so much ahead, I can’t wait to see what the next year brings! If you’ve been thinking about a project, I’d love to collaborate and bring your vision to life.
Want to Support Studio Molina?
Nominations for Best of South Sound 2025 open March 24th – April 4th under Home & Garden > Interior Design. While you’re at it, don’t forget to nominate your other favorite local businesses!
Cheers to 4 years—and to everything ahead!
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