Modern Muse, our series celebrating accomplished, stylish, real women. In other words, women just like you.

With a natural passion for interior design, Beatrice Fischel-Bock is changing the way we can achieve a beautiful living space- all from the comfort of your home. Meet the CEO & Co-founder of the savvy interior design app, Hutch, and our latest Modern Muse.

Tell us about your background in interior design. What sparked your interest and eventually led you to start your own company?

I come from a long line of design enthusiasts. My mother is an architect and artist so I grew up in a very creative home. Her mother’s house (my grandmother) is also creative and unique. Appreciating interior design and putting emphasis on its importance was the norm for me. When I went to college and ‘went out into the world’ I realized that it is not second nature to everybody. It’s actually something people struggle with. Anyone should be able to create a space that makes them feel good and so I realized I had to make something to help facilitate that idea.

What drove you to follow your dreams as a young woman?

I grew up always being told that if I work hard, anything is possible. My family held an emphasis on hard work and independence. This naturally made it easier to follow my dreams as I didn’t know any other way. I was also fortunate to have the support behind me to allow me to follow my dreams. Not all of us are that lucky.

What are the greatest challenges of running your own company?

It’s all challenging! That is probably what’s hardest. Learning to deal with the constant ups and downs of running a startup. You have to try and keep an even keel through every challenge that comes your way. Get through it and get ready for the next one.

What advice would you give a young woman looking to start her own business?

You have to start by just diving in and going for it. Don’t wait for funding, don’t wait for the right mentor. Just start. Your path will begin to reveal itself naturally. I always tell young women looking to start a business to print some business cards and buy a domain. Total cost: under $100. This first step helps to make something that is in your head more tangible and real.

As a co-founder, what’s your day-to-day involvement with the app?

As a co-founder, I am talking and brainstorming the product all the time! As CEO, my schedule makes my time a little more limited. I believe in finding people that you trust and giving them the ability to run with what they are doing. I want to be kept in the loop each step of the way but not micromanage!

What are the greatest challenges of running your own company?

It’s all challenging! That is probably what’s hardest. Learning to deal with the constant ups and downs of running a startup. You have to try and keep an even keel through every challenge that comes your way. Get through it and get ready for the next one.