[Classic Becca with:] is a business series interviewing entrepreneurs focusing on the what, how and whys of being a creative business owner or working in an unusual career. 

Topology Interiors

What is your business?

My business is Topology Interiors, run by myself (Athina) and my co-designer friend Amy, who works remotely in Berlin. Primarily we are a virtual interior design service, catering towards those who want a well designed home but without the hassle. We do everything digitally so the client can sit back and relax whilst we do the work. It’s affordable interior design made simple! We also run an interior inspiration blog where you can view a series of house tours (AKA Style Files) read interviews with industry experts and see reviews on homeware buys - as well as getting promo cods to shop the items. We like to think of ourselves as your guide to the world of affordable interiors.

Describe yourself in a few words…

Workaholic / Homeware addict / Weird in a good way 

"If I see a successful person I just think – if they can do it, I definitely can"

What inspires you?

Seeing people succeed. Whenever I come across someone who's smashing it in their industry field, particularly the interiors industry for me, I instantly feel inspired and it encourages me to keep working hard and do the best I can. As cliché as that sounds, it's true. If I see a successful person I just think – if they can do it, I definitely can. 

Tell us how you first got into your business, Topology Interiors...

I used to work for the BBC dragon Kelly Hoppen (Interior Designer, Dragons Den, Great British Interior Design Challenge) for her homeware company. When speaking to people in Kelly’s studio who came in to get ideas and look at her range, they would always ask for my advice. People seemed to open up to me and show me pictures of their homes and see what products I’d recommend. It was from here that I started getting asked for my email address so I could send some advice over email. It was from here, I thought – hey, maybe I can make a business out of this. I started charging people a small fee for my time and for sourcing products for them. Topology then grew organically from that, and here I am about 1 year later! 

How do you balance your working week?

I’m probably the worst person to ask this question to! As mentioned, I’m a workaholic. I know that it’s so important to find that work-life balance, however because I love my business so much and it excites me, I find that I am working all hours of the day. I am however starting to realise that you do need your down time! Sundays are becoming my ‘me day’ where I don’t arrange plans and simply relax. All other days though I’m rushing around like a mad woman. 

Are you working on any [personal] projects at the moment?

I’m currently working with homeware brand Wayfair after they selected me as one of their homeware experts. I essentially blog about their products, style and review them. I’m currently choosing some items to feature on an upcoming blog post on how to style a gold side table, so stay tuned! 

"I recently got to meet Theo Paphitis and got my press photo with him to collect a Small Business Award"

What’s been the proudest moment whilst running your business to date?

I recently got to meet Theo Paphitis at the Small Business Saturday winners Event after winning #SBS on Twitter, which is Theo's Small Buisness Award. I got to have my press photo taken with him and to collect my Award – that was pretty surreal because I literally started Topology from my bedroom so it’s nice to see that a business entrepreneur like him can see the potential in my business! 

Tea or Coffee? 

Ask me in the morning and I’d say coffee – ask me in the afternoon and I’d say tea.

You can find Topology Interiors on Instagram & Twitter as well as their beautiful website! 

If you are interested in taking part in this series please email becca@classicbecca.com with your business and links and a little bit about yourself.