Girls Can Be Contractors Too!
A deep dive into the life of designer and entrepreneur Rebecca Sabourin - a home improvement trailblazer whose story enourages us to take risks & pursue dreams. PLUS links galore after the interview.
In case you’re new here, every four weeks or so, I switch things up, and instead of What I’d Rather Be Talking About, it’s Who I’d Rather Be Talking About - where I share the lives and careers of interesting people I think you all should meet.
I love getting a glimpse at how other people are doing “it” (as in life), and sharing the details.
I do this because…
I believe true magic happens when we share our stories.
To be specific… hearing how others approach careers, family, and life often inspire us to try new things and reach new levels. (At least that happens to me when I hear what others are doing.)
We get new perspectives on how to change our own life situations.
And here’s the crazy thing - I think I’ve been destined to share these stories since I was very young (maybe even 3 or 4).
You see, I’ve been fascinated with the many ways of living and working since watching a Sesame Street segment called People in Your Neighborhood.
(Who remembers it?🙋♀️)
The segment featured “the people that you meet, when you’re walking down the street…” (All told in a snappy theme song.)
Now, granted this was the 70s, so a lot of the jobs fit stereotypical roles. But not always - Sesame Street was cutting edge as they’d often show women doing jobs previously consider “men’s jobs.” (Like the woman muppet plumber featured here.)
Bringing this flashback back to today’s newsletter, today I’m featuring someone who works in a space that tends to have more guys than gals.
Let’s meet Rebecca Sabourin - designer, contractor, and owner of Surface Design Company.
I met Rebecca back in 2023, when I was telling a friend that my bathroom was vibing in the 90s and in need of a revival.
My friend quickly told me about her recent remodel and said:
“You’ve got to use Rebecca. She runs a woman-owned design company,
and simply put, she is amazing.
Rebecca is organized, listens, has great energy,
and has a prompt, tidy, and courteous crew who always show up on time.”
The list went on and on.
Then I learned another friend had used & loved Rebecca’s company. (She was actually the one who “discovered” Rebecca.)
When two trusted friends tell you someone’s good, you listen.
I called Rebecca for a consultation, and it didn’t take much for my husband and me to sign on the dotted line. As I type, our project is near completion. (I’ll share photos in an upcoming newsletter.)
But for now, let me introduce you to one of the People in My Neighborhood, Rebecca Sabourin of Surface Design Company.
Rebecca is rocking the world of home remodeling - a space typically dominated by men - and I think you’ll agree that she’s pretty darn impressive.
Without further adieu, let’s meet Rebecca!
Can you tell us about your background?
I grew up in Racine, WI in a small mid century modern ranch. My parents were very middle class hardworking people that never took a break, especially for themselves. I watched them struggle with side hustles to make ends meet. Because we couldn't afford to hire anyone to do work on our cars or house, my dad taught himself how to build or fix anything. When I was in high school, they decided it was time to get out of the city and built a house all on their own over the course of 3 years (weekends) and moved me and my brother to what seemed like the middle of nowhere.
Tell us about your education and early career moves.
After getting an art scholarship to Cardinal Stritch in 1996, I moved to Milwaukee and have been in the area ever since.
In my twenties, I spent most of my time taking classes in many creative areas like cooking and design, which led to side businesses such as a muralist and a personal chef.
After working for several companies in sales and project management, I landed a job doing design, sales and project management for a remodeling company. After working for the company for about 5 years, I decided to go out on my own again and do some light remodeling (resurfacing work) which is why I named it Surface Design Company and that led to larger and larger remodels.
How has your life and career evolved?
The biggest thing I have learned is that I am not a “sit at a desk all day” or “stick with repetition for too long” type of person.
I also like to use my right and left brain daily. These revelations have led me to the work I do now.
Also, my parents taught me that being happy is more important than money and trying new things can be rewarding.
These lessons gave me the courage to go for it when it came to trying new things in business and life.
Can you tell us about Surface Design Company?
I started the company due to my experience with other remodeling firms. I hired a contractor to do a remodel on my Bayview home 15 years ago, and didn’t have a great experience. Seeing the wrong way to do things helped me to figure out the right way to do them.
At Surface Design Company, we’re different because we listen. We try to envision how our clients will use the space, and how it will elevate their life.
We also value communication and honesty.
How do you juggle your business with the business of being a mom?
My active kids are 11 and 13. That is always the challenge for any parent who is also trying to live their passion.
I make sure that there is always dedicated time for them each week, even if it means taking on less work.
What does your process look like, especialy when you have multiple projects?
We’re a pretty small team.
I have a part-time office person / designer and about 7 guys who we use regularly for all our jobs.
We only take on 1-2 jobs at a time so that the outcome and relationships stay at a level we all love.
What types of projects do you do? Do you have a favorite design style?
We do any interior remodeling from just doors and trim to whole first floor remodels and basement build outs.
My favorite design style is a mix of organic and mid century modern, but I like to design all styles for my clients.
What design trends are you excited about?
Smart technology such as cordless lighting and bringing more universal design elements into a home.
I like new innovations with great design appeal and function. For example, grab bars that are functional and beautiful, and toilet paper holders that double as a storage shelf.
Tell us about being a woman in a profession that’s typically run by men.
It is really fun being a woman in this industry because I surprise people everyday with the line, “Yes, I am also a licensed contractor.” At first, I felt that male clients didn’t want to take me seriously, but it’s become less and less of an obstacle.
What does a “Day in the Life” look like?
A day in my life is full of variety.
Some days I’m shopping for tile and working on permit drawings, other days I’m grabbing 2 x 4’s at a lumber yard or cleaning off drywall dust from a job site.
Most days, it's a little of everything all at once.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is hugging my clients when the project is done and knowing that they’ll be so much happier day-to-day in their new spaces.
What’s next for your company?
I’m really excited about what’s on the horizon!
In addition to the work we’re doing, we’re going to be starting a blog with our day-to-day trials and fun experiences.
We’ll also be offering online pre-made design boards and selections for purchase on sites like Etsy. Watch for those!
What do you like to do when you’re not working or doing mom activities?
Doing both of those things doesn’t leave me much time for hobbies, but I love to cook and eat a good meal with friends, or traveling.
What advice do you have for women who are thinking of starting their own business?
Start something you're passionate about slowly and on the side at first, then move into it more full time as the work comes in.
Remember, you're not expected to know everything - reach out to as many people as you can about legal advice, business advice, and any other questions you have. Most people love sharing their knowledge.
Keep in mind that feeling scared a bit everyday means you are growing.
What Rebecca Would Rather Be Talking About
Go-To Meal: Tofu with veggies and rice and avocado toast
Trip or Vacation Spot: Spring Green, WI - I love the river (landscape) and the architecture. Also Denver, CO to see friends and experience the energy there- it’s so peaceful. Plus, visit San Juan, Puerto Rico for the the inspiring colors in the streets.
Travel tip: The best trips are the ones unplanned.
Streaming rec: any rom com on Netflix to escape
Podcast: Diary of CEO - hearing others’ struggles when they started their business too is refreshing.
Tip for balancing work/life: Schedule yourself for down time and self care
Self-Care Activity: Yoga and trail running
Healthy Snack/Guilty Pleasure: Celery, carrots and peanut butter. I’d love to overindulge on cheese fries again some day.
Designer you follow: Any company that makes cool handmade tile.
If you could pick the “color of the year” : Taupe. Beige is back, but in a cooler tone.
Rebecca’s Life Mantra:
We make decisions based on love or fear, always choose love. ❤️
Rebecca’s Work Mantra:
Look for the solutions instead of the problems.
Get in touch with Rebecca:
Website: surfacedesigncompany.com
Email: mysurfacedesigns@gmail.com
Instagram: @surfacedesigncompany_
If you have a remodeling project (in the Greater Milwaukee Area) or are just interested in design ideas… be sure to look up Rebecca!
Thank you, Rebecca for sharing your story!
Don’t turn off your computer yet! I’ve got links!
Since your mind is probably whirling with ideas about what you can do to spiff up your space, scroll for links on:
the things you can’t forget when it comes to home maintenance
the garage clutter you need to ditch to prevent FIRES
how AI can help you design a new space
how to make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel without luxury bucks
Plus…
design ideas from some of the grooviest houses around the world
some crazy egg recipes - because, why not?
one of the coolest travel ideas I’ve seen in a really, really long time
Sticking with this week’s design theme, I was so excited to find One Hour of Spain’s Best Small Apartments.
If France is more your thing, go inside a Parisian designer’s apartment.
You can make your house gorgeous, but if you don’t maintain it, you’re SOL. Don’t forget these critical home maintenance items.
Plus, 5 Fire Hazards in Your Garage You Might Be Overlooking.
Speaking of homes…