Portrait of an Entrepreneur: Laurie Fournier
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<p><em>Entrepreneur Profile - Meet inspiring people who have chosen to earn a living by being self-employed. Discover their story, unique lifestyle, and challenges through a humanistic perspective. Today, we meet Laurie, an interior designer who now owns her agency.</em></p>
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<h3><strong>1- Tell us About Yourself</strong></h3>
<p>I have been an interior and architectural designer for two years and a self-employed worker for one year. I studied interior design at Marie-Victorin’s Cegep, and then I decided to continue further by getting a bachelor's degree in interior design. I also had the chance to participate in a student exchange program that allowed me to study at the private university Camando in Paris. It is a university specializing in interior design.</p>
<h3><strong>2- Where Does Your Interest in Interior Design Come From?</strong></h3>
<p>When I arrived at the Marie-Victorin’s Cegep, my desire to design was unleashed. I always managed to stand out from other students with my creativity; I always could imagine and conceptualize spaces easily.</p>
<h3><strong>3- How Did You Become Self-Employed?</strong></h3>
<p>I took the opportunity to start my business following the partial closure of the design agency I was working for. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I told myself that I should start my own agency. If they could do it, so do I!</p>
<h3><strong>4- What Is the Most Challenging Part of Self-Employment?</strong></h3>
<p>I believe that the most challenging part is everything related to invoicing and administrative tasks.</p>
<h3><strong>5- Which Part of Being Self-Employed Do You Like the Most?</strong></h3>
<p>What I like the most about my work is the freedom of doing my schedule and managing my clients' projects.</p>
<h3><strong>6- Tell Us About Your Work Routine.</strong></h3>
<p>My work routine is quite classic, I would say. I start by taking a small cup of coffee, and then I answer my emails. The rest of my day can vary a lot. Depending on my projects, I sometimes need to look for inspiration, meet my clients or the architect, make models, estimates, construction plans, building sites, and project monitoring. I also like to create content for social media in the afternoon. I sometimes visit my projects to take photos of the progress.</p>
<h3><strong>7- What Are the Online Tools You Could Not Live Without?</strong></h3>
<p>I would say that the tools I mainly use are Revit, Autocad, Indesign, Photoshop, Unfold, lift, Office, Canva, and of course Momenteo.</p>
<h3><strong>8. How Did You Learn About Momenteo, and How Long Have You Been Using It?</strong></h3>
<p>I have been using Momenteo for the last two months. A friend of mine who works in finances told me about it.</p>
<h3><strong>9- What Makes Momenteo Different from Other Accounting Programs?</strong></h3>
<p>What I like the most about Momenteo is that it is easy to use. I like to have an overview of my expenses and upcoming bills.</p>
<h3><strong>10- How Did You Find Your First Customers? </strong></h3>
<p>People of my entourage referred my first clients.</p>
<h3><strong>11. What Are Your Tips for Someone Who Would Like to Get Into Freelance?</strong></h3>
<p>I have only one tip: be passionate about your work and surround yourself with the right people.</p>
<h3><strong> 12. What Would You Say to Someone Who Would Like to Use the Services of an Interior Designer?</strong></h3>
<p>It is important to choose the right design regarding your needs and style. You can ask for a portfolio with examples of past projects; it will allow you to understand how they work and create better. It is also important to always prioritize an in-person meeting before starting a project to ensure it fits and you feel that we are there to meet your needs.</p>
<h3><strong>13. What Are You Most Proud of About Being an Entrepreneur?</strong></h3>
<p>What makes me the proudest is seeing my ideas come to fruition at the end. This makes me very proud.</p>
<h3><strong>14. Do You Have any Big Plans for This Spring?</strong></h3>
<p>Many new projects indeed. I do not accept any new clients before this summer</p>
<h3><strong>15. How Can We Contact You?</strong></h3>
<p>You can contact me on social media; Instagram: @laurieratelier, Facebook: @laurieratelier, and LinkedIn: Atelier Laurier.</p>
<p>Or by email: laurieratelier@gmail.com</p>
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