Pulling Back The Curtain 20 Years
CHILDHOOD
Growing up, my mom had a clear box filled with art supplies, including little wooden boxes that we could paint and small hot glue gun crafts. I believe that's where my creativity truly began! I've always been drawn to art and drawing, and I remember winning a small contest showcasing different creative ventures. However, I struggled with writing and reading; in fact, I didn't really learn to read until the third or fourth grade. It's interesting to think that, despite that early struggle, I still became a successful entrepreneur. On the other hand, I excelled in math, often being one or two grades ahead in my math courses. This aptitude has been immensely helpful in running a successful design business and managing a secondary textiles business.
As a child, my family moved frequently, and I have lived in ten states throughout my life, attending many different schools. This constant change had a significant impact on me, especially regarding my passion for interior design. I would often plan and design my room and conceptualize the layout for each new place we lived. I drew little floor plans of what I imagined the spaces could look like. It wasn't until high school, while preparing for college applications, that I seriously considered interior design as a career. To be honest, I had never even heard of interior design as a profession until then.
When evaluating different colleges and narrowing down potential career paths, I knew I wanted to pursue something in the creative field or psychology. Although I recognized that psychology might offer a higher salary, I have always been one to trust my instincts. My gut told me to pursue my passion, which was interior design. I applied to design school and was fortunate enough to be accepted; I learned that over 250 applicants had competed for only 50 spots, and I was one of the lucky ones.
COLLEGE
In my sophomore year, I experienced a brief setback when I left the interior design program to explore graphic design. Unfortunately, after three weeks, I realized that I had made a mistake; graphic design felt two-dimensional for me. Though I had always loved graphic arts, it was not my true calling. Regrettably, the program I was attending was the last class being offered at the university, meaning I couldn't simply transfer back to interior design. I approached my professors and begged them to let me return, and by the grace of God, they allowed me back in. There was a catch: I couldn't make up any missed classes or assignments. I still needed to complete the coursework, so in my 3D modeling class, I was required to create some of the most outrageous 3D shapes possible and combine them, all under a tight deadline of 24 hours. I spent that entire night gluing and cutting these little shapes to fit together, resulting in a grade, I believe, of a C. This unfortunate situation did impact my grades, but I persevered and graduated with my bachelor's degree.
During my senior year, I took a textiles class that ignited my passion for textiles. We learned about sustainable sourcing, different fabrics, and even the requirements for flammability, among other things that go into creating textiles. I had seen a couple of designers selling pillows, but there weren't many at the time, making this even more exciting for me. However, the analytical side of me knew it would take money to finance such an endeavor, so I would sketch my ideas and try to have fun with them.
As a senior in school, I began working for an online e-design company, which opened new doors for me by pushing my creative boundaries in digital design. I had pursued a design internship at the prestigious Foley & Cox in New York City during my junior year of college. I loved the city and had an amazing experience during my internship. Upon graduation, I hoped to return to New York, but given the circumstances in my life at that point, I aimed to settle in Salt Lake, pay off my student loans, and eventually move back to New York. With that plan in mind, I took my first job out of school in Salt Lake City.
INTO THE WORKFORCE
This job, however, was a disappointment. I realized I was somewhat naïve about the job market and how design firms operate compared to furniture dealerships or showrooms. I ended up working at a furniture showroom, not fully understanding the services they offered. I was promised the opportunity to collaborate with architects on architectural drawings, but on my first day, I learned I would be making only $400 every two weeks—definitely not enough to cover my bills. I immediately began searching for a new job.
Fortunately, within two and a half weeks, I secured my first role at an architecture firm in Provo. By then, I was living in the Avenues and facing a daily commute of over an hour, sometimes up to two hours each way, which I maintained for two years. During that time, I got married and realized I needed a job closer to home. I had always been interested in hospitality and residential design, as my work had primarily focused on commercial design. Therefore, I took a position at Think Architecture in Salt Lake City. However, I was there for only a year when a previous client approached me for a project. Unfortunately, due to my agreement with my previous employer, I could not take it on. I approached my old boss, who offered me a position to return, which allowed me the flexibility to work both from home and at the office, an essential balance given the stress of my two-hour daily commute.
As time went on, it became apparent that I wanted to grow the interior design team. I began building an interior design company under my boss's architectural firm, hiring team members and developing marketing strategies, eventually growing the team to five people in about a year—a significant milestone for me. I had my son and realized the strain of long hours as a new mom was taking a toll. It became clear that I needed to step away from that role and start my own company to have more flexibility in my schedule.
ENTREPRENUERSHIP
I remember my very first project as a new entrepreneur, unsure if I would gain clients or have the confidence to succeed. Support from my amazing husband, who believed in me and encouraged me, became a great source of motivation. I used my bonus from my previous job, which I left right after Christmas, to fund Eden and Co. In the early days, I was determined to build it from the ground up.
Around that time, I also became pregnant with my daughter, and the journey continued. Throughout this period, I remained passionate about textiles, but I was acutely aware of the many things I didn’t know. My husband, a software engineer who had previously worked as a graphic designer, agreed to help me in November 2023. One night, he approached me, ready to join me in this venture. I emphasized that if he was on board, it had to be a complete commitment because, for anyone who knows me, I don’t do things halfway. Together, we’ve been working behind the scenes, with him handling the technical aspects while I focus on design and marketing. It’s an exciting adventure that fuels my creativity.
It’s wild to think that this dream has been in the making since I was 17. Even today, I come home and browse design magazines, scroll through Instagram for inspiration, and explore Pinterest. Yes, there are times when I feel burnt out and creatively drained, but the growth of Thread keeps pushing me in new directions. I am incredibly passionate about design, and I look forward to what the future holds!
Thank you for listening to my life story! I’m just a girl with a dream and a group of supportive people around me that constantly lift me. I hope my story inspires you to reach for that goal, whatever it is in your life! Anyone and everyone can live the life they dream of.
XOXO
Eden Stringham