Ezz Wilson
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I am an interior stylist/decorator/designer/consultant. My goal is to help you create a living or work space that meets your aesthetic, emotional, and practical needs.”
I also style and shoot photos for companies that want more "pinnable" and "shareable" product and brand images on their social media and websites, whether it's homewares, furniture, wellness products, etc.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I began assisting a prop stylist, then began working with interior designers and now offer interior styling and consulting for different clients.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I'm a holistic interior decorator (stylist or designer). It might sound a lil' woo-woo or esoteric, but whether you realize it or not, we're all deeply affected by our surroundings, and I'm a big believer in decorating and designing a space based on how you want it to FEEL and how it represents you on a deeper emotional, spiritual and psychological level. I also have a background in public health and holistic nutrition and love incorporating that knowledge into interiors. For example, how can I clean up the air in my home , how can I choose building materials and decor that are less toxic, how can I clean up my drinking and shower water, how can I bring in nature--or a feeling of the natural world--into my work or living space (which is scientifically proven to improve health, lower stress, increase productivity, etc.), and how can I start practicing sustainability within the home and workplace? I even try to incorporate a little Ayurveda into my design principles. Basically, I would love to help people create little sanctuaries for themselves in these stressful and difficult times, no matter how big or small their budget may be!
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I just wrapped up a styling project for a client in the wellness industry and am trying to reassess how to better serve others through interior design, add more value to people's lives and create work that goes beyond sheer consumerism and aesthetics.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I love working with diverse clients and enjoy pushing myself out of my own comfort zone, but my own personal style is more on the simple, neutral, and earthy side with a collected, somewhat quirky and artsy Mediterranean twist. If I had to use a slogan, maybe "the Golden Girls go to Sweden." Or maybe my style is a cross between a Swedish farmer and a bohemian Spanish artist? I'm of Puerto Rican descent and grew up in a sunny climate with plenty of tropical and Mediterranean influences, but I also lived in Sweden and love lots of airy, white interiors, so that I think that definitely influences my work. The connecting thread is airy, warm, and textured spaces that are modern but at least a little bohemian.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I'm an introvert through and through, but I feel like I need to push myself more when it comes to networking, social events, public speaking, Instagram stories, videos, etc.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Having to narrow my scope of focus. I have so many ideas, creative impulses, hobbies and desires but there's only one of me!
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Anything financial and administrative. I'm an ideas person and dream of having an assistant who loves the nitty-gritty, logistical and managerial aspects of my field.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
It's OK if you don't have it all figured out career-wise. I put way too much pressure on myself for years after college to find my one path. And sure, it would've been easier if I knew exactly what I wanted to do and went full-force down a straight path toward that goal. But I really had to try my hand at different types of jobs to really understand who I was, what I was good at, and what I wanted. And just because you love doing something, doesn't mean you should do it for work! I tried turning a particular hobby of me into a job and I realized I really didn't enjoy doing it outside of a casual hobby--it became joyless!
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Refining my focus.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I'm open to all kinds of projects, whether it be designing a home, office, clinic, retail space, restaurant, etc.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
Ooh, I have a few in mind! One day, I would love to work on designing a restaurant. One that feels very warm, welcoming and personal while still being fresh and contemporary. I wish more eating establishments took more risks in the design department and weren't afraid of infusing a little more personality and quirk into their aesthetic. It just seems so much more memorable and hospitable to me. I really saw a lot of that design spirit in France and Spain!
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
It all depends on the scope and demands of the project, but feel free to email me about your general budget and what your needs are. And don't be shy if you have a small budget. If we're a good fit, I'll be honest about what I can do for that price and do my best to provide something of value to you within your parameters!
WHO IS A CREATIVE THAT HAS HELPED YOU ELEVATE YOUR WORK?
Here are some websites and Instagram accounts that have been a source of inspiration for me:
Victoria Smith behind www.sfgirlbybay.com
Nikki Brantmark behind www.myscandinavianhome.com
Sarah Ellison @sarahellisonstudio
Haley Lim @mylittlebooktique
Audrey Rivet @audreyrivet
Emilie Desjarlais @brookandpeony
Sarah Babineau @kara_bino
Taylor Sterling @taylorsterling
Nikki Ogilvy @nikau.flowerbar
Tinta Luhrman @tintaluhrman
So many more!
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way to get in touch is to email me with as many details as you can about your project and whether or not you need ideas from me or have a very specific vision. And we can chat on the phone if you'd prefer that, too!
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
I try to look outside of interiors for inspiration!
This member profile was originally published in July 2019.