Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ropp.
Michelle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Oregon with two very creative/artistic parents. My father was a design/build guy, who later became an architect and would end up as a civil engineer building bridges. My mother is the quintessential “Susie Homemaker”, as she is a designer herself and can create anything. She cooks, bakes, decorates amazing wedding cakes, knits, crochets, sews, paints murals, gardens, plays piano & accordion and the list goes on! I preface my own story with my parents because I believe my artistic expression is in my blood 🙂
My first profession was in the healing arts. I studied many modalities of massage therapy, as well as nutrition, anatomy & physiology, and traditional Chinese medicine at the Shiatsu School of California. After 10 years of an incredible run, I decided to hang my hat in 2002. Moving on to interior design was a natural progression. After studying thru UCLA, I then mentored under a dear friend who is known as the, “home improvement guru” of western Washington, Tami Michaels. I flourished in Seattle until relocating back to Los Angeles in Jan of 2013.
Even though I’m an Oregonian, I’m a California girl at heart. I love the Los Angeles landscape and am inspired everyday by the weather, the flora, the ocean, the mountains, the architecture and history of our beloved city.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road?? Lol, there’s no such road on the path of the “artist’s way” or “road less traveled”!
In my experience, I can honestly share with you, obstacles and challenges are what have taught me to be the aware, compassionate, imaginative and grateful human being that I am. Experiences are what enrichen our lives…this covers the good, the bad AND the ugly!
One of the toughest times in my life was moving back to Los Angeles:
Having an entrepreneurial spirit and being self-employed most of my life has brought me immense joy & fulfillment, as well as my fair share of hardship. When I moved back to town at the beginning of 2013, I was so over the moon, you’d think I was floating. I had a position lined up with a popular television show (aka some stability), as well as a dreamy residential project. I took my sweet time driving down from Seattle and stopped to visit my family in Portland & southern Oregon along the way, which was wonderful. Once I landed, I was getting in touch with my peeps I knew when I lived here before and networking like crazy! I started my project, but hadn’t heard from the guy who hired me for the tv show. Then weeks became months. I finished my project, and never did get to start working on the show. I believe it was a case of “LA flakiness”…and this is my polite way of expressing what happened. I didn’t have another project lined up immediately, so the result was NO INCOME. To generate some income to survive in the interim, I became the yes woman and took on about every little job there was from dog walking to gardening with a few colour consultations in between. It certainly wasn’t ideal, but it was necessary to bridge the gap. Another layer to add is that I was going thru a major breakup at the time…when it rains it pours!!
A friend said to me, “your fortitude is remarkable”. No matter what the circumstances, it’s most important to stay to true to who I am and true to my purpose. This is how I live.
Michelle Ropp+Design – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is my passion. We are a full service, luxury interior design and project management firm. We offer a wide range of services from colour consultation to space planning to full renovation to new construction. We also love to refurbish vintage furniture pieces back to their original splendor. And we find great value/joy in being surrounded by plants and make sure to share this sensibility with our clients, whether it be at work or at home.
To date, I am most proud of the 1920’s remodel/addition I did in the Central District of Seattle, WA. Most of this project was a custom job, which always makes it more creative and fun. I would say I’m a sort of lifestyle expert too; understanding the balance of health/nutrition, aesthetics, architecture, spirituality and our environments in which we work & play. What sets me apart from others is me…wink wink!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means executing a plan with an outcome pleasing to all!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michelleroppdesign.com
- Phone: 206.271.5881
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artsyfartsymee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Michelle-RoppDesign-1230178773674764/?pnref=lhc
Image Credit:
Paul Gronner Photography
Todd Phillips Photography
Michelle Ropp
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
