Our Founder Simon Mayhew was interviews by Insider Magazine.

Written by Daniel Zambartas

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"I trained in dance, not business. Drama and dancing were my world - but looking back, I always had it in me to become an entrepreneur,” a Manchester-based founder tells Insider.

Simon Mayhew started his interior design company TXTURED two years ago with no qualifications except for an online course. Until a few weeks ago, he was a sole trader, undertaking an array of projects across the UK.

"I didn’t have a degree or any formal qualifications in interior design. I tried to get an internship, but no one replied," he said.

"I did take an online interior design course, but those courses don’t teach you how to actually run a project, handle the pitfalls, or deal with contractors.You have to learn on the job."

Since launching, TXTURED has delivered a diverse portfolio – including designing a GAIL’s Bakery concept in London and the head office of WeLet Properties in Deansgate. Now, Mayhew is eyeing international work, drawn to Dubai for its adventurous design, healthy budgets, and natural fit with his love of clay, cement and organic textures.

It’s a far cry from the West End stage, where Mayhew danced professionally for eight years, before the death of his father prompted a shift. He left performing to launch a talent agency, which he grew into one of London’s largest. He’s now in the process of selling the business.

“You’re constantly in and out of work in the West End. I wanted something more stable,” he said. “I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I love branding, I love being creative. Performing gave me the confidence to take risks and be fearless.”

That performer mindset, he says, has been crucial: “You hear 20 no’s before you get a yes. So I built up resilience. Nothing stops me now. And my dad passing away was the catalyst. You realise life is short – I wasn’t actually happy in the performing world, and that gave me a push to change direction.”

What sets Mayhew apart now is not just resilience, but an intentional rejection of interior design trends.

“A lot of designers follow trends. You go on their websites, and everything looks the same – and that makes sense, because clients often want that ‘look’,” he said. “But I don’t want every project of mine to look the same. I want each one to feel unique and reflect the space.”

He’s more interested in discovering unusual materials and working with small, independent suppliers. He recalls the period where “every kitchen seemed to be painted grey and navy blue” as the kind of design trap he wants to avoid.

On sustainability, he’s refreshingly honest.

“Sustainability’s become a bit of a buzzword. Everyone wants to be seen doing it, but it’s not always genuine. Interior design often involves ripping things out and putting new things in – there’s a level of waste that’s hard to avoid.”

Still, he tries to be mindful where he can. “Suppliers often ask if I want folders of fabric samples. I always say no. I just ask for what I’ll actually use. I don’t want a catalogue of 200 samples when I’ll probably only use 20.”

He adds: “What matters to me is honesty. I don’t buy into greenwashing. I use brands like COAT Paints for their sustainability, but I won’t say something is sustainable unless it genuinely is.”

Another of his signatures is a focus on all five senses – especially the less obvious ones, like sound and smell.

Walk into his studio and you’re met with a subtle, luxurious scent, diffused gently through the space. “Scent can trigger an emotional response. It’s one of the first things people notice, even subconsciously.”

He’s also passionate about acoustic design. “I had a client – an estate agency on Deansgate – where the office was chaos. It had wooden floors, no sound absorption, and the manager was constantly getting headaches. Now, there are amazing options: ceiling panels, sound-softening wallpaper, wall coverings that really change the feel of a space.”

Looking ahead, Mayhew is focused on building the TXTURED brand and connecting with project managers, property managers and business owners. He’s particularly hopeful about a café project on Deansgate – and wants to grow organically from there.

High-end residential will always be part of his business, but he’s keen to branch further into hospitality. “A boutique hotel is the dream,” he said. “I’d love to do more restaurants and cafés – and one day, a project in Dubai.”

Right now, he’s most proud of the townhouse he’s working on – his biggest project to date.

“I trained as a dancer in Belsize Park and lived in Hampstead for years. This project is just around the corner. When I went back recently, it was surreal. If you’d asked me two years ago what my dream project would be – this is it.”

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