Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Shannon.
Kelly, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I bought a house in 2016 and absolutely loved working on it… It was all I wanted to do. I wasn’t a designer, I worked in the automotive industry. In 2017 I ended up quitting my job and decided to start my own interior design business. I was obviously very anxious leaving a career I knew to venture into completely new territory at 34 years old, but I knew I would make it work because it always been something I’ve loved. During this time, a dear family friend called me and invited me over to see their new home. Within a minute after the house tour, she asked me to finish decorating their house for them. And that’s how it all started. The support I’ve received from my friends and family has been incredible and has given me so much drive to constantly learn more and do better each day. Just now halfway through my third year, I can’t believe how fortunate I’ve been to be hired by such amazing clients on so many great projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road, more like off-road racing. Everything is always moving extremely fast and when you’re working on someone’s home and trying to learn a new industry at the same time, it’s definitely a huge challenge. I think anyone who has their own business struggles with time management as well. For the first year, I was working 16-18 hour days because I had no idea how to manage my time. I’d always worked for someone, so I’d basically always had someone telling me what to do. That was an eye-opener.
K Shan Design – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
K Shan Design is an interior design firm based in Costa Mesa, CA. I do everything from decor to building or remodeling a home. I’m definitely most proud of the relationships I form with my clients. You have to be so open with one another, it’s very humbling. I’ve been hired by several friends and I can’t believe the way the level of friendship transforms working with someone. They become more like family. It’s really very special. I think what sets me apart is that many designers have their style that people want, so they hire them for that, where I want to take my client’s style and elevate it to their fullest potential.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
At the end of the day, it’s making the client incredibly happy and knowing I’ve done the best job I possibly could for them. That includes so many things – communication, follow through, vetting, budgeting, time and project management, you name it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kshandesign.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kshandesign
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