Shila Griffith of SG23 Design
We asked Shila Griffith a few questions about her life as the owner of SG23 Design in Philadelphia. Get to know her below!
photo by Kate Raines of Plate 3 Photography
Tell us about your business!
Shila: I started my design studio SG23 Design seven years ago and we design for overwhelmed homeowners and businesses across architectural interiors, brand identities and websites.
We help residential clients with new construction, renovation or redesign projects with our a-la-carte services or full-service design.
For our small business clients, we have the ability to work across all three disciplines. We can develop only a brand identity or we can design everything from their logo, to print marketing collateral to their flagship store. By working with one studio the entire project ends up being more cohesive.
photo by Kate Raines of Plate 3 Photography
What accomplishment are you celebrating right now?
Shila: After seven years of working from home I finally moved into a studio space and hired a team. My business has grown immensely in the past six months and I needed a space that I could call home base, store material and finish samples and meet with clients.
The location is very special to me because I started my first job ever in a lovely shop in the same suite 17 years ago!
What keeps you motivated?
Shila: I love that I get to work within three disciplines — I get bored very easily. I still think it's amazing that with interior design projects I get to actually walk through my project at the end.
Honestly, I get most motivated when someone tells me that I can't accomplish something. I usually don't directly respond in the moment, but inside I'm saying, "watch me."
The most rewarding part of my career is that I have the ability to make a client feel less overwhelmed about a project, I can help them see the opportunities and remember that design is supposed to make things better and more enjoyable.
What's one tip you want to share with other entrepreneurs?
Shila: Don't take rejection or negativity personally. Often, it has nothing to do with you.
photos by Kate Raines of Plate 3 Photography
What's your favorite app or resource of the moment?
Shila: Rocketbook (notebook and app)
What are you listening to lately?
Shila: The Goal Digger Podcast, Women Who Travel, Business of Design
What are you crushing on?
Shila: Jessica Hische. I met her at a talk and book signing a few weeks ago and I'm still starstruck.
What inspirational words resonate with you recently?
Shila: Trust your gut.
Where can we find you online?
Shila: Subscribe to my email list — it's like picking the brain of your designer friend over coffee (or tea) on a semi-regular basis! You can also find more on my website and Instagram (@sg23design).
photo by Kate Raines of Plate 3 Photography