Elle Cole - Creative Women International

I’m Elle Cole.

I’m a designer.

I’m based in Dallas, Texas USA.

I’m a residential interior designer that caters to busy design professional. In a nutshell: “I design beautiful homes that inspire my clients, reflecting a well-lived life, who appreciate the meaning of home.”

I’ve taken numerous career paths to get where I am now. I studied under an architect, went back to school for CAD and rendering skills, then opened my own design firm.

Have you found it difficult to enter this profession as a woman?

No, women are the majority!

Did you have any help during your career?

Yes, been mentored and given project opportunities through my relationships.

What do you wish you had know when you started out?

The pitfalls a designer encounters with clients, contractors and other designers.

If you could talk to your younger self now, what would you tell them?

Live life on your own terms- there were decisions I made because it was the grain- I would do it differently now.

What has most inspired you and why?

Dr. Kay Mizell, Honors English professor and mentor in college. She loved her students and was the one person who spurred me on to create an event with local dignitaries to shed light on women in Africa struggling with a debilitating condition called fistula. She made me feel I could accomplish anything. And that was something I never truly felt until her. Even thinking back she still has a profound affect on my today, many years later.

What tips would you give someone just starting out?

Don’t lose your grit when things get tough. Take lessons from the best by investing in yourself. And. READ-read various books- fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, newspapers (yes an actual newspaper!) As Harry Truman said: ‘Leaders are Readers”.

What was the best piece of advice anyone gave you?

Don’t look at objections as a no- they are a path of discovery leading to a yes.

What inspiring quote do you love and where does it come from?

There are so many. But the one that has stuck with me is: “We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are”- Max Depree. It’s a quote I learned through my studies of servant leadership.

Do you use any useful apps, systems or websites that you would like to share?

Instagram: Crowdfire to manage post times. Icon square for analytics. Keynote: Create beautiful presentations. Lead pages: create opt-ins and sales pages. Facebook ads, Screenflow to record videos and voice overs.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks you for the opportunity to participate!! I can’t wait to read about the other women in your series of stories.