Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsey Machado. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Lindsey, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I have always loved anything to do with decorating and designing homes, but it wasn’t until a little later in life that I decided to make a career out of it. My family and I were selling and buying a home, and as we viewed the properties I was floored at some of their conditions. Home improvement needs aside, the sellers obviously hadn’t been educated on how to best prepare their homes to get the most Return on Investment. Seeing that need led me to getting my certification in Home Staging & Redesign. As my clientele and project scopes grew, I moved beyond staging and continued with this concept, seeking education in areas where I saw a need or about which I was continuously asked. I am now a Certified Interior Decorator, A Certified Color Expert, a Certified Short-Term Rental Designer, and most recently became a Certified International Landscape Designer for exterior spaces. This education, in addition to that which I have learned on actual client projects, has helped Designed with Grace & Joy to create designs for clients that they didn’t even know were possibilities. And although being able to provide all these services for clients fuels me, my purpose has and always will be knowing that my daughters (whom the company is named after) are watching me do it!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I never dreamed of becoming or imagined myself as an entrepreneur, so that part of the business initially did not come as easily to me. However, with time, I have gotten my processes down so that I am able to offer the most efficient design experience for clients. In addition, I think that my business has thrived as much as it has because of my values and transparency when it comes to design, and hopefully also because I try to make the whole process fun! When I decided to really go for it with the business, I promised myself that I would always treat clients how I would want to be treated. That includes being reliable, having transparent pricing, while of course offering great designs. In addition, I will never be of the mindset that I have learned everything there is to know about what I do. There is always room for education and learning new skills. As I have seen the need, I have either gotten new education, certifications or learned new programs to be able to offer additional services to clients. For examples, our designs our now completely digital, which include being able to provide virtual and 3D designs with our services. Also, I recently obtained my certification as an International Landscape Designer, since I had been asked about exteriors so often. I am so excited to be able to expand our offerings with this knowledge, and have already seen the amazing difference it can make in clients’ curb appeals!
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?
If you truly love doing something, find a way to make a living doing it! But, as I mentioned above with my own experience, it’s so important to learn the ins and outs of the actual business. Being passionate about something doesn’t always mean that you will be successful with it. You need to education yourself on every aspect of the business to not only ensure that it’ll be a success, but also so you are able to adjust anything as needed along the way if needed. Also, try to find a way to set yourself apart from others in whatever you do. Whether it’s something with your pricing, your integrity, or your business offerings, you will rarely be the only one of something. Brainstorm how you will be different!
And although I already mentioned this, it is worth repeating: you are never done learning. It would be a disservice to you and your clients if you never improved upon or adapted your offerings as your business grows. Always be open to taking new courses or learning a new skill, and in the end, it will be well worth your investment.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
I call myself a “personal design consultant” because I like to take the intimidation out of hiring a designer. I love being able to help people who either have never hired a designer before, maybe are just really intimidated with the idea of it, or perhaps just need that second set of trained eyes to help with the process. I’ve worked with clients of all ages (kids through elderly), religions, cultures, and family makeups and dynamics, and I would say the key to making it a successful project is trust; it’s an imperative part of the designer-client relationship. If the trust is not there, it makes it very difficult for the project to move forward. I trust clients in giving me direction as far as their end result, but I ask that they trust me on the best methods to get there!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.designedwithgraceandjoy.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/designedwithgraceandjoy
- Facebook: facebook.com/designedwithgraceandjoy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-machado-2a903926/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/designedwithgraceandjoy/
Image Credits
For all pictures of Lindsey (not project pictures), please credit Melissa G. Mitchell Photography