Interior designer, mom, and founder of Vivacious Interiors by Tiara, Tiara Holloway embodies determination and creativity. A self-taught designer from Richmond, Virginia, Holloway has spent the last 13 years mastering her craft, bringing a modern yet simple and unique touch to her clients’ homes. Her passion for interior design, which began in her childhood home, has flourished into a thriving business, helping others elevate their spaces.

Recently, Holloway opened up about her journey into interior design and how her faith-led path has created a new community. She shared all the details with Home & Texture.

A Childhood Discovery

Do you ever feel the urge to switch out your furniture or find new ways to enhance your living spaces? For Tiara Holloway, this was a constant part of her childhood. Whether decorating, accessorizing, designing or simply rearranging furniture, she always had a knack for change. From a young age, Holloway would frequently revamp her room. “I was always into decorating my room when I was younger,” she shared. Whether it involved painting, cleaning, or putting up wallpaper, it was never a chore or just a hobby—it was an instinct, something that she later realized would change her life. Little did she know, she was a designer all along.

Holloway’s constant desire to transform her surroundings inspired her start in interior design, but the journey wasn’t always easy.

Navigating the Noes

When rejection crept in, Holloway gracefully stayed true to herself and never allowed a “no” to keep her from following her dreams. When asked about navigating the “noes,” Holloway shared what it was like. “This is the million-dollar question!” She said. “I had noes back to back to back! I didn’t have anyone to guide or show me where to start [in her journey].”

Being turned down was the cherry on top for Holloway, fueling her purpose and turning the “noes” into “yeses.” Much of the rejection Holloway received helped her realize exactly what she wanted, allowing her to not lose sight of herself. “I wanted my passion that I’ve gotten in trouble for as a little girl to show.” And it did. Staying true to her authentic self and style soon led to her first clients. “The noes are setting you up for that one yes!”

Faith Meets Purpose

One major component of Holloway’s success is her faith. “My faith and trust in God showed me that anything is possible.” It has kept her going for 13 years and counting, and with a constant prayer life, her goals and intentions have come to fruition.

Vivacious Interior by Tiara

Holloway’s booming business, Vivacious Interiors by Tiara, has transformed numerous homes by seamlessly blending her structured approach with her clients’ unique personalities and styles. The purpose of her design business is to bring each space to life through clear communication and unwavering support, maintaining close contact until your dream home becomes a reality. With extensive experience and a strong network, Holloway ensures that every idea is carefully noted and skillfully executed.

RVA Design Group

After facing rejection and a lack of guidance, Holloway understood the struggles others experience when they don’t know where to turn. This inspired her to launch the RVA Design Group. “I was in their shoes, trying to find my way… trying to figure it all out—understanding design, trade accounts, vendors, pricing, marketing, everything!” she recalls. The group, which includes designers, stagers, realtors, and contractors, serves as a safe space for all who join.

For those looking to break into interior design, Holloway offers this advice: “Start! Just start! You don’t know what you are capable of until you begin,” she encourages. “Find someone who has done it, get a mentor, join a group… do the research for what you want to do.”

Keep up with Tiara Holloway to learn more about her journey, services, and favorite decor pieces.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.