Story & Lesson Highlights with Mackenzie Collier of Downtown Phoenix

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mackenzie Collier. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
It looks a lot different now that I’m a mom of school-age kiddos. We start our day at 6 AM. I brush my teeth, wash my face and start packing lunches. Then I make myself a coffee and drive the kids to school. After drop off, I do a quick reset of my space- putting away dishes, wiping down surfaces etc. Then I put on my hiking shoes, grab my Golden Retriever’s leash and we go for a 30-45 minute hike. I’m so fortunate to live in an area with desert and mountain paths right outside my door. This movement is an essential part of my mental and physical health. I usually mentally organize my plan of attack for the day during my walk, and if needed, I also use the time to call any of my state reps and members of congress to make sure my voice is heard and I’m participating in our democracy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Mackenzie Collier. I’m the founder of Mackenzie Collier Interiors, married to my incredible wife, and mom to two kids we adopted from foster care. I’m also a golden retriever mom and a business coach for creative entrepreneurs who want more freedom and flow in their work and life.

At Mackenzie Collier Interiors, we’re known for creating spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful- thoughtful, functional designs that feel uniquely personal. Our team approaches every project with curiosity, collaboration, and heart. We believe design should reflect the real lives of the people who live in it, not just look good in photos.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The version of myself I’m learning to let go of is the constant high-achiever. For most of my life, I’ve been driven by a deep love of work and learning, always chasing the next goal. That version of me built a thriving business and shaped my identity for years.

But when I became a mom overnight to a one- and three-year-old through foster care, everything shifted. Our kids came to us with big emotions and deep needs, and I quickly realized I couldn’t keep giving my best energy to work and still be the parent they needed. I had to trust the systems I’d built, step back, and focus on stability at home.

That old version of me served its purpose. She built something strong enough to sustain itself when life demanded a new kind of presence. Now, I’m learning to release the part of me that equates worth with productivity, and to embrace a slower, softer rhythm.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I almost gave up. No matter where I focused my energy, home or work, something always seemed to fall apart. As a mom of two kids who came from foster care with high emotional needs, my priority has been at home since the day I became a mom. That meant learning my limits and redefining what success looks like.

I made peace with the fact that this isn’t my season for launching new products, winning awards, or traveling to big events. There will be time for that again. Right now, my greatest achievement is two kids sleeping in their big kid beds, climbing on my lap to read stories at 7 p.m. I also chose to surround myself professionally only with people who see me as I am today, support me, and believe in the mission we are building together.

It wasn’t easy to strike a balance between work and home, but I realized I could not walk away from something I have spent 15 years building with integrity and heart. Instead of quitting, I chose to rebuild, slower and steadier, always in alignment with what truly matters to me in life.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity.

For me, integrity means doing what is right even when no one is watching, being transparent even when it is uncomfortable, and choosing kindness and fairness over ego or shortcuts. It shows up in how we treat our clients, our team, and our community. I care deeply about creating an environment where people feel safe to be themselves, to grow, to make mistakes, and to learn.

At Mackenzie Collier Interiors, we build trust by following through on what we say we will do, standing by our values, and treating people with genuine respect. That foundation of integrity is what keeps everything else, including creativity, collaboration, and joy, running strong.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had ten years left, I would stop rushing. I have lived most of my life with an awareness that time is precious. When I was ten years old, my mom was diagnosed with cancer at forty. I watched her fight it again and again as I grew up. She is still here today and healthier than ever, but witnessing that programmed something in me. I saw forty as a “time to beat” for life.

I spent my twenties and thirties determined to live fully before I reached that age. I traveled the world, backpacked, started my business, took big risks, and truly lived. When forty came and went, I realized I had already accomplished almost everything I dreamed of, and I was still here, healthy and happy.

If I only had ten years left now, I would keep doing what I am doing. I would keep slowing down, savoring the small moments, and being deeply present with my family. I would stop trying to outpace time and instead focus on living fully within it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mackenziecollierinteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmackenziecollier/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenzie-collier

Image Credits
Photos are by Agnes Art & Photo, Heather Kirchhoffer