Canvas Rebel: Meet Audra Samnotra of Social Swan Decor

This feature was originally published in Canvas Rebel, where I share the story behind Social Swan Decor and the experiences that shaped my approach to design and client experience.

I was recently featured in Canvas Rebel, where I shared more about my journey into interior design, the foundation behind Social Swan Decor, and the philosophy that shapes how I work with clients today.

It’s always interesting to reflect on how things unfolded, because my path into this work wasn’t linear.

I’ve always moved through life in my own way. I got married later, had my daughter at 40, and then started Social Swan Decor. It never felt late to me. It felt like I had finally arrived at the moment I was meant to begin.

By that point, I had years of experience behind me that I now rely on every day. Nearly a decade in New York as a hedge fund VP taught me how to solve complex problems and communicate at a high level. As a Chief of Staff, I learned what true white-glove service looks like. And through nonprofit fundraising, I developed the ability to talk about money with both confidence and empathy.

All of it shaped how I show up for my clients now.

At Social Swan Decor, the goal has never been just to create something beautiful. We design homes that feel layered, finished, and deeply personal. They reflect how our clients live and what matters to them.

What often surprises people is how much of our work is rooted in process. My background allows me to bring structure and clarity to what can otherwise feel overwhelming. That structure creates space for a calm, elevated experience where our clients feel supported from the very first conversation through the final reveal.

I’ve also been deeply influenced by the idea of going beyond what’s expected. One book that continues to stay with me is Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. It’s not just about service. It’s about creating moments that people remember.

That mindset is something I think about often. Designing a home is an intimate process. You learn how people live, what comforts them, how their family gathers. That level of insight creates an opportunity to do something more thoughtful and personal in a way clients may not have even expected.

And that’s really the goal. Not just a beautiful end result, but an experience that feels just as meaningful as the space itself.

Of course, the early days of building the business weren’t glamorous. In my first year, I generated $16,000 in revenue. It would have been easy to see that as a sign to stop, but I didn’t. Instead, I treated that year as a learning period. Every project helped me refine my process, strengthen relationships, and grow more confident in the value of thoughtful design. Over time, that foundation led to something much bigger.

Looking back now, I wouldn’t change any part of that journey. There’s no perfect timeline for building something meaningful. Sometimes the longer path is the one that prepares you best.

If you’d like to read the full feature, you can find it here.

If you’re interested in working together or learning more about my process, I’d love to connect.