Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Reicks.
Hi Emily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up with a love for design, creativity, and creating spaces that feel both beautiful and functional. Over the years, that passion pushed me to pursue interior design professionally and eventually open my own business, Interior Design by Emily, in downtown Decorah.
What started as helping clients with their homes has grown into a full-service design studio and retail showroom where we handle everything from custom window treatments and furniture to new builds, remodels, and complete space planning.
It hasn’t been a straight path—there’s been a lot of learning, risk-taking, and saying “yes” to new opportunities—but that’s also what makes the story exciting. Today, I feel fortunate to be building not only homes and businesses, but also community connections. My goal has always been to merge creativity with practicality, and to bring people together through spaces that inspire, comfort, and last.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think any entrepreneur would say the road is completely smooth, and I’m no exception. Starting a business meant wearing every hat—designer, marketer, accountant, and even installer. There were definitely times of uncertainty, especially in the beginning when I was working to establish myself and prove the value of my services and products in a small community.
Another challenge has been balancing the creative side I love with the business side that keeps the doors open. It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful designs, but learning to price correctly, manage cash flow, and make tough decisions was a learning curve.
I’ve also had to get comfortable with risk—whether that’s investing in a showroom, expanding services, or putting myself out there through events and collaborations. Each struggle, though, has really pushed me to grow. I’ve learned resilience, and how to adapt quickly, and those lessons have been just as valuable as any design education.
As you know, we’re big fans of Interior Design by Emily. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Interior Design by Emily is a full-service design studio and retail showroom located in downtown Decorah. We specialize in creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, whether that’s through custom window treatments, furniture, space planning, or full remodels and new builds. Our showroom also carries curated home décor, artwork, rugs, and unique gifts so clients and customers alike can find something special for their homes.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and detail. Every product that comes through our doors has to meet a strict checklist of standards before it ever lands on the showroom floor. We look for craftsmanship, timeless style, and durability—because if we wouldn’t put it in our own homes, we won’t sell it to our clients. That’s something I’m extremely proud of: maintaining a brand that people can trust to consistently deliver both style and substance.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that design doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or out of reach. Whether you’re redoing one room, building a home from scratch, or just looking for a pillow or candle to freshen up your space, we meet you where you are and make the process enjoyable.
At the end of the day, our brand promise is simple: every piece, every plan, and every project is thoughtfully chosen and designed to stand the test of time.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is integrity—both in design and in business. I want every client to feel confident that when they work with me, they’re getting honesty, quality, and a process that truly has their best interests at heart.
Design isn’t just about making a space look good; it’s about creating a home that reflects the people who live there and stands the test of time. That means I have to be intentional with the products I offer, the partners I choose to work with, and the way I guide clients through decisions.
At the end of the day, my name is on the business. That matters to me. I want it to always stand for trust, craftsmanship, and care—because reputations are built over years but can be lost in a moment. That’s why integrity will always be the non-negotiable in both my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.interiordesignbyemily.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interiordesignbyemily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interiordesignbyemily
- Other: https://interiordesignbyemily.myshopify.com/
