Today we’d like to introduce you to Allyson Duckworth.
Hi Allyson, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a proud Mississippian, I first fell in love with design while earning my BFA at the University of Mississippi. Even during my years in pharmaceutical and medical sales, design was always calling to me. I spent every spare moment sketching ideas, rearranging spaces, and dreaming about the day I could do it full-time.
After fifteen rewarding years in sales, I finally decided to take the leap and follow my heart. That’s when Pearly Peacock Design was born—a place where I could fully embrace my creativity and help others tell their stories through thoughtfully curated interiors.
Every project is personal to me. I pour my energy and inspiration—often gathered from my travels—into creating spaces that feel layered, meaningful, and beautifully lived-in. My work is a reflection of not just style, but soul.
I invite you to explore my world of design—a world where imagination meets intention, and every detail has a story to tell.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Design has always been the fun part—the part that fuels my soul. But turning that passion into a business? That was the real challenge. The logistics, the execution, the financing—I had to kick, claw, and scrape to get Pearly Peacock Design off the ground, all without taking out a loan.
It was a grind, but it taught me so much. I leaned into the skills I gained from my corporate sales career—strategic thinking, resilience, relationship-building—and those tools gave me the footing I needed to “make it,” even when things felt uncertain.
Honestly, I’ve come to realize that every obstacle—and every accolade—just leads to new challenges and growth. This business shifts constantly; it keeps you on your toes. There’s no space for complacency. I think of it like a flowering plant—each growth cycle brings new and unexpected blooms. That’s the beauty of it. And it’s what keeps me inspired.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My passion for travel is at the heart of my design aesthetic. And when I say “travel,” I don’t just mean jetting off to faraway places—it could be the next town over or somewhere completely new and unfamiliar. I love immersing myself in different cultures, soaking up the history, the people, the colors, and the textures. That’s where I find my anchors in design. Whether it’s a landscape, a memory, or a moment in history, inspiration finds me when I’m truly present in a place.
I’m known for embracing color—boldly and unapologetically. Even during the era of all-white and beige interiors, I stayed true to my love of vibrant hues and layered textures. I’m thrilled to see color and personality making their way back into design.
One of the proudest moments of my career was being featured in Elle Decor and Architectural Digest last year. It was completely beyond anything I ever imagined—and incredibly meaningful. 2023 was a deeply painful year for me, marked by a tragic loss that shattered the world I had known as an adult. That season of grief could have stopped me in my tracks, but instead, the projects I worked on and the artists I collaborated with became part of my healing process. To have that work recognized by such iconic publications was a true gift—one that reminded me why I love what I do.
What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends. I believe every space should reflect the person who lives there. That means embracing the mix—antiques with a modern edge, heirlooms with stories, textures that evoke memory and meaning. My goal is always to highlight what my clients love most and let those pieces shine within a thoughtfully curated design.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I truly hope I’m always someone who’s willing to support and uplift others—whether it’s a fellow designer or someone just starting out. We each have something unique to bring to this industry, and I believe in creating space for others to grow and succeed. I’m a firm believer in building people up with honesty and transparency—sharing not just the highlights, but the real, behind-the-scenes truths of the journey. If I can be an asset to someone else’s path, that’s a role I take to heart.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my dad. He’d say, “Put your arms up—protect your face,” like I was in a boxing ring—and then he’d add, “Don’t quit.” It stuck with me. You’re going to fall. You’re going to fail. The key is to get up, dust yourself off, and learn from it.
I also love the quote by James Joyce: “Mistakes are the portals of discovery.” That’s so true in design—and in life. The peaks are amazing, but it’s in the valleys and during the climb that you gain the grit, the growth, and the perspective to truly appreciate the wins.
So my advice? Stay open. Keep learning. Embrace change. And don’t be afraid to take the long road—sometimes that’s where the magic happens.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pearlypeacockdesign.com
- Instagram: PearlyPeacockDesign
- Facebook: PearlyPeacockDesign
- Twitter: PearlyPeacockDesign
- Other: tictok Pearly PeacockDesign
