photos by: VINES STUDIOS
To say that Darris Perkins always welcomes a good challenge might be a serious understatement!
Starting her own business in a typically male dominated industry is chapter one of her story, but the creative journey is far from over. After all, how rare is it to meet someone who can truly say they would be “honored and thrilled” to be doing the same job for the rest of their life? Now you know Darris!
While facing a post-pandemic job layoff in 2020, she filled her days with completing a few fun updates at her own home – and dabbled with projects for friends and family. Documenting these creative endeavors on social media sparked others to share her accomplishments, and her new business – Dare to Design – was born!
On her own, she is literally a full service interior design firm, and yes, you’ll see a picture of her with a saw in hand because, yes, she is the one doing the work.
“It’s still rare to be a woman in this industry – and that has been the hardest uphill battle,” shares Darris. That includes convincing doubters she is capable of not only the design concept, but of making it happen, as well.
“They think I might be the designer, sure, but couldn’t possibly have completed all that work by myself!” she adds. “Even male contractors I work with are still surprised.”
While Darris tells us she wouldn’t have believed in a million years that her “hobby” could become a longterm achievement, she’s inspired on a daily basis by how far she has come.
“Now that I’m thoroughly rooted in it – I can totally see myself retiring while doing exactly this! My clients also have really cool visions – so that pushes me creatively.”
Darris is also dedicated to keeping the renovation process as relaxing as possible for clients – not always the case with potentially stressful home projects. Those fortunate clients – mostly in the Triad area, but a few in Charlotte and Raleigh – tend to see her as a friend who happens to have the magic touch that keeps them calm and collected throughout their installation.
Naturally, some meaningful words of wisdom emerge as Darris continues to succeed in a typically male work arena – wisdom she hopes other female entrepreneurs will take to heart and pass along!
“Don’t be scared to show up and try new things! Even if I’m asked to do something I haven’t done before, for some crazy reason I still say ‘yes!’” she shares. “When I get anxious, I still trust myself and know I’m in the right place. It’s the thrill of being in that space right before accomplishing something really incredible – I know I’m stubborn, and I’m going to figure it out.”
Taking the leap of faith to start a small business was a big step for the girl who always struggled with “trusting her gut” – but Darris says overcoming that fear has made her feel even more comfortable in the role.
An avid follower of design details to tempt her clients, she tells us she’s currently seeing requests for lots of arches especially in shelves and doorways.
“I’m also eyeing a lot of earthy, organic tones and interesting textures – which I am all about – and also color-drenching (floor-to-ceiling in all one shade)!”
What’s her current favorite – and decidedly most fun – home project? Stylish, built-in doggie crates, of course!
“I’ve always tried to maintain a certain aesthetic in our home but then realized upstairs we had these ugly metal dog crates for our pitbull and bulldog. I’ve also brainstormed unique options for doggie doors with clients or a new doggie hideaway right under the stairs!” she adds.
While truly building the business of her dreams, Darris is also an encourager, happy to nudge other entrepreneurs to get out of their own way – and give their dreams a shot.
“When women want to start a business, imposter syndrome often sneaks in,” she explains. “It’s normal to feel insecure, but don’t let that get in your way. I will always be grateful to that first client who took a chance on me.”
From those adorable doggie crates to fireplaces, bookshelves, kitchen and bathroom updates, unique cosmetic touches, statement ceilings and, lately, a renewed interest in the unexpected whimsy of wallpaper – the possibilities are endless.
Five years in, Darris will tell you putting that last knob on a kitchen cabinet and glimpsing a smile on the client’s face just never, ever gets old!
To schedule a private consultation with Darris, email [email protected], and follow her latest projects and passions on Facebook and Instagram @daretodesignnc.
