Meet Colleen Callahan, the visionary founder of High Castle Interiors, whose journey into the world of design is a story of passion, resilience, and creativity. From her roots in a family of entrepreneurs, Colleen has always been inspired by the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of beauty. Her design philosophy redefines what it means to create functional yet stunning living spaces, allowing her clients to experience environments that uplift and inspire.
Based in the vibrant city of Nashville, Colleen embraces the energy and creativity that surrounds her, channeling it into bold, unique designs that reflect the personalities of her clients and the city itself. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she pushes the boundaries of traditional design, aiming to create homes that are not only visually striking but also rich in character and history.
In this feature for Women On Topp magazine, Colleen shares her insights on starting her own business, the challenges she faced along the way, and the inspirations that fuel her creativity. Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about empowering others in the design community and fostering a collaborative spirit. Join us as we delve into the world of High Castle Interiors and discover how Colleen continues to elevate the art of interior design, one stunning space at a time.
What inspired you to start High Castle Interiors, and what was the most challenging part of launching your own design business?
Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurship—both sets of my grandparents owned their own businesses, and my mother started her own resume typing company when my siblings and I were just kids. This environment instilled in me a deep-rooted desire to follow the same path, despite its challenges. I knew early on that I wanted to channel that entrepreneurial spirit into my passion for design.
Watching my family members navigate the ups and downs of running a business not only inspired me but also solidified my determination to create something of my own. The most challenging part of launching High Castle Interiors was taking those initial steps and believing in myself. As a solo entrepreneur, the weight of every decision falls on my shoulders, which can be daunting. However, I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system—family, mentors, and former bosses—who have been there to guide and encourage me along the way.
How has being based in Nashville influenced your work and the types of projects you take on?
Moving to Nashville has been a transformative experience for my career! Known as the new “It” city, Nashville’s rapid growth has brought a surge in demand for unique, high-end custom homes. This has aligned perfectly with my passion for creating designs that push boundaries and defy expectations. In Nashville, there’s a palpable desire for homes that stand out—people are eager for innovative, non-cookie-cutter designs that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This environment has allowed me to work on more ambitious projects, where my bold, out-of-the-box ideas are not just welcomed but celebrated. The city’s vibrant culture and creative spirit have also influenced my aesthetic, inspiring me to incorporate local art, music, and history into my designs. Being in Nashville has truly accelerated my ability to design distinctive, high-end homes that reflect both the client’s personality and the city’s dynamic energy.
What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who want to start their own business?
Starting your own interior design business is an exciting journey, but it’s important to remember that being a business owner is a whole different ballgame compared to just being a designer. You’ll find yourself juggling a lot of roles and it can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning. My best advice? Start by nailing down your processes and systems. Whether it’s how you communicate with clients, manage projects, or keep track of finances, having a solid foundation will make everything run a lot smoother. You’ll thank yourself for it one day!
Another big one is pricing. It’s crucial to know your worth and set your rates confidently. Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is truly worth, but also be transparent with clients about what they’re paying for. Having a reliable system to keep track of all the moving pieces—like orders, timelines, and budgets—will help you stay on top of things and deliver a great experience to your clients.
Remember, you’re always learning. Running a business means continually picking up new skills, not just in design. The more organized and prepared you are, the easier it’ll be to focus on the fun part—bringing your creative vision to life for your clients.
What are your long-term goals for High Castle Interiors, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term vision for High Castle Interiors is to evolve into custom builds and expand our services to cover every aspect of new construction homes. Imagine working with us to create your own custom floor plan, and then watching as we bring your dream home to life—something truly unique and one-of-a-kind. I’ve also got big dreams of taking our services overseas, particularly into Europe, so keep an eye out for that! I don’t know how to think small, I can only think big!
I would also say that continuing to connect with senior designers, builders, and architects will be pivotal to building High Castle Interiors up to this level and experince. I’ll never stop learning from those who have already walked this path. There’s so much value in connecting with successful entrepreneurs who understand the challenges ahead and can offer wisdom and guidance. I’m looking forward to building something truly special with High Castle Interiors, and I’m excited for what the future holds!
How do you stay inspired and continually generate fresh design ideas for your clients?
Staying inspired is easy for me, especially with all the developments and new constructions happening around me—it’s like a constant source of creativity. But when it comes to generating fresh ideas, I love looking at what high-end designers are doing in other countries. A lot of people don’t realize that what’s considered “new and trendy” in the U.S. has often been popular in places like London or Paris for a while. I find it fascinating to see how different cultures approach design, and I’m always eager to bring those influences into my work.
Pinterest is a great tool for sourcing ideas, but nothing beats traveling and experiencing different designs firsthand. I was lucky enough to study abroad in London during my senior year of college, where I interned at Connaught Kitchens as a design assistant. That experience was a game-changer for me—I got to visit job sites and see just how much further ahead interior design ideas were compared to what I was used to in the States. It really opened my eyes and changed the way I think about design and the limitations we often place on ourselves.
I don’t believe in designing around trends. Instead, I’m always looking to push boundaries and bring something unexpected and inspiring to my projects. Whether it’s drawing from global influences or exploring new places, my goal is to create designs that are truly unique and stand the test of time.
What role does community play in your life, and how do you stay connected with other designers and professionals in Nashville?
I truly believe in the success of every designer and the importance of lifting each other up and empowering one another. What we do is challenging, and trying to go it alone can be tough. That’s why I think it’s so important to have the support and guidance of fellow designers in your community.
One of my favorite things to do is meet up with new designers, grab a coffee, and just talk design. We can learn so much from each other, and it’s amazing to see how everyone brings their own unique approach to the table. The design community in Nashville is so vibrant and diverse, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it and to be recognized as a fellow professional.
Staying connected with other designers and professionals here in Nashville not only keeps me inspired but also reminds me that we’re all in this together. We’re all contributing to the creative energy of this city, and I love being a part of that collaborative spirit.
What are some of your favorite places to visit for design inspiration?
I think my company name might give this one away—I’m absolutely obsessed with castles! There’s something magical about the history they hold and the feeling you get as you walk through them. The thought of a stone spiral staircase with grooves worn into the steps from centuries of footsteps just blows my mind. It’s like being connected to the past in the most tangible way.
But my love for history doesn’t stop at castles. I have a deep appreciation for historic buildings and the incredible character and integrity that went into their design and construction. Places like the Palace of Versailles, the Paris Opera House, Big Ben, and the Library of Congress are all huge sources of inspiration for me. Even the historic house in your neighborhood, with its original wood-carved molding and stained glass transom windows, can spark my creativity. There’s something so inspiring about spaces that were built to last, with every detail thoughtfully crafted.
How do you stay current with industry trends and continuously educate yourself?
Continual education is an absolute must for any interior designer! I’m always on the lookout for business courses that successful designers are promoting, and I can’t stress enough how much of a game changer this has been for me. These courses have really helped me understand the business side of design, which is just as important as the creative aspect. I also make it a point to attend in-person CEUs (Continuing Education Units) that my vendors put on for designers here in Nashville. It’s a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques while connecting with other professionals in the industry.
I’d encourage anyone to pursue continual education, no matter what field they’re in. It’s so important to keep pouring into yourself and striving to improve. However, I would caution against relying too heavily on AI as your sole source of education. I’ve seen a lot of misinformation out there that could really trip someone up if they’re not careful. My advice is to connect with those who have been in the trenches and learn from their experience and wisdom. There’s no substitute for real-world knowledge and guidance from people who have already walked the path you’re on.
How do you handle stress and maintain your creativity during busy periods?
This is such a great question, and it’s so valuable to understand this about yourself. I used to really struggle with stress—it would completely paralyze me. I’d feel so overwhelmed during busy periods that I couldn’t make any progress because I was just too disoriented.
It’s taken a lot of work to get here, but I’ve learned how crucial it is to set healthy boundaries, prioritize eating well, get enough sleep, stay active, and spend time outside in nature. Taking deep, slow breaths regularly has been a game-changer for stabilizing my nervous system. I also make time for regular reflection—what I like to call “Brain Dumps”—where I review my life over the past week, month, or even six months, and figure out what’s working and what needs attention. It’s like giving myself a progress report on life.
These Brain Dumps do wonders for me. They help reduce stress, clear my mind, and give me clarity on what I’m grateful for and what I need to let go of. When I combine all of these practices, it’s my go-to remedy for maintaining balance and keeping my creativity flowing, no matter how busy things get.
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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