Shea McGee is a New York Times bestselling author and the creative visionary behind Studio McGee Inc., a multi-disciplinary design business encompassing interiors, products, and entertainment. She founded the business out of a spare bedroom with her husband, Syd McGee, in 2014 and has since grown into one of the most prolific names in the industry. As a designer, entrepreneur, and mother of three girls, Shea has inspired millions to make life beautiful. She has led the design of hundreds of homes across the country and is known for creating timeless custom interiors that feel effortless. Their loyal fanbase and ever-expanding design portfolio paved the way for the launch of their e-commerce brand McGee & Co. as well as a partnership with Target. In 2020, Shea and Syd premiered their reality show, Dream Home Makeover, on Netflix, showcasing Shea’s signature style in everything from one-bedroom renos to multi-million-dollar estates. With a vision that beautiful design can be approachable, Studio McGee has become one of the most highly sought-after interior design destinations for clients and fans who love their light-filled aesthetic.
1. Walk us through your morning routine.
I wake up at 5:30 every morning to workout. I always lay out my clothes the night before, so I can roll out of bed, brush my teeth, and get moving. I’m not a coffee drinker, but I drink a caffeinated green drink in the morning to get me up and going. After that, I help get my kids fed and ready for school. Depending on my schedule for the day, I’ll get ready to go into our office or work from home.
2. Do you have an exercise routine?
I lift weights 3x a week, try to reach 10,000 steps (which often includes time on the treadmill), and play tennis almost daily.
3. Do you follow a specific diet? Share a little about how you approach nutrition
I focus on protein intake and track macros. I try to stay away from gluten and sugar on weekdays, but love to make baked goods with my kids on the weekends.
4. How many hours do you sleep each night?
I spent many years depriving myself of sleep but making it a priority has changed my mental clarity, mood, and energy. I usually get 7 hours of sleep a night.
5. What are some hobbies you enjoy?
I love to play tennis, go for walks, and garden. My favorite hobby, interior design, became our business, but I still love it.
6. Do you have any life mottos or principles you follow?
There is an opportunity in every obstacle.
7. How do you approach setting goals?
I keep my goals limited, so I can focus my attention without becoming overwhelmed and discouraged. At the beginning of the year I pick one physical, spiritual, and career goal.
8. For your interior design business, how do you typically get inspiration for new designs, color schemes and layouts?
I’m always on the hunt for inspiration, but find nature to be my guide – both aesthetically and in my mindset. I also look to our clients for inspiration through learning about their interests and how they live. As a creative, there are times when the harder I try the less creative I feel, so I need to step away from my computer to clear my head.
9. You are involved in quite a few different business ventures — you publish books (Make Life Beautiful and your new book coming out The Art of Home), star in a Netflix show, operate a large e-commerce company and have an Interior Design business — which one of these businesses do you enjoy the most? Why?
The creative aspects of each of these businesses are what make me tick – my best days are when I am conceptualizing products, designing homes, and seeing them come to life when we photograph them.
10. If you could leave one piece of advice for someone younger, what would you share?
There is never a perfect time to pursue a dream or passion – just start.
11. Is there anything that you haven’t done that you still want to do?
I have always wanted to design a boutique hotel or restaurant!
*We will stay tuned on this!