A Little More About Me

(The heart behind Collins & Co. Interiors)

Hi, I’m Danielle.

I’m married to the best human I know, Erik, and together we’re raising Collins (9) and David (5). Truly, I believe my children were placed on this earth to teach me far more about life than I could ever teach them. Each of them carries their own personality, their own soul, their own perspective.

My favorite thing in the world is simply being present with my husband and kids. And if I’m honest, that feels more challenging than ever as my business continues to grow.

But that tension — between ambition and presence, has shaped me in ways I’m grateful for.

Where It All Began

I hold a double major in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Central Florida. I originally planned to become a special education teacher. My aunt had Down syndrome and spent much of her childhood alongside our family, and her life deeply shaped mine. She gave me an early education in empathy, patience, and unconditional love.

At 23, during a personally difficult season of navigating a divorce, I went into business 50/50 with a prominent Orlando entrepreneur to open a boutique in Winter Park. She saw my eye for style and sourcing, and together we built something successful. I traveled across the U.S., Bali, Hawaii — sourcing pieces, learning markets, understanding margins, and leading a team of six by age 25.

But I also learned something equally important: 50/50 partnerships are complex. When vision and involvement don’t align, growth stalls. Eventually, I sold the business and started over.

That decision — walking away from something successful — taught me more about courage than any win ever could.

The Corporate Chapter

After marrying Erik and welcoming Collins, I returned to the workforce and became VP of Development at a large national nonprofit. I led teams and navigated funding conversations ranging from $100,000 to $1 million — often across the table from CEOs and business leaders.

Those rooms taught me something powerful: preparation builds confidence, presence builds trust, and clarity builds authority. A room decides quickly whether to trust your voice.

I loved that challenge. I loved even being underestimated.

Those skills serve me daily as the founder of Collins & Co. Interiors.

The Moment Everything Shifted

One day, driving alone, I asked myself: What would I tell Collins if she had an innate talent and wasn’t using it?

That question became the foundation of Collins & Co.

It started humbly — my goal was to make an extra $1,000 a month to help cover private school tuition. (I had actually forgotten that was the original goal until recently.)

For three years, I woke up at 3 a.m. to build this business alongside my full-time job. I hired a social media manager and a design assistant before I ever went full-time. Eventually, I took the leap — and never looked back.

The Farm Girl Foundation

I grew up on a farm in a middle-class family. Horses, four-wheelers, endless outdoor freedom. My dad worked in construction. We had love — so much love — but money was always tight.

I competed in show jumping and learned early what it meant to stretch resources. Secondhand boots. Shared trainers. Making it work.

In fifth grade, we lost our home and moved into an apartment. That season changed me. It taught me we create our own destiny — and we belong at any table we’re prepared to sit at.

I spent hours at Barnes & Noble reading business and etiquette books, determined to build a different future. A mentor once told me I might have to outwork others because of my circumstances — but preparation and grit could level any playing field.

I still believe that.

Knowledge is accessible. Books are powerful. Effort compounds.

Some assume I grew up with privilege or financial backing. I didn’t. And while I don’t always lead with that part of my story, it shaped everything — my work ethic, integrity, empathy, and the way I serve clients today.

When you’ve had nothing to fall back on, you learn how to build something solid, meaningful, and lasting.

Why Interior Design?

If I’m honest, I’ve always seen things. I’m drawn to beauty in the spaces we live in.

Interior design feels like a natural extension of that first boutique business — I’m still curating, still sourcing, still refining — but now I’m creating homes that hold a family’s memories for decades.

Growing up with a dad in construction, I’ve been on jobsites since I was a baby. And truthfully, I’ve been telling men what to do there since I was two — so not much has changed…

What keeps me inspired is that every home is a story waiting to unfold. I love helping families create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and layered with intention. Homes where laughter echoes. Where children grow. Where life happens.

How Collins & Co. Has Evolved

In so many ways.

Today, I work exclusively with clients who trust the process, follow the process, and understand the why behind what we’re doing. I’ve invested heavily in mentorship and refining the client experience — and it’s been a game changer.

Clear is kind.

This is my business, and we operate with structure. We aren’t shopping together at HomeGoods. (I don’t even have time to shop at HomeGoods for myself.) Although I do still love the thrill of a great find.

But there is a designer for everyone — and I’ve built a firm for clients who value strategy, preparation, and a high-level, fully managed experience.

What “Home” Means to Me Right Now

Home is the place where my kids burst through the front door — backpacks dropped, shoes kicked off without a second thought.

It’s their safe haven.

Where chicken nuggets are made and spelling tests are conquered.

Where we curl up beside the person we love, a glass of wine in hand, after the house has finally gone quiet.

Our home is an extension of us. It raises our children. It shapes who we become.

It’s the backdrop of their childhood — the quiet layer behind their smiles in photos long after they’ve grown.

Home isn’t just where we live.

It’s where our story is told.

Thank you for being here. Truly. If you’ve read this far, you’re not just browsing — you’re investing in understanding the heart behind the work. And that means more than you know.

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