We were lucky to catch up with Amanda Sherod recently and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, so great to have you on the platform and excited to have you share your wisdom with our community today. Communication skills often play a powerful role in our ability to be effective and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your communication skills.
Effective communication is crucial to my business, and I have gained communication skills through my previous roles, education and various training programs throughout my career. At Emspired to Decorate, I begin each project with a discovery call to understand my clients’ needs, lifestyles and to explain my decorating process. Many of my clients are new to working with a designer, so I make it a priority to have them understand my decorating/designing approach. This ensures that we start off with a clear, shared vision and build a strong foundation to be able to successfully work together.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Emspired to Decorate started when my dream became a reality. After working briefly for a staging company, the pandemic gave me the opportunity to reevaluate my life and pursue something I truly loved. I have always had a passion for helping people, and with my job at the staging company I quickly realized how much I enjoyed decorating. My daughter Emery motivated me to start my own company. Her encouragement, along with several others, was a driving force, and in 2020, I launched Emspired to Decorate. The inspiration for the name “Emspired to Decorate” came from the incredible support I received from Emery.
When I started my business I had the vision of creating a company that could help anyone transform their space. I truly believe that everyone deserves a space that they love. At Emspired to Decorate, I am committed to working with clients with a wide range of budgets to create homes that are truly happy places. Many people think that working with an interior designer requires a large budget, but that’s not the case with us. Whether it’s a small project or decorating a large model home, Emspired to Decorate offers personalized interior decorating solutions that fit both my clients’ budget and style.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A key experience that significantly helped me launch my interior decorating business were the skills I learned in my previous role at a small business. During this time, I handled a wide range of responsibilities, including bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and project management. This position provided me with invaluable insights of running a successful business. Many people may not realize that managing a business involves much more than just the aspects of decorating. The behind-the-scenes administrative work is equally important.
I also believe that starting my own networking group has been beneficial to the success of my business. Along with three other women, I founded a local networking group dedicated to connecting female business leaders in our community. This group focuses on promoting personal and professional growth through referrals, training, and relationship-building. Being part of this network has significantly contributed to my business development and overall success.
Lastly, I think the timing of the pandemic had a huge impact on the start of my interior decorating business. During that time, I had the time to really decide on my future career path. I dedicated many hours coming up with business plans and using my resources to get guidance and support from others. Although the pandemic was a difficult time for many, including myself, it ultimately provided the opportunity to start my own business and achieve something positive.
My advice for someone starting on their own journey is to have the courage and take the leap! It’s natural to feel nervous about putting yourself out there, but if you’re pursuing something you truly love, the rewards are well worth it.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would be thrilled to collaborate with a home brand that offers versatility and caters to a range of budgets. Since my goal is to assist clients with varying budgets, partnering with a brand that aligns with this mission would be a fantastic opportunity. I would be excited to promote their products and integrate them into my clients’ homes, demonstrating how the products work with different styles and price points.
I am always open to learning more about new products and brands for my clients. Those interested in learning more about Emspired to Decorate can reach out to me on social media: @Emspiredtodecorate or on my website www.emspiredtodecorate.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emspiredtodecorate.com
- Instagram: @emspiredtodecorate
- Facebook: @Esmpiredtodecorate
Image Credits
Life in Full Photography LLC took my professional headshot.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
