Meet Ryan Shand

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ryan Shand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ryan, 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.

Growing up, my mom played a pivotal role in developing my confidence and self-esteem. She always encouraged me to believe in myself and my abilities, no matter the challenge. Her constant support and belief in me helped build a strong foundation of self-worth and resilience.

My mom not only nurtured my creativity but also taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. She demonstrated through her actions how to face obstacles with grace and determination. This upbringing instilled in me the courage to pursue my passions and the confidence to overcome any hurdles along the way.

Now, as co-owners of a design business, it’s incredibly rewarding to bring this shared strength into our professional partnership. Working with my mom, who has always been my biggest cheerleader and mentor, is a beautiful continuation of the support and inspiration she has given me throughout my life. Together, we blend our talents and confidence to create designs that reflect the love and dedication we have for our craft and for each other.

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

I am Ryan, the Co-Owner of Shand Design, alongside my mom, Susan Shand. Together, we specialize in boutique residential and hospitality projects, bringing our shared passion for design to life in every project we undertake. Our collaboration is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of our deep bond and shared vision for creating beautiful, functional spaces.

Beyond my role in Shand Design, I have a diverse professional background that has greatly influenced my approach to design and business. I previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Beni and was an early team member at Honey, which was acquired by PayPal in 2019 in what was celebrated as the largest acquisition in LA’s tech history. Additionally, I was part of the curation team at Saatchi Art, working closely with them through their acquisition in 2014. These experiences have equipped me with the skills to operationalize and scale startups, ensuring that our clients at Shand Design receive an elevated and seamless experience.

On a more personal note, I am an artist, a mother to my wonderful 2-year-old daughter, and an avid surfer who loves spending time outdoors. Balancing these roles enriches my life and fuels my creativity, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to our design projects.

At Shand Design, we are excited about the future and are continually exploring new ways to innovate and expand our offerings. We are currently working on several exciting projects and are looking forward to launching new services that will further enhance the experience for our clients. Our goal is to create spaces that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty.

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?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been particularly impactful: asking for help, trusting my gut, and taking risks.

– Asking for Help: Seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness. Building a strong network and reaching out for advice can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. For those starting out, don’t hesitate to ask for help; it can make a significant difference.

– Trusting Your Gut: Intuition has guided many of my decisions, often leading to rewarding experiences. Cultivate self-awareness and confidence in your judgment. Listening to your inner voice can help you navigate uncertainty and align your choices with your values and goals.

– Taking Risks: Embracing change and stepping out of my comfort zone has been essential for growth. Taking risks has taught me resilience and adaptability. For newcomers, view challenges as opportunities to learn and innovate. Don’t be afraid to experiment; the most significant breakthroughs often come from daring to try something new.

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?

We are always eager to work with and partner with others. Over the years, our focus has primarily been on designing residential and commercial spaces, and we are now excited to venture into the world of product design. Our dream is to collaborate with artists and companies seeking an interior designer to help create unique collections. Having previously designed clothing, I am particularly enthusiastic about bringing my experience with materials and textures into the realm of furniture and product design. This new direction offers a wonderful opportunity to merge my past experiences with our passion for innovative and beautiful design. If you are interested in working together, you can find out more about us through our website: www.shanddesign.com, social: @shanddesign or reach out at hello@shanddesign.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shanddesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanddesign/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/shanddesign/