Episode 344: Designing With Intention | Brittny Button | Architectural Digest Featured Interior Designer & Founder of Button Atelier
Many of us will reinvent ourselves throughout our lives, but Brittny Button has mastered reinvention with intention. As an in-demand Los Angeles interior and product designer, Brittny’s latest chapter follows careers as a model, primary parent, supportive spouse to a Formula 1 driver, real estate investor, and entrepreneur. In this episode, Kara and Brittny discuss why honoring the history of a space matters, the importance of protecting architectural diversity, and why pursuing your passion, no matter how accomplished you are, still requires courage. Brittny shares personal stories about navigating multiple careers, building a design practice rooted in integrity, and embracing vulnerability while stepping into her full creative power. This episode is perfect for aspiring designers, women in transition, and anyone drawn to intentional, meaningful living.
“I really do love to use what we already have. Preserving homes, reviving them. That’s where my heart is.”
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Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Powerful Ladies Podcast
00:34 Meet Brittny Button: A Multifaceted Career Journey
01:48 The Philosophy of Interior Design
03:00 The Importance of Preserving Architectural Diversity
04:44 Intentional Living and Design
07:14 Personal Reflections and Family Life
09:49 Brittny's Upbringing and Early Influences
12:11 Transitioning Careers and Finding Passion
13:33 Life with a Formula One Driver
18:47 Empowering Women and Building Confidence
21:29 Empowering Women to Shine
22:04 Financial Literacy and Generational Wealth
23:01 Pursuing Dreams Despite Setbacks
24:31 The Role of Coaches and Mentors
25:26 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship
28:53 Celebrating Success and Teamwork
30:06 Defining Powerful Ladies
34:25 Dream Clients and Historical Homes
39:49 Manifesting Dreams and Community Support
41:11 Conclusion and Farewell
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[00:00:00]
Kara: Welcome to the Powerful Ladies Podcast. I'm Kara Duffy. When I was in business school, I remember being told that on average we'd have about seven careers in our lifetime, meaning that we would do seven different things as careers. In my own path so far, I can count about five, and as women, our seven careers can include stay-at-home mom, and supportive spouse in addition to various corporate jobs and any entrepreneurial experiences that we create.
Kara: Okay. Brittny Button is an in demand ad featured interior designer based in Los Angeles. Interior designer, and now product designer are her latest careers after being a primary parent, a real estate investor, an entrepreneur with her husband, a model, and being a supportive spouse to her husband's Formula One career.
Kara: In this episode, we discussed the joy she finds in honoring the spaces she's privileged to [00:01:00] design, why we need to protect architectural diversity. and why. Following your passion into a new business can be so vulnerable, even with experience in so many other careers.
Kara: Welcome to the Powerful Ladies Podcast. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to talk to you today. Let's begin by telling everyone your name, where you are in the world, and what you're up to.
Brittny: My name is Brittny Button and I am currently in Westlake, which is just a little north of Los Angeles. And what I'm up to, I am a wife, a mother of two, a business owner and entrepreneur. Um, and, I like to see myself as a powerful, powerful lady. So.
Kara: I love the quote on your website that says you're an acclaimed interior designer with a prowess at reviving interiors. I haven't seen someone else use [00:02:00] the word prowess in that way before, so I'm like gold star for that. And I was just so intrigued by like, there's so many ways to be an interior designer and reviving interiors is a very specific choice. What does that mean to you and and how does prowess fit into your vocabulary?
Brittny: Well, I'll have to say I don't, I don't often use that, that term. It was definitely, um, sort of placed on my website to appear fancier than I am. But um, the way I sort of come, uh, interior design from a little bit of a different angle, I think, than most interior designers, um, I really. I really do love to just use what we have already. And, um, also, and not everything can be antique and vintage. Not everything can be a 1920s Spanish revival home, so I understand that. But that's really where my heart is, is antiques. Preserving the homes that we have, um, rehabbing them. [00:03:00] Really try not to build these really huge, big, sort of cookie cutter homes to me that just, it, it just screams. Honestly, no taste number one, and just really disrespect for the architecture that we do currently have. I've seen so many homes, sadly torn down in Los Angeles, and it just breaks my heart. I really feel like the way we used to live, previously was just you look at even the tiniest little object that was used for the fireplace or a household, and you see, you saw the detail that it had, and you just look at that now and you're like, wow. It's so basic now. There's not a lot of thought that is put into our sort of day-to-day items, you know, you know, a, a coffee mug, a, a tea set or whatever. Just the smallest things that we use. People just used to put in so much thought into everything and how we lived. Mm-hmm. How we flew on planes, how we lived in our home. And, and not everyone obviously could afford something extravagant, but that's [00:04:00] sort of where I come in and I say, you know, you don't actually have to spend a lot of money to have a little bit of that sort of, um, I guess feeling a little fancy, feeling a little bit, um, high end. Mm-hmm. The flea markets and find things that are, you know, super cheap but are amazing quality. And so that kind of goes with furniture, um, clothing, kind of anything I do in life. I'm wearing a vintage dress. I love vintage and. So that's, it's sort of like, I don't look at it as interior designer. I look at everything I do as a lifestyle and kind of making the most, and preserving what we have. So, I know that was a mouthful, but,
Kara: well, I just, I hear a lot of the intentionality. You know, when in this current fast consumer paced world we live in, things are made quickly, things are used quickly, things are discarded quickly, and when someone's taking time to make something of high quality, there's a different, [00:05:00] you're honoring the craftsmanship. You're, you want to preserve it, you want to keep it, it has a better story. There's a different level of how it can enhance your life versus, oh, found this thing on Amazon and I'll use it until. I find something better. And so often you realize you look around and your life has been filled with things that you had until you found better. Mm-hmm. And that's just such a, I don't know. I don't like tolerating a life that's not meant to be ours, let alone stuff that's not meant to be ours. And so I really appreciate that approach of how are you being selective about what you're surrounding yourself with.
Brittny: Yeah, and I think it's also too, now you look at how people date these days. I've been with my husband for about 10 years and you know, I see my friends that they're on these dating apps. Everything's disposable items, Amazon furniture, clothing people even. And I just really, it makes, it breaks my heart a little bit because I just think, oh, if that person's not good enough or if this [00:06:00] item's not good enough, then I just dispose of it and, you know, it's not my problem and outta sight out of mind. But really, you know, our, our landfills are just overwhelmed. Everything. Mm-hmm. It just feels that we're not stopping to cherish. The things around us and the people around us, and obviously technology and things like that. It's sort of onto the next, what's the next picture? What's the next, and, and so when I shoot my projects, I really put in a lot of thought and, you know, make. Every detail matters. You know, I'm not just throwing a shoot together and throwing a project together. A lot of thought goes into it. So I'm really collective about what projects I take on and, um, if it's the right client, I just had to a job where the contractor just didn't care about the details, he just wanted it cheap and to charge our client the most. And I just thought, it's not about the money. It's like. You know, luckily I can, I know not everyone can be so selective, but, um, it just felt so icky [00:07:00] to me and I just thought it's a bummer because the client was super nice, but the, the contractor kind of just ruined the whole experience and didn't care about the details. And I just truly, the details mattered to me in every sense.
Kara: How do you think a well curated, intentionally made home changes a person or a family that's living in it?
Brittny: There's, I mean, there's a lot to unpack there. I think truly, I, you know, we all judge, it's part of human nature, but when you step into someone's house, you learn a lot about the person right away. You know, are they clean? Are they OCD? Are they type A, or they did, they're messy. They don't care, and they're just enjoying their life. Or, you know, you see, you go into someone's home and like they have thoughtful pieces that, you know, have a story and have history. And none is, you know, neither is either good or bad. It's just, I kind of do, I see a lot when I go into someone's home. And I [00:08:00] think for me, um, over cluttering is definitely an issue. Mm-hmm. Because that is just not a healthy way to live. It's not sanitary. It's not, you can't really breathe. And so I think. Organizing. I, I mean, I don't myself organize, but I will always recommend to my clients to have an organizer. I mean, if you, when I walk into an organized room, and this is just my personality, I, I can breathe. I'm just like, yeah, this is like, so this feels so good to me, and my husband can walk, doesn't care at all. Throw this stuff on the floor and it's totally fine. Um, but for me, I, I feel like every item in your home should have a place and nothing should be stacked and stacked. On top of each other. And you know, I love beautiful things. I love, um, you know, beautiful furniture pieces, art. I love seeing family pictures in a home. My kids love seeing pictures of them and you know, with each other and with us. And it just, for me, [00:09:00] my home, I spend quite a bit of time at home now 'cause we can, I work from home. Um, it's just for me, my environment is so important and right now we're actually in a rental which came furnished and it's lovely in all. It's not my style, so I definitely feel like I'm living in someone else's home, which is, but it's very clean and organized and, and so I'm grateful for that. But for me, my home environment, it's really, it's really kind of everything. It really sets. , For my family, for me, that's me personally. But I know not everyone, you know, some people barely spend any time at home. Mm-hmm. So, um, you know, curating your home is just, it's fun, it's exciting and it's, you know, conversational pieces and I love to have funky things that are a little out of place as well. So for me it's just fun.
Kara: Would 8-year-old you have imagined that this is your life?
Brittny: Well, 8-year-old me was sitting in a flea market selling stuff with my parents, so [00:10:00] I wouldn't the surprise. I was also going open houses with my, um, parents and visiting beautiful old, um, hotels and museums. My father was super into architecture. Um, so I, I think I probably would have been surprised, but then if I thought about it, I, I probably would. Oh, I thought I was gonna be a model, you know? And, um, because that was sort of what I did. I started modeling at 12 years old. Um, but I really never loved it, truly never felt like it was really neat. It was kind of just like, you know, a way to make an income and, um, but I think truly this is. This is just really my calling and so, um, it all kind of makes sense, my upbringing and everything. My whole room was, it was, um, sort of antique pieces that my mom repainted or, uh, antique chandelier. It was all shabby chic. Mm-hmm. You know, most of my friends weren't like that. And I was going through the goodwill, like finding little [00:11:00] cool accessories, teapots dishes. I was kind of a grandma as a child, grandma activities, because. Parents exposed me to them and I really, my brother could care less. He wanted to play video games, but whereas I really, I appreciated good quality and good craftsmanship from a very young age. And I think that's kind of all like, really helped me. 'cause I've really only been doing interior design for five years. Mm-hmm. So it's been kind of a crash course in, in this fighting my calling at 30 years old. And um, I kind of just. I fell into it, to be honest, it, for me, it was kind of destiny. But um, after I had my two children, I was like, well, I'm not, didn't really love modeling, not really do that. I'm getting older. Um, and so yeah, kind of. My husband and I bought a 1930s, uh, Spanish home in Palm Springs, and I just said, Hey, like, I'm just going to, you know. [00:12:00] I go for it on my own and, and see what happens and see if I like it. And I ended up, you know, falling in love. I mean, it's a stressful process, but definitely rewarding.
Kara: How did you go through the transition of supporting his career to now champion your own?
Brittny: Um, I would say I'm still kind of in that transition.
Kara: Mm-hmm.
Brittny: In a sense because, um. I am sort of the primary parent where my husband does travel a lot, so I am kind of that person still where now, you know, I'll say to him, okay, I'm going to High Point in North Carolina in October, so you're gonna, you've got the kids, right? And just sort of like making that point where I think a lot of the time when, um, you know, one partner is sort of used to just like going off and,
Kara: mm-hmm.
Brittny: I mean, he definitely is very supportive and proud and, and, and everything, but I think sometimes [00:13:00] they forget like, okay, I sacrificed, this amount of time and now it's kind of your turn to kind of be there and, and be a little bit more of the primary parent. Um, so that it's, it's, essentially my turn to go off and pursue my dreams. So it's, he is been very, very, um, supportive, but you know, it is a transition. He is just not, not used to that. But, he's been super great and supportive. But yeah, I think it's been a little bit like, oh, okay, this. This, you're doing that? I'm like, yeah, it's happening.
Kara: And for people who are eliciting who are now intrigued, it's like, who is your husband? And, and how has he gotten his own notoriety?
Brittny: Um, so I mean, my husband started, his father was a racing driver, sort of amateur racing driver, and. Um, he started carting at the age of eight, I believe, and by the time he was 19, he was offered a drive in Formula One. So he raced in Formula One for 17 years. [00:14:00] Um, so his career started very, very young, younger than most people. Um, so he retired, uh, I think he was around 36 at the time. And so for him it was like he was still very young when he, you know, yeah. Retired. Retired, and then it was a little, he was a little confused at what direction to go. So now he has many companies. He has a whiskey brand, he has a coach building car company. He has, um, he does commentating for Sky Sports and he does very, very various things. So it's almost too much where he's a little overwhelmed. Um, so. He's kind of like, I met him at, at the, I guess the end of his racing career. So for any athlete, I think it's a little bit, um, confusing after you retire. I mean, 17 years is a long time. I mean, most drivers, um, careers in F1 aren't that long. Yeah. So I think it's been definitely [00:15:00] interesting and exciting to see what paths we have decided to go, go down. And now he's in a really good, great place. He wants to be at home more. But yeah, I mean, it's kind of like every man's dream job. Formula One driver, or,
Brittny: or?
Kara: Well, I also love, like they say, people have seven careers on average in their lifetime. And it sounds like he went from one to like the other six all at once. And I think it's so common for athletes who are used to the structure and the high performance and the, there's no, like you are doing recovery for your body, but you're always going, you're either doing press or traveling or training or actually doing the sport. So I can understand how like pun intended, like downshifting for him has probably been a learning curve because no one, no one helps you like off board, there's no, there's no kind of, how do we slow down and downgrade and like figure out what [00:16:00] next looks like. I used to work, I, um, used to work for Puma years ago and I was in heading at Motorsport, so we did all the Formula One shoes and apparel, and I had the pleasure of working with Ferrari and Ducati and, um, a lot of the other brands in the space. So it's a, an area I'm familiar with and it's a fun one to get to kind of talk about. Again,
Brittny: I first met my husband, I had no idea what Formula one was, and most Americans didn't. It was more American sport, south American sport. Um, and now it's just gone huge here. It's insane. Um, ever since, you know, the Netflix show, an American company bought Formula One and they actually got a really good deal on it. Now, looking what it's worth. Insane. But um, yeah, it's, it's a, it's really, and then like even the F1 wags, it's like a huge thing. Yeah. It's like, whereas when I was a wag, it was like, you know, you can't [00:17:00] want to have any opportunity based off of your partner. Like, it, it was very like your. You know, they didn't even want them at the races, to be honest. And now you see some of the drivers and their girlfriends are doing campaigns together and doing Tiffany campaigns and doing all these, I'm like, oh, I really missed that. But I'm, I'm super happy for them. I think it's great. I think now. I the sport is realizing that they're actually adding value. Mm-hmm. And their pictures are getting more likes than the actual drivers.
Kara: Well, it's telling the whole story, you know, like it, it really speaks to the power of storytelling in the documentary format that they've done. People love to know the whole picture and not just the one component. It's truly what ESPN's whole platform is. It's, it's soap operas for men, essentially, of all the things. So, um, if you have a good story to tell, people are gonna be excited about it and wanna support you. I also love how, um. [00:18:00] Very similar to other traditional sports in the us. People are so diehard with their drivers now. It, it, it's, I find it really interesting, but I'm glad that you've had the space to experience the old way of wags, but like really get to define yourself in a completely independent way because there must be some pride for you to know that you're building your business truly as yourself.
Kara: Mm-hmm. And not as a plus one, like. Is, do you agree? Like is that how I'm proud of that?
Brittny: Um, I think, you know, in that world I am jenssen's plus one for the people that actually truly know the sport and have been around it for a long time. Mm-hmm. Where, um, people are really just seeing my work and seeing my talent. Um, and you know, also I think a lot of people and specifically women, really suffer that effort, like with imposter syndrome and feeling that they're not good enough and that they don't [00:19:00] deserve a seat at the table. And that actually I can want to make money on my own and I can also call myself an investor. And I've made us. Collectively as a couple, you know, money. And I think that a lot of women are just afraid to be labeled something. And I really am trying to push to open those conversations with other women, talking about investing, talking about women, um, you know, supporting other women's businesses and mm-hmm. I love my, my, you know, my male friends businesses too, but it's really important for us to like tradit traditionally, like there's a lot of, can be a lot of competitiveness with women. Putting each other against each other in media and everything. And it goes back to the whole Christina Aguilar, Britney Spears, you know, when like yeah, friends and supported each other.
Brittny: But of course, you know, you know, they just want to sort of create this narrative. And I think, um, even now when I speak about finances to some of my girlfriends, they're a [00:20:00] little bit uncomfortable or they're not, they, they're afraid to ask or they're afraid to talk about it. And, um. I really think it's changing and I'm, it's really great to see, and I listen to many podcasts like I greed. Mm-hmm. You know, talking to other female entrepreneurs and talking about money and talking about all these things that normally we wouldn't because it's sort of taboo and I'm so happy that that's changing. And so yes, there's absolutely that side where. I feel like I am sort of making a name for myself on my own. And it's, it's, you know, of course I'm not gonna say that my husband hasn't helped me in any way. That's not who we all get help somewhere, but, um, I. I am very, I'm more confident now in my capabilities mm-hmm. And my, and my talents and my knowledge and my intuition and, and things like that. I mean, I just saw how a mother started Poppi soda and now just sold it for $2 billion. And I'm like, yes. And she school and she didn't do this and didn't go to [00:21:00] Harvard, but. She had, she was smart and mm-hmm She had that natural ability and that intuition that this is a product that needs to exist and I'm gonna do it and I am not gonna give up. And, you know, in four years sold it.
Brittny: I love to see that. It's just so inspiring. And it's not just about money, but it's like having. The the guts to just even try it and go for it. Mm-hmm.
Kara: I mean, we've had many conversations about should we still call this powerful lady, should be powerful humans. And every time we think about removing the gender from this business, we are reminded how much work we still have to do.
Kara: There's so many women, to your point, who are still holding themselves back, who are still dimming their light, who are still waiting and thinking they're not powerful, they're not ready. And it's heartbreaking for me to like to see that. Um, and it makes me proud that I can showcase women like yourself and others who are going [00:22:00] after this, this scary big thing that we really want. Um, I also totally agree with you about the money component. , Because I have clients who are, have multimillion dollar businesses who I am forcing to talk to a financial advisor, and they're first generation experiencing that type of wealth. Their families didn't have financial advisors or retirement plans or like all these things that are so basic today. We're not even getting into the multilevel like. Ways to invest and optimize things, but just even taking that step into financial literacy to change your generational wealth, to change the experience that your children will have and like really create this legacy component. You don't need to be uber wealthy to be doing that. And there's just so many people who don't even know what's possible for them at whatever level of wealth they, they [00:23:00] have.
Brittny: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I, I was just speaking to a friend the other day and I have a lot of, you know, um. I need to improve on that as well, , financial planning, all of that stuff.
Brittny: But I'm sort of, I'm almost there. And, um, I was speaking to a friend the other day, and she's a stay-at-home mom of two, and she has all these dreams. She's an amazing chef. And she went to, to, to school. She was going to a very well, well-known, um, school in Pasadena. And she, unfortunately I had to drop out because her house burnt down and the Palasade fire.
Kara: That's so sad.
Brittny: So yeah, she kind of has, has had to rebuild her life and um, she has all these dreams. Do like a TV show, do or start her TikTok and do a bunch of videos and, um, she, I really pushed her, to be honest. I said, you know, if you wanna do it, I'm gonna text you and I'm gonna introduce you to this person and it's gonna take work, but you should. You should go for it. I mean, there's, there's [00:24:00] no reason why you shouldn't. And she's like, well, I don't dunno what my husband would think. And I'm just like, who cares? Obviously you care what your partner thinks, but if this is your dream, you should go for it. You shouldn't have to ask permission for that. So, um, that's just, it's, but it's, it's like I feel like women feel like they have to ask permission and, uh, yeah. So hopefully that's kind of slowly. Well, hopefully it's not gonna be slow.
Kara: Yeah. I do like, as a business coach and consultant, I feel like a lot of my job is telling people, yes, yes, you can do the way you want. Yes. You can have this. Like, there's so much permission granting and I know that like when it's our dream and our passion, it's, we're so close to it, you know? Like I've heard someone describe it as. Like why we need coaches and mentors in business is because it's like reading a book up against our nose. It's impossible to see. We're so attached to [00:25:00] it. Mm-hmm. And it's why when you look at the most successful people in their lives, like they have so many different coaches. Yeah. spurts and. It's another thing that it can, it can feel extravagant at some points, and yet you are, you leapfrog so quickly when you have these people around you who are like, yeah, of course you can. And not just that, let's like go even bigger than what you're thinking about. How has, um, being a mom prepared you for being an entrepreneur in ways that you weren't expecting?
Brittny: I think probably the biggest impact motherhood has had on sort of me becoming an entrepreneur is I'm on a time limit, so I don't have time to deal with bullshit.
Brittny: If anything is affecting me in a negative way, I kind of have a zero tolerance. At this point, I only have [00:26:00] so much time to get things done. And so if I'm gonna do it, I'm gonna go for it and I'm gonna give it my all. I'm not gonna half-ass anything. And then I gotta go pick up my kids, you know, and I'm gonna go to sleep early.
Brittny: I'm not coming to that dinner unless it's, you know, it's a good friend or you know, it's an opportunity or something. Um, I have to be very selective at what I go to, how I spend my time. Um, who we hire, who I spend my time around. Mm-hmm. If you're a super negative person, critical person, um, unfortunately you've gotta go.
Brittny: I think, yeah. It just makes me think like, I want my kids to not have to worry. I want them to have a happy mother, but also I want them to see me pursuing my dreams. And they do see that. And I, my daughter's teacher asked her, what do you wanna be when you grow up? And she said, I wanna do houses like mommy. And it's like, you know, that's like such a moment for me [00:27:00] because it's like she sees what I'm doing, I, I bring her to a, you know, a site, an onsite meeting. Um, not what, it's too dangerous, but, uh, she sees what I'm doing and to be honest, they don't even know really what career my husband has had. So it's like, it's so, I mean, they know what he did, what he does, but like, you know, he goes off mm-hmm. Back whereas I, you know, sometimes take them with me and they see me sort of designing and they see the homes coming to life, and it's just so rewarding that they get to witness it all and that I could, I can make them part of it. And so, yeah, I guess me, it's just. I don't have a lot of time, so, you know, if I'm gonna do something, I'm really gonna go for it and I'm not, and I'm also just not gonna give up easily too. Mm-hmm. There's so many things that are happening, um, you know, the past few months, like I'm going to be launching my first furniture collection or the first phase. I never thought that would be possible. And so for me that is [00:28:00] like such a dream come true vision board worthy. Having, I just shot it last week and it's just, you know, it really made me emotional because it was like, it, it is been in process for about a year and a half or a little less and it's just been, yeah, a pinch me moment and really like taking that moment to enjoy it and pat yourself on back and not, yes, what's next, but also like enjoy that sort of moment that I, didn't even dream of because I didn't think it was possible.
Kara: It's, it's so interesting to me how when you lean in on what you're supposed to be doing, you get these golden nuggets and these doors that open and it feels outta body sometimes because it wasn't part of the plan. You didn't even dare dream into existence. How do you make sure that you're celebrating those moments? Are you like doing dinner with the family? Are you like taking a [00:29:00] moment to pause?
Brittny: Yeah, I'm just having like a glass of champagne with my husband or colleagues. I have two women that work for me and they are both amazing and really showing my appreciation towards them because it really, truly would not be possible without my team and I think a lot of people think they have to do everything themself, and it's really just, it's just not possible. And if it was possible, you would probably be on the edge of checking into a mental institute. Yes. Um, I don't say, you know, I don't pretend that I do it all. I have a, we have an amazing nanny.
Brittny: Um, we have an amazing assistant and we have, um, you know, a, a few other people that help us in. I just think showing gratitude towards everyone that has made it possible and really showing that I appreciate it mm-hmm. And that, you know, we're all working towards this goal and that it, it is appreciated.
Brittny: And, um, for me, that's how I celebrate is, is like, yes, giving myself a pat on the back, [00:30:00] having a basket of champagne, but also just showing appreciation to everyone and stopping having a moment like, wow, good job. you know.
Kara: When you hear the words powerful and ladies, how would you define them? And do their definitions change when they're next to each other?
Brittny: I think every woman is powerful, truly. I think that there's no way you can exist as a woman and not be powerful. I think, um, whether you realize it or not, all women have this power that they possess and whether you sort of put it into action or if you're afraid to. Um, that's, you know, I'm sure a work in progress for many women, but I think all women are extremely powerful and I love women and I, if I see, I mean the people that really inspire me are women.
Brittny: I mean, one of the most amazing women I've ever known was my grandmother, and she was one of 10 children. The oldest had six of her own. And just [00:31:00] the most beautiful human being. She didn't have a career, she was a homemaker. But I just look at all of, I mean, obviously there's many amazing men in my life as well, but I really do look up to women because they're the only, um, people that, you know, know how you feel and go through the things that you've gone through and dealing with things, you know, health things and periods and, ovaries, cyst, and all these things like, I think, there's nothing like talking to another woman and having a conversation and having a heart to heart and getting advice. I think all women are very powerful in their own right, and I just wish that, you know, we all believed in ourselves a little bit more like men. You know, men do, I mean many women, yes. But you look at a man, you're just like,
Kara: they, they've really mastered the art of like being delulu and making it happen.
Brittny: Yeah. Feel a little delusional to start your own business or, you know, do many things in life. Mm-hmm. [00:32:00] But I think most entrepreneurs are delusional. Yeah.
Kara: No, we have to be, there's, there's too many reasons to not start the business, to not take the risk, to put the money somewhere else, like there's 1,000,001 easier paths, at least how they look from the start mm-hmm. Than choosing to do your own thing, but. I know, I can't imagine doing anything else.
Brittny: Like a cubicle and, you know, having, and I, and I, those people, because those people make many things happen, but personally,, it's not my personality type. I'm a, I'm a Gemini. Maybe there's something that something to do with it. Um, but. I'm grateful for those people, but I just, uh, I can't imagine anything worse.
Kara: There's so many conversations about like, what's riskier corporate life or entrepreneurial life. I'm like, corporate life 1000%. There's like a ceiling and it's slower, and you're capped and, and restricted in so many ways, and you can be [00:33:00] laid off, fired at any time for whatever reason. Whereas like if you know that you work hard, you know that you can make things happen. I, I mean, why wouldn't you wanna bet on yourself? And yeah, there's so many ways to be in business for yourself from hair and makeup to tech, right? So.
Brittny: There's so many ways to, to baking your cookies and selling them on TikTok or Instagram or whatever, which is what I'm trying to get my mom to do.
Kara: I love that
Brittny: makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. And I'm like, mom, you see all these people. It's like, you gotta do it now. You're like, I mean, your cookies are so much better. And it's like, you could, I mean not everyone wants to do that and that's fine. Mm-hmm. Oh, that's totally okay. But. If you have that idea or you have that urge, I'm always, I always tell my friends, you know, go for it. One of my friends just wrote a book and released it and, it's amazing. I'm so proud of her. And I think it's just believing in yourself and a lot of the time we can have that [00:34:00] voice in our head that is very negative and like thinking of reasons why we can't do things. And so I really tried to. Change that voice and think, oh wow, what, you know, okay, if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out, but mm-hmm. At least try. And what if it does work out? And what if they do say yes? What if they do like, it's just really being your own cheerleader. It's, it's, mm-hmm. It's hard times, but no one else is gonna do it.
Kara: Nope. No one else is signing up. Um, you know, for people who are listening to this and they're in the LA area. Who is a dream client for you? What are you looking for? What would be a perfect fit?
Brittny: Well, it's funny 'cause I just posted on inst on Instagram. Um, Kendall Jenner just bought this amazing, um, Montecito, 1920s, thirties home, and I think it was like 24 million. I think Ellen DeGeneres used to own it. Um, and it is just the bones and everything. It's so original. It's so stunning. And that would, I mean, I wouldn't say [00:35:00] Kendall Jenner is like directly my, um, you know, I don't, I wouldn't say I have like a dream client.
Kara: Mm-hmm.
Brittny: Although actually I have more of a dream home.
Kara: Okay.
Brittny: You know, Any Mediterranean, Spanish, twenties, thirties or historical home really. But, um, Dita Von Teese actually almost bought one of my projects in Palm Springs, which was, um, a pink house that was sort of inspired by Jane Mansfield's Pink Palace in Holmby Hills. And she nearly bought it, but it didn't go through. And I was just like, wow. She is amazing. You know, I, I love like the art of burlesque and mm-hmm. Lives, and that's like honestly as an alter ego, she's. She's definitely extreme. Mm-hmm. Um, but that kind of is like an alter ego in me. I would love to be like a burlesque dancer and like live in her vintage lifestyle.
Brittny: I just think it's so awesome. So I guess maybe like Dita Von Teese would be a dream client because she really appreciates all [00:36:00] of the little details and everything matters and that's, yeah. She would probably be, yeah. A dream.
Kara: I was, uh, watching a documentary on YouTube about all of the beautiful mansions that they have torn down in LA because, you know, LA gets such a bad rap for not having history and not having variety, and it really does when you dig into it and look for it.
Kara: But we've also done a really bad job of preserving the beautiful things that we have created in the LA area. Yeah. The homes you're describing. I come from the East coast, so anything that has sense of history and purpose and the thoughtfulness lights me up as well. Hmm. Is there hidden places around LA where people can see more of that historical charm that gets you excited?
Brittny: Well, I definitely think Pasadena is amazing. They've done a great job of preserving the homes there because it's, you know, it's a different city and so they have a different process. Um, so you actually can't go into Pasadena [00:37:00] as a developer and knock down, um, older homes and build boxes, which I love.
Brittny: And we nearly bought a house in, in Palm Springs, but the, the seller ended up not wanting to sell. Uh, it was just so stunning. It was probably one of the most beautiful homes I've been in in la so I think Pasadena. Um. Is definitely a great area to just drive around and look at beautiful homes. Um, I also do go to a lot of salvage yards in downtown, which I've bought some amazing pieces salvaged from homes, famous homes, historical homes. One of my last projects I, um. These insane, really heavy iron gates were so intricate, had little horses. And I added that and built an arch around it. And so that was like my way of adding a little history back into the home instead of stripping everything away. And I pretty much, every one of my projects, I use salvaged items, um, to preserve and use what we have. Um, it's not always [00:38:00] possible, but I, I mean, it's my. It's my version of heaven going into those places, it's just so fun. Just see all the craftsmanship and I just think, what home did this come, did this light come from this tile? So that's sort of my, like my little hidden, you know, gem spots that I love to, to, to go look at. And, um, it's not cheap, but, but it will last a lifetime. So, um, yeah, that's. There's this place called Eric's Salvage that I'm completely obsessed with. Um, but yeah, Pasadena, whenever I drive around there, I just think, wow. I mean, some of these homes are just, mm-hmm. Insane.
Kara: We have two more questions before I wrap up today. The first is where you put yourself on the powerful Lady scale. If zero is average everyday human, and 10 is the most powerful lady you can imagine, where would you rank yourself today and on an average day?
Brittny: Um, I would, would rank myself today at maybe [00:39:00] a seven, maybe a few months ago. Generally at a six, I would say I'm not out of 10 because obviously I, I don't know any person that would probably say that they're a 10 out of 10. I think I'm well on my way to a nine, nine and a half. I have so many things I wanna pursue, but not even just, you know, in business, but just really having that confidence and believing in myself and I wasn't always the most confident. And I think after having my children, it really just showed me, okay, what do I wanna show them? Yeah. So, yeah, I would say I am between a six and a seven, and I'm working my way up and kind of improving every month and being more confident in my capabilities.
Kara: This is a powerful, connected community. What is something on your to-do list to manifest? List your wishlist. What is something that you want or need that we can help make [00:40:00] happen for you?
Brittny: Oh, that's a good question. I think just sort of speaking to other women and just really having more conversations with each other about business finance. And all those and, and, and your dreams as crazy as they may seem, just having those conversations because you never know. How things are connected, how someone can help you, or who they can introduce you to. I mean, it's just crazy some of the connections I've made by just having those conversations and not being afraid to have those conversations. Mm-hmm. And I think I would just really, I would love to manifest for me and other women just, just opening up more about those crazy dreams that you have. And go for them.
Kara: Well, that is my favorite topic, so I'm definitely on board to help make that happen.
Brittny: Amazing .
Kara: For everybody who wants to follow you, support you, hire, you, work with you, where can they do all those things?
Brittny: They can find me at [00:41:00] button atelier.com or but na on Instagram or Brittny button on Instagram. It's all linked. It's all linked together.
Kara: Perfect. And we'll have all those links in our show notes as well. Um, thank you so much for being a yes to the powerful ladies and sharing your wisdom and perspective today. Um, I love finding someone else who appreciates wanting to preserve older homes and also be building beautiful homes with intention. I'm such a believer that it changes so many other layers about yourself and your life, um, when we are really protective about what's in our space. So thank you for doing that part to make LA more beautiful.
Brittny: Of course. And thank you so much for having me. This has been such a beautiful conversation with another powerful lady and um, lovely to meet you.
Speaker: Thanks for listening to The Powerful Ladies Podcast. If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe. Leave us a review or share it with a friend. Head to the [00:42:00] powerful ladies.com. We can find all the links To connect with today's guest show notes, discover like episodes, enjoy bonus content and more.
Speaker: We'll be back next week with a brand new episode and new amazing guest. Make sure you're following us on Instagram or Substack at Powerful ladies. To get the first preview of next week's episode, you can find me and all my socials @karaduffy.com. This is a Powerful Ladies production produced by Jordan Duffy and Amanda Kass.
Speaker: Until then, I hope you're taking on being powerful in your life. Go be awesome and up to something you love.
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Instagram: @brittnybutton
Website: buttonatelier.com
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Created and hosted by Kara Duffy
Audio Engineering & Editing by Jordan Duffy
Production by Amanda Kass
Graphic design by Anna Olinova
Music by Joakim Karud
