Meet Melissa Grant

We recently connected with Melissa Grant and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

I grew up with parents that were raised in small towns on a farm. They were basically raised to survive. So when my brother and I were growing up they were not concerned or interested in any thing other than the basics of day to day life. Don’t get me wrong, we were loved and well cared for. However, I never took dance lessons, had sleep overs, had mother day trips or spa days. As you can imagine I grew up very sheltered and not having a lot of InSite into any part of the world outside of our small family bubble.
When I was in my early 20s I dated a guy that came from a wealth family. He started to introduce me to this huge amazing world. I had tacos, Chinese food and my first bagel ( wasn’t sold on the bagel, to me it was a funny shaped stale biscuit)
I was defiantly a fish out of water and it was obvious in so many ways. I did start to become very self aware of my lack of experience in this big world.
We attended a brunch ( my first) at a friend of his home. They were an amazing couple, we had spent some time with them previously and I always felt welcome and comfortable. So this day I had no reason to feel nervous or that I did not “fit in”. I was very excited to wear my new outfit. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a pale green 2 pc short set with a blazer. I even found matching green sling backs. Look out Jackie – O here I come. Well that was the way I felt walking into the brunch. We were greeted with smiles and hugs. So far, so good. Then I decide to get something to eat. I was very interested in what one ate at brunch. I grabbed my plate and started to put all the trimmings on my bagel. I carefully watched the ladies in front of me and I did what they did. Started with the cream cheese, then I saw them add what appeared to be baby peas. I was trying to appear that I totally fit in and all of this was something I did all the time. So I said ” Ah look how cute those baby peas are, I bet they are yummy. The moment that left my lips I knew something was wrong. The young lady in front of me was stunning, She was tall, slim and perfect in every way. So when she spoke to me her words cut sharply and she said” What! baby peas, ummm no these are capers. After that I didn’t really hear much else. I was so embarrassed and wanted to run. I smiled, laughed and found a corner to hide in until we left. I felt ashamed of myself and very insecure. After a few days I was still feeling like I was less than for some reason. I did not like how I felt about myself. So I decided that would never happen to me again. I went to the library and found a book on etiquette and manners by Emily Post. It became my guide and I read it many, many times. Then I started clipping photos of women out of magazines that I felt exuded elegance. I would copy the outfit as best I could on my small budget.
I can honestly say that one encounter with a mean girl was the best thing that happened to me. I have had an amazing life and experienced some things few people get to experience. I now have the confidence to go to any place or event and know 100% I belong. Now when I stand out it is because I pride myself in how I look and represent myself. That one encounter helped me find who I was meant to be.
So I got my confidence and self-esteem from capers. 🙂

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My husband and I own a furniture store. We have been in business over 10 years.
My husband opened the store 2 years before we met. I had an amazing job in a different state and my now husband was a client.
Fortunately for me, my background and experience was just what the store was lacking.

We are so much more than a typical furniture store. We carry a large selection of items you can take home same day. If you have any specific needs or wants we have our own factories that can custom make any piece. All of our furniture is made the way it should be made, Real wood, real leather and all natural materials. We also travel and find amazing one of a kind pieces you will not find anywhere. Our design team is here to help you create a room you will love.
We are proud of what we have created. We are very fair with our pricing. We do not believe in “fake ” sales where most stores mark up the price to offer you a discount.

When you walk in you will see and feel the difference. You will hear cool music, you will be offered something fun to drink while you shop. Its fun, its relaxing.

We offer in home design for both commercial and residential.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Believe in yourself
Out work everyone
Go above and beyond

I learned to pretend to have confidence until I did. I guess that is the old saying ” fake it to you make it”.
I stated to observe my co -workers and quickly realized most people get by doing the least they can. So I started to as much as I could. I wasn’t the most educated or experienced in my early journey, however I got promoted and offered positions because I did more than expected.
I was always early, in a good mood, never took part in gossip or negativity.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I think partnering with anyone that appreciates quality furniture and unique items would be a good fit for us.
If someone feels we would be a good fit to work on projects together they can reach me at the store or via social media

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.crescenthouseinc.com
• Instagram: crescenthousefurniture