12 Year Old CEO Mason Monahan Rebuilds After Tragedy with Interior Designer Directory
Most 12 year olds have no real concept of creating and managing a business or employees. But one North Carolina 7th grader is learning those skills firsthand – and using them to bounce back from hardship.
After a devastating house fire in April 2023 left his family without a home, Mason Monahan poured his energy into launching InteriorDesigner.org. His vision was to create the world’s largest online directory of interior designers, connecting interior design professionals with potential clients.
Just a few months after the website’s launch, Mason’s start-up is already the largest of its kind. With over 500 interior designers listed from around the globe, from Australia to New York to London, InteriorDesigner.org helps over 130,000 monthly visitors easily discover and vet top local talent.
Operating the growing directory doesn’t just occupy Mason’s free time – he now manages a team of 3 employees that he oversees after school each day. For a 12 year old, handling personnel and business growth is quite an education outside the classroom walls.
Major media outlets have taken notice of Mason’s uncommon accomplishments. Profiles in INC, Entrepreneur Magazine, and NY Weekly have spotlighted this design-focused pre-teen entrepreneur.
While just getting his start-up off the ground has been a feat, Mason has even bigger plans for the future. He hopes to eventually earn enough from InteriorDesigner.org to buy his mom a new house.
“When I started InteriorDesigner.org after our family lost our home, I simply dreamed of sharing my passion while earning enough to help my mom rebuild,” said Mason Monahan, 12 year old Founder and CEO.
“I hoped to build a helpful directory, but never imagined it resonating with so many talented designers. I’m truly inspired by our community uniting around my vision.”
He continued, “Despite my age, I’m devoted to constant improvement as an entrepreneur. Our members will always come first. By refining the platform daily and delivering unmatched value, I know we can construct something meaningful collectively.”
Monahan added, “This is just the inception of the journey. While young, my hunger to keep evolving as a founder has no limits. By making InteriorDesigner.org the definitive resource for clients and professionals alike, our brightest days lie ahead.”
He concluded, “My drive is fueled by our shared passion. Together, I know we can accomplish incredible things.”
For Mason, interior design has always been a passion. Turning that passion into a bustling business is helping him heal and rebuild after his family’s devastating loss. Once just a 7th grade student, Mason is now a CEO employing others while doing what he loves.
After tragedy struck, Mason could have crumbled. Instead, he channeled his energy into creating something new and beneficial to everyone around him, as well as all the interior designers that have already joined his directory that are benefiting from all the new business they are getting. His interior design directory has a bright future, as does this resilient young entrepreneur.
