Meet Mindy Sundquist — Designing with Heart and Purpose

I’m Mindy Sundquist, the founder of Simply Beautiful by Mindy. I’d like to share a bit of my story, because it’s the heart of why I do what I do.

My journey to becoming an interior designer isn’t a straight line — it’s one of faith, resilience, and discovering how our environments can heal and inspire us.

Years ago, I found myself at a crossroads. I had just moved to sunny Florida looking for a fresh start, and I was coping with a tremendous personal loss — my husband had passed away, and my world was turned upside down.

In the midst of grief, I turned to one of the few things that brought me comfort: interior design. I began rearranging and decorating my new home in St. Petersburg, pouring my heart into creating a space that felt peaceful, inspiring, and “me.”

With each wall painted and curtain hung, I found a bit of healing. Designing my way through that dark time brought joy back into my life. It was as if God used the process of beautifying my home to also start beautifying my soul. As my home transformed, so did I.

Friends and neighbors who saw what I’d done with my space started asking for help with theirs. They’d say:

“Mindy, I feel so calm in your home – can you help me make mine feel like this?”

That’s when I realized this was more than a career; it was a calling. Simply Beautiful by Mindy was born — out of a desire to help others find peace and happiness in their own homes, just as I had.

Today, I’m blessed to wake up every day and do what I love: serve my clients through creative design.


“Never Settle” — My Life & Design Philosophy

If there’s one motto that defines my life and my approach to design, it’s Never Settle. I even wrote a book about it!

To me, “never settle” means not accepting less than God’s best for your life — and since home is such a big part of life, not settling for a home that doesn’t make you truly happy.

I encourage my clients:

  • Don’t settle for a home that drains your energy.
  • Don’t make do with clutter or colors that don’t bring you joy.
  • Don’t say “it’s fine” when you know it could be so much more.

You deserve a home that inspires you every day. One that gives you peace, energy, and pride. My “never settle” philosophy was forged through my own trials — I had to refuse to settle into grief and pain; I chose to pursue hope and beauty.

That same spirit of excellence shows up in every project I touch. I’ll work and rework a plan until it sings. My clients often laugh when I adjust a decor item “just one more inch” or test eight shades of blue to find the perfect one — but that’s the never-settle way. And in the end, when you see the result, you’ll be thankful for that relentless attention to detail. As I always say, “Love is in the details, and the details make the design.”


Faith-Inspired, Client-Centered

My Christian faith is the cornerstone of everything I do. It taught me about love, service, and perseverance. I see my design talent as a God-given gift and my business as a way to serve others.

While I work with clients of all backgrounds, I bring a faith-informed kindness and integrity to every project:

  • I treat people with honesty, patience, and respect.
  • I listen first, design second.
  • I believe home is sacred — a place where life happens, and joy is built.

My goal is to help you make it the best it can be.

When we work together, you’ll find that I’m a good listener first and foremost. Your needs, style preferences, and concerns come first. I never push my agenda or a trendy look that doesn’t feel right to you.

Instead, I see myself as a guide. I bring expertise and creativity, but the vision for what your home could be? That’s yours. Many clients start out on their own and quickly become overwhelmed. That’s where I come in. It’s my job to make this process easy and enjoyable for you. Through our consultations, I ask questions and learn about your lifestyle, favorite colors, meaningful items, and even your day-to-day routines. All those personal details inform the design, so in the end, your space isn’t just beautiful, it’s meaningful.


Local Expertise, Ongoing Learning

I also bring professional know-how and local expertise to the table. I know what works in St. Pete’s coastal climate and have designed homes all across the Tampa Bay area. I’m continually educating myself on trends and design best practices, and I’ve even completed advanced training with the John Maxwell Team in leadership — helping me lead projects and communicate clearly.

But beyond all the credentials, I hope what sets me apart is my heart for my clients. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you delighted with your home. I jokingly say, if you’re not doing a happy dance in your new space, I haven’t done my job!

“If you’re not doing a happy dance in your new space, I haven’t done my job!”


Let’s Work Together

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. If any part of my story resonates with you — or if you’re simply a homeowner in need of some design help — I’d be honored to work with you.

My promise is simple: I will never settle when it comes to creating the home of your dreams — and I won’t let you settle either. Why settle for the life you are living, when you can live the life you have always wanted?

Together, we’ll design a space that exceeds your expectations and maybe even brings a little extra joy and healing into your life, as it did for me.

Ready to start your design journey with me?

Schedule your free discovery call today. I can’t wait to get to know you — and help you never settle for anything less than a home you absolutely love.