Side Hustle Spotlight: Lee Mayer of Havenly

In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, side hustles have become a popular avenue for individuals seeking to turn their passions into profitable ventures. One remarkable example is Lee Mayer, co-founder of Havenly, an innovative interior design and home decorating company. Alongside her sister, Emily Motayed, Lee transformed a simple idea into a thriving brand based in Denver, Colorado. This article delves into Lee’s journey, the challenges she faced, and the insights she gained along the way.

From Consulting to Creativity

Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Lee was entrenched in the world of consulting, strategy, and finance. These roles, while lucrative, left her feeling unfulfilled. "I was working in classic post-business-school roles that offered high compensation but weren’t particularly rewarding," she reflects. The transition from a stable career to the unpredictable realm of entrepreneurship was not just a leap of faith; it was a quest for personal fulfillment.

The Spark of Inspiration

Lee’s inspiration for Havenly struck when she moved from a compact 700-square-foot apartment in New York City to a spacious home in Denver. The stark contrast in living space ignited her desire to create a home that truly reflected her personality and tastes. However, the daunting nature of traditional interior design services, combined with her demanding work schedule, led her to question why such services weren’t more accessible and affordable.

This inquiry laid the groundwork for Havenly, an online design service that leverages technology to make home decorating enjoyable and accessible for everyone. "We wanted to create a service that made designing your home delightful," Lee explains. The venture quickly gained traction, and Havenly expanded its reach by acquiring several other online home furnishings brands, including Interior Define and Burrow.

Laying the Foundation

The initial steps to launch Havenly involved extensive market research. Lee and Emily engaged in conversations with friends, family, and industry connections to refine their concept. They conducted a survey that gathered insights from nearly 1,000 potential customers, ensuring their service would meet real needs.

Lee emphasizes the importance of focusing on impactful outcomes rather than getting bogged down in processes. "In the beginning, you should be moving the needle in huge ways, not incrementally," she advises. This mindset helped them prioritize what truly mattered in the early stages of their business.

Navigating Challenges

Entrepreneurship is often romanticized, but Lee candidly shares the realities of running a startup. "It’s a lot more work than most people think, and it’s not always glamorous," she notes. The long hours, the financial strain, and the multifaceted responsibilities—from customer service to coding—can be overwhelming. Lee acknowledges that stepping away from a well-paying job to pursue a passion can lead to years of uncertainty before seeing any financial reward.

The Funding Journey

Securing funding is a critical aspect of launching a business, and Lee’s experience was no exception. She faced numerous rejections—140, to be exact—before finally receiving her first yes from an investor. "Don’t take rejection personally," she advises aspiring entrepreneurs. "The early stages of fundraising can be tough, and it’s often influenced by factors beyond your control."

Lee also emphasizes the value of building connections with other founders who have successfully navigated similar funding rounds. These relationships can provide not only valuable insights but also emotional support during challenging times.

Current Success and Future Growth

Today, Havenly is thriving, boasting revenues in the hundreds of millions and experiencing double-digit growth. Lee expresses her excitement about continuing to expand and serve a growing customer base across all their brands. "I’ve had the enormous privilege of working with incredibly talented people," she shares, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels their success.

Actionable Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey, Lee offers practical advice: "Filter feedback through your own lens, which should be tethered to data-based reality." She encourages entrepreneurs to focus on the next most important task rather than getting overwhelmed by the myriad of responsibilities ahead.

"Just get to work—keep putting one foot in front of the other in the general right direction," she concludes. This straightforward approach can lead to significant progress over time.

Conclusion

Lee Mayer’s journey from a corporate career to co-founding Havenly is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that with determination, resilience, and a clear vision, it is possible to turn a side hustle into a successful brand. For those interested in exploring more stories like Lee’s, consider subscribing to the Money Makers newsletter for creative side hustle ideas and strategies for success.