Meet Mesha Williams

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mesha Williams a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mesha, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me has been a profound and recurring experience throughout my journey in the interior design industry. As highlighted in a Zippia survey, the industry boasts a $17.5 billion market value, yet African American professionals represent a mere 2.3% of interior designers in the U.S., with even fewer being women. This reality has underscored my role not just as a designer, but as a pioneer for inclusivity and representation.

To navigate and succeed in spaces where I am often the sole representative of my race and gender, I have leaned heavily on a few key strategies. I embrace my unique perspective, which brings a distinct blend of cultural background and professional expertise to the table, enriching the projects and discussions I am involved in.

I have actively sought out and built relationships with other minority women entrepreneurs and professionals within and outside my industry. These connections provide not only emotional support and mentorship but also help instill confidence in myself and learn the art of having engaging conversations that lead to successful relationships. With confidence in my skills and vision, it helps bolster my resolve and inspires confidence in others about my capabilities.

Maintaining persistence and resilience has also been crucial. I view setbacks as opportunities for growth and maintain persistence, cultivating resilience to navigate the industry with grace and tenacity, continuously pushing forward despite occasional resistance or isolation. This self-assurance is vital when I am the only one in the room who looks like me, as it helps break down barriers and fosters a more inclusive atmosphere.

By harnessing these strategies, I have not only carved a niche for myself in the interior design world but also paved the way for others who will follow. Being the only one in the room has transformed from challenges into opportunities to demonstrate the unique value that diverse perspectives bring to the table.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Mesha Williams, the Creative Director and owner of id Designs & Co., a forward-thinking interior design studio dedicated to revolutionizing well-being through innovative and inclusive design solutions for both residential and commercial spaces. Our mission is to bring about positive transformation with high-impact, minimally disruptive designs that prioritize mental health and well-being.

We achieve this by infusing strategic design elements and distinctive features into our creations, ensuring they are not only aesthetically pleasing but also resonate with the mental and emotional well-being of their inhabitants. Each project we undertake is a new journey, where we dive deep into our clients’ worlds, striving to understand their unique viewpoints, dreams, and aspirations. This in-depth understanding forms the bedrock of our design approach, allowing us to craft tailored experiences for each client. We pride ourselves on offering luxury design solutions that are both affordable and high-quality.

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2014, marked by challenges and rewards that required unwavering resilience. I left my role as an Account Manager due to the undue stress and depression it caused, leading to the creation of my dream: a distinctive interior decor brand named Instinctively Different. This dream was inspired by my childhood experiences watching my mother’s captivating home renovation projects, which sparked my passion for creativity and interior design.

With over 20 years of experience in construction and renovation, my journey has been enriched by both personal and professional experiences. This background was instrumental in my decision to rebrand and launch id Designs & Co. in 2022, a pivotal step in my career. Understanding the profound impact well-designed spaces have on mental health, I was motivated by my struggles with anxiety and depression to create environments that foster well-being, balance, and tranquility. Through id Designs & Co., I strive to use my design passion to make a positive, meaningful difference in people’s lives.

In today’s world, where sustainability and mental health are paramount, we prioritize integrating these considerations into our designs. By seamlessly blending these factors, we present solutions that are not just about aesthetics but also about holistic well-being and environmental consciousness.

Initially, my venture into creating leather handbags and accessories saw some growth, but my lack of business knowledge led me back into the corporate world two years later. However, I discovered my true passion and skill in home decor, as well as designing and crafting interior and exterior furniture. Encouraged by friends and family, I relaunched Instinctively Different in 2019, focusing on home decor and custom furniture.

Starting a business doesn’t come with instant solutions, and I found myself in desperate need of guidance. Accessible mentorship programs from successful business owners became a lifeline, providing invaluable advice on growth and perseverance. One piece of advice that resonated with me was about growth being inherently painful, a notion I embraced as I navigated increasing challenges. This realization prompted me to rebrand; although the name Instinctively Different meant natural uniqueness, it became challenging to pronounce and often changed.

Through this journey, I recognized my innate talent for decorating and designing—a skill I had previously underestimated. My background in construction and renovation, both from my upbringing and professional experiences, paved the way for my rebranding efforts. In 2022, I launched id Designs & Co., marking a natural progression in my career. Understanding the significant impact well-designed spaces have on mental health, I was motivated by my struggles with anxiety and depression to create environments that foster mental well-being, balance, and tranquility. My goal was to use my passion for design to positively affect people’s lives.

Moreover, my exposure to my mother’s home renovations instilled a profound appreciation for creativity and the transformative power of design. I aspired to harness this passion in my business, creating spaces that not only inspire but also uplift. This journey, spanning over a decade, has taught me the importance of adaptability, facing challenges head-on, and persistently pursuing what I love. I’ve learned the value of pivoting, embracing growth opportunities, and the importance of perseverance.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the launch of our new community, Design Identified, on September 1st. This community is a vibrant space for women design enthusiasts, DIYers, and interior designers to connect with like-minded individuals, receive advice and mentorship, and share ideas and experiences. Join us in this inspiring community to gain valuable insights, enhance your design skills, and be part of a supportive network of design lovers.

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to helping you create spaces that not only look beautiful but also support your well-being and happiness.

For those looking to transform their spaces into environments that promote well-being and balance, id Designs & Co. offers a unique blend of creativity, quality, and affordability. As a special offer, we’re providing a 25% discount for new members joining our Design Enthusiast community starting September 1st. Additionally, enjoy 25% off on new design packages available from August 1st! Use Code: IG6HYAY

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?

Having confidence in your craft or skill is a vital aspect of both business and personal life. It serves as a cornerstone for building trust with clients, colleagues, and partners, allowing you to showcase your abilities and deliver high-quality work consistently. Moreover, this confidence is closely tied to your love for what you do, as passion and dedication are the driving forces behind sustained motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.

Embracing a mindset of continuous learning, where you are willing to delve into various areas of knowledge, can greatly enhance your adaptability and versatility. By staying informed about different aspects of your industry and life, you position yourself to innovate, make well-informed decisions, and establish connections with a diverse range of individuals and ideas. This ongoing process of learning not only propels your professional growth but also fosters personal development, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life overall.

How would you describe your ideal client?

Our ideal clients are women aged 35-65 in residential settings, as well as corporate, municipal offices, and small businesses in commercial settings. These clients value convenience, as their busy lifestyles require solutions that minimize their involvement while still ensuring high-quality results. They have a strong focus on wellness-oriented design, seeking to incorporate elements that promote health and well-being, such as meditation spaces and privacy pods. They appreciate a high-impact, minimally disruptive interior design approach. Additionally, our clients desire personalized spaces that reflect their individual tastes, lifestyles, brands, and culture, without needing to be deeply involved in the design process. They are also interested in eco-friendly and sustainable products, driven by a growing awareness of environmental issues.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

photography: FemForceTampa Photography & id Designs & Co.

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