Her Story
About Dawn
Dawn Anderson is an interior designer and owner of Dawn Designs Co in Peyton, Colorado. She started in the field in 2005 as a home stager and worked in that capacity for 11 years before expanding into whole house interior design. In 2015 she returned to school to earn her interior design degree, which she credits with providing important credentials. Anderson works with builders on new home construction, handles remodels and redesigns, and offers room makeovers. She travels to markets such as High Point four times a year to stay current on trends while guiding clients toward timeless design rather than fleeting styles. Anderson attributes her success to the freedom to pursue new ideas, the support of her husband, viewing her ADHD as a creative superpower that encourages pivoting, surrounding herself with motivated peers, intentional use of time, a sense of wonder, and her faith. She values honesty, transparency, and integrity above all and emphasizes mentoring young women by sharing knowledge openly. Her best career advice includes never discarding work that is not going as planned, refining until it is perfect, never quitting, continuing to learn, and ensuring the process remains enjoyable.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dawn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the freedom to do what I want and having a very supportive husband who encourages new ideas. My ADHD is like a superpower because I'm not afraid to try new things and pivot when needed. I surround myself with like-minded people who keep me motivated and always learning. Being intentional with my time, having a sense of wonder, and a strong faith help me make the most of every day. I want to arrive in heaven completely worn out from using every opportunity God has given me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received from an art professor is to not throw away work that isn't going as planned but to keep working it because you can turn it around. My partner and I had the saying 'if we don't love it, we're not done' which taught me to keep refining until it's perfect. Don't quit, keep learning, and make sure you're having fun - if it's not fun, we're doing it wrong. I also learned to always be open to critical feedback and possibility even with bumps in the road.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I mentor young women by inviting them along to markets and sharing everything I know because knowledge isn't proprietary. If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room - always seek to be mentored and to mentor others. Share what you know to strengthen your own understanding and create goodwill. I tell young women to come with me, learn the ropes, and absorb influences from many sources without being proprietary.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are the noise in the industry, older designers afraid of AI and technology, tariffs affecting furnishings from other countries, and educating clients that time and expertise deserve to be paid for. Opportunities come from embracing AI to visualize designs for clients, holding classes to teach others, going to markets like High Point to stay ahead of trends, and building relationships.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and transparency are foundational - if you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything else, and I cannot work with people I can't trust. Intentionality is key: do it right the first time, recognize good in others with thank you notes, and don't waste time or use people. Faith guides me to use my talents purposefully without making them cheap. I value enduring friendships maintained intentionally and empowering women by recognizing their contributions.
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