Friendship, Design, and Building a Business That Lasts

With Friendship Day coming up on August 3rd, we figured it was a good time to share a bit of our own story and how we met.

When we launched Barrett Oswald Designs back in 2015, we honestly didn’t expect things to take off the way they did. We’ve been lucky to work with some incredible clients, earn a few awards along the way, and see our firm credited in places we used to flip through for inspiration such as WSJ Off Duty, House Beautiful, and AD.

But none of that would’ve happened without what came first: a friendship between two new moms just trying to figure it all out. So we took a minute to reflect on what’s worked, what’s changed, and what we’ve learned as both business partners and friends.

How It All Started

MaryBeth: We met when our older children were toddlers. We were new moms who both had energetic and spirited kids, so we connected in that vulnerable time of trying to figure out what we were doing. Twelve years later and we're still wondering most days!

From Friendship to Launching a Business Together

MaryBeth: I like to say that I spotted my friend’s talent and decided to exploit it for my gain, but it was slightly less villainous than that. Barrett had been giving many of our friends decorating advice, and her talent was immediately clear. I offered to help her set up a small business, and once we got it going, she said she didn’t want to do it alone, so we decided to team up and do it together.

Barrett: It never felt like a huge leap, it felt natural. We already trusted each other. I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.

Why Our Partnership Works

MaryBeth: Early on, we agreed that our friendship would always come first, so we built the business around that priority. We took a divide-and-conquer approach, each focusing on the parts of the business we were most drawn to, which helped us avoid stepping on each other’s toes - a total game changer. And when we disagree (because of course that’s going to happen), we don’t bottle things up. We talk it out, even when it’s uncomfortable, because we both feel that our friendship matters more than any level of success..

Barrett: What’s always made it work is that we trust each other completely. When you lead with that kind of trust in your business and friendship, it changes how you communicate.

What We Admire in Each Other

MaryBeth: The obvious answer would be her creativity, but I’m going with her perspective. Barrett can design the most beautifully detailed home, but she’s not going to lose sleep over a smudge on the wall a few weeks later. Her ability to keep things in perspective is rare. She knows how fortunate we (and our clients are) and she’s great at gently reminding everyone (including me) that these are small challenges in the grand scheme of things, not worth stressing over.

Barrett asked me to write hers: MaryBeth's perfect, no notes. 😉

Barrett: MaryBeth is incredibly thoughtful. I tend to leap before I look while she takes the time to really assess every angle. She’s deliberate, she’s clear, and she’s careful in the best way. That balance has helped us avoid a lot of potential missteps. Honestly, she’s one of the biggest reasons this business still feels sustainable.

Having History Between Co-Workers Can Help a Business

MaryBeth: Mostly yes, but occasionally no (if we’re being totally transparent!). As we’ve grown and evolved as women, some of those changes naturally make their way into the business. We’ve gotten better at navigating that together, but sometimes we have to pause and remind ourselves that we aren't the same people we were 10+ years ago, and that's ok.

Barrett: There have definitely been moments where we’ve had to pause and reset. But the history gives you that foundation. You’ve already made the choice to show up for each other.

How We Balance Each Other Out

Barrett: We’re different people. I tend to go fast and trust my gut. MaryBeth is slower and more methodical. That difference used to scare me, but now it’s become our biggest strength.

MaryBeth: We don’t always come at things from the same perspective and honestly, that’s probably what balances us out the most. We’re pretty different personality-wise, which has become one of our biggest strengths. It’s like we get to cherry-pick the best parts of each other’s ideas and end up with something even better.

A Decision We’re Both Proud to Have Made Together

MaryBeth: To fully celebrate 10 years in business, both professionally and personally. Starting this company was a leap and we took a chance on a pricing model that felt right to us, even though it was a little unconventional at the time. We had no idea it would grow into what it is today. Marking that milestone with a new website and a fun trip planned for the fall felt like the perfect way to honor it.

Barrett: We launched a new website, and we’re planning a trip this fall to mark the moment. It felt good to celebrate, not just what we built, but the fact that we’re still enjoying it.

What Our Clients Notice

Barrett: We always try to meet new clients together. It’s usually pretty obvious we’re close. We’re casual with each other, and I think that sets the tone. We want the process to feel approachable with our clients and I think our dynamic helps facilitate that.

MaryBeth: Probably! We always try to meet new clients together, so it’s inevitable that our dynamic comes through. Since we’re pretty casual with each other, I think (and hope) it helps put people at ease. We don’t take ourselves, or each other, too seriously, and that makes the process feel more approachable and, hopefully, a lot more fun.

Our Advice for Friends Starting a Business Together

MaryBeth: No advice feels truly universal. Every friendship is different, and what works for us might not work for everyone. That said, being honest about your priorities, your long-term goals, and how you handle conflict is key. There will be challenges, and having those conversations upfront can make all the difference. We’ve figured a lot of it out as we’ve grown, but we also know how lucky we are, not just to work together, but to be friends through it all.

Barrett: Every friendship is different, so there’s no formula. But we’ve been lucky and intentional. You need both. The friendship is still the thing we’re most proud of.

We know we’re not the only ones lucky enough to build something alongside a best friend. Whether you’re dreaming up a creative project, running a business together, or just kicking around a good idea over coffee, there’s something special about growing with someone who truly gets you. If you’ve started something with a friend (or are thinking about it), we’d love to hear how it’s going.

Share your story with us or tag us. We’re always inspired by the ways people create, collaborate, and show up for each other.