Shea McGee’s rise to interior design stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a small, approachable design studio with her husband, Syd, has now become a household name. Reflecting on the transition from Studio McGee to the launch of McGee & Co., Shea shares, “As the business grew, we realized that people wanted more than just the full-service design experience; they wanted access to the pieces we were using in our projects. McGee & Co. was born from a desire to make our signature aesthetic accessible.”
But building that vision into the e-commerce powerhouse it is today wasn’t without its challenges. “We were turned away by nearly every vendor we approached. We were so new, and they didn’t see the potential in what we were building,” Shea recalls. “Instead of letting that stop us, we made the decision to grow so big that they couldn’t say no. Persistence was key—we focused on creating a brand with a strong visual identity and a loyal customer base.”
That dedication has paid off, with Studio McGee collaborating with brands like Target, Kohler, and Ann Sacks, releasing a MasterClass, and even landing two New York Times bestsellers. “It’s hard to pick one thing I’m most proud of,” Shea admits. “There are so many dreams that came true because of years of hard work. But beyond the projects and collaborations, I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built—many have been with us from the very beginning, and we’ve grown this company together.”
The heart of Studio McGee. is Shea’s unmistakable design vision, and she’s careful to maintain it even as the brand scales. “Our signature aesthetic is what defines us. It’s what our audience is attracted to and what makes our work recognizable,” she explains. This consistency has helped Studio McGee stand out in a crowded market, allowing the brand to grow while staying true to its roots.
Much of that growth comes from Shea’s ability to keep the creative process exciting and forward-thinking. “I find inspiration everywhere—whether it’s from traveling, nature, art, or even the way light falls in a space,” she shares. “The key is staying curious and open to new ideas, and fostering a collaborative environment where everyone on the team can contribute.”
As Shea reflects on a decade of Studio McGee, she’s equally focused on the future, with timeless design playing an even greater role in the next chapter of the brand. “The next 10 years are all about designing homes with longevity in mind. We want to encourage clients to embrace authentic materials and trust us to mix the old with the new,” she explains. Whether it’s through design projects or new products, Shea promises the brand will continue to evolve while staying true to its core aesthetic.
Looking ahead, Shea is particularly excited about a project close to her heart—her first cookbook, set for release in 2025. “It’s based on our Around the Table video series,” she says, where she shares recipes and tips for creating beautiful, welcoming gatherings at home. For someone who has built a career on making spaces feel like home, this new endeavor feels like a natural next step.
Through it all, Shea and Syd have learned the importance of balance, both in their designs and their personal lives. “At the beginning, work was our entire life because we were so focused on making this dream happen,” Shea reflects. “But over time, we learned to leave work at work and focus on being present at home. It’s crucial for mental health and for the health of our relationship.” As entrepreneurial partners and parents, this lesson has been just as valuable as any business triumph.
From a business that was once overlooked by vendors to a beloved brand with global reach, Studio McGee is a story of persistence, creativity, and vision. As Shea says, “It’s about pushing ourselves creatively while staying true to the values that got us here.” With a new decade ahead, Shea McGee shows no signs of slowing down—and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Credits:
Written by Kacey Perez | @studioblume_
Photography courtesy of Shea McGee / Studio McGee
