Living in the concrete jungle and collaborating with a designer sparked Michel Smith Boyd’s passion for interior design. “Once I saw what this guy did and he took me to the design center, I just felt complete,” he recalls. It answered so many questions because he says he wasn’t sure where he was headed.

Now based in Atlanta, Michel Smith Boyd has become a prominent figure in the design world, notably as the host of HGTV’s “Luxe For Less” and as the winner of season four of “Rock the Block.” Reflecting on his experience, he notes, ” ‘Rock The Block’ was honestly the biggest thing I’d ever done on television.” Transitioning from “Luxe for Less,” he found the scale of “Rock the Block” immense, describing it as the network’s top show.

Years ago, HGTV approached Smith Boyd for its show, “Design Star,” but he declined, skeptical of competition shows where someone inevitably goes home first. “It doesn’t mean you’re not talented; it just means you had a bad week,” he muses, reflecting on his early reservations.

Acknowledging the transformative power of competition shows, he draws parallels with stars like Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks from “American Idol.” Despite initial apprehensions, his journey on “Rock the Block” stands out as one of his most rewarding experiences.

Recognition from brands like HGTV led to partnerships with esteemed companies such as Tiffany and Co. Noting the influence of a Black woman running Tiffany’s Atlanta store, he admires both the luxury items and the architectural prowess. “If you’re not going to trust a Black woman, then who can you trust? Nobody,” he jokes.

For aspiring interior designers, Smith Boyd emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and learning the business side of design. Reflecting on the risks and rewards of his own career journey, he says creativity is a gift, but learning the business is what will sustain you.

To learn more about Michel Smith Boyd, visit https://www.howtoluxury.com/