Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Hamp.
Hi Mary, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I spent 23 years working for a plumbing wholesale company before being laid off in 2008. It was a devastating time — I had recently gone through a divorce and was just beginning to rebuild my life. I had never attended college, having gone straight into the workforce after high school, so I started exploring new career options. None of them seemed like the right fit until I discovered that Michigan Works was offering a program covering 50% of college tuition.
As I looked through the available programs, Interior Design immediately caught my eye. I’d always had a love for design — as a little girl, I would rearrange furniture with my mom, who, along with my grandmother, was constantly refinishing old pieces. While that part never really appealed to me, it kept me close to the creative process. Even during my years in the plumbing industry, I was involved in designing showrooms and helping make display decisions across the company.
So, I thought, why not give this a shot? I passed the entrance exams, enrolled, and was soon on my way to earning a degree in Interior Design. After graduating, with the help of a former client, I landed my first job in a design studio that specialized in window treatments and flooring. They were looking to expand into kitchen and bath design, and my background made me the perfect fit. It didn’t take long, however, for them to realize that kitchen and bath design takes much longer than flooring and window treatments.
From there, I worked for several remodeling companies — gaining experience, building relationships, and refining my process — until I joined a design-build firm in Ann Arbor where I expected to stay until retirement. Unfortunately, in the spring of 2024, I was laid off once again.
After a few interviews with other firms, I realized that taking another job would feel like a step backward. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. Since then, I’ve never looked back. It’s been an incredible journey — challenging, rewarding, and full of growth — and I have absolutely no regrets.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Learning the business side of things has been a whole new adventure. Social media, bookkeeping, and accounting are definitely areas I continue to work on. They don’t come naturally to me the way design does, but I’ve learned how important they are to keeping everything running smoothly. It’s been a process of trial and error — figuring out what works, where to streamline, and when to ask for help — but each challenge has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected when I first started this business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always had a passion for designing bathrooms — I think my years in the plumbing wholesale industry really sparked that love. There’s something about balancing function and beauty in such an essential space that never gets old for me. My style leans modern — clean lines, thoughtful details, and a contemporary edge. I love kitchens too, and while I’ve worked on plenty of traditional homes, modern design will always have my heart.
What I’m most proud of is that I never stopped moving forward. After my first layoff, I picked myself up, took a chance on something new, and built a career I love. When it happened again years later, I did the same — and it turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
My work ethic and commitment to my clients come from deep roots. I grew up just down the road from my grandfather’s farm and watched him work seven days a week, 365 days a year. My parents, both of whom worked two jobs for as long as I can remember, showed me what dedication looks like. That’s the foundation of how I work today — it’s not about the money; it’s about seeing the smile on my clients’ faces when their project is complete and they truly love their new space.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My strength lies in my drive to get things done and take ownership of every project from start to finish. I’m hands-on and proactive — I like to anticipate what’s needed before anyone even asks. I listen closely to my clients, really trying to understand not just what they say they want, but what they don’t yet know they need. Translating those unspoken ideas into beautiful, functional designs is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Pricing:
- Don’t pay attention to HGTV
- Kitchen and Baths are the most expensive rooms to remodel
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.muinteriordesigns.com
- Instagram: muinteriordesigns
- Facebook: muinteriordesigns
Image Credits
Linda Kasenow
