Story & Lesson Highlights with Melissa Totton

We recently had the chance to connect with Melissa Totton and have shared our conversation below.

Melissa, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My sweet, almost five year old daughter. She is smart, funny and the best little friend I could hope for. Being her mom has also helped me to find a healthier work / life balance by making sure that the time that I am with her is unplugged from work as best I can, and to be as present as possible as an entrepreneur mom!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Melissa and 13 years ago I made the leap from being a post-grad student living in Ottawa, Ontario to a business owner – creating Decoria Interiors in a very small town in New Brunswick, Canada.

Decoria Interiors focuses on creating curated spaces for clients regardless of their budget – and this is something about my business that I take great pride in. It isn’t my role as a designer to tell clients that they can’t keep items in their space that they have sentimental value attached to, or perhaps simply can’t afford or justify replacing. I love the challenge that comes with working with pieces that are unique to the client to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing while completely fitting the client’s needs and personal style.

Whether we are simply tweaking the styling of a space to make it feel updated – or completely starting from scratch on a design project (renovations, new construction or completely replacing all furnishings / decor). I take the greatest pride in leaving every client with a renewed sense of pride in their home.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandfather was and always will be my greatest inspiration when it comes to work ethic and resilience.

As veteran of WWII, a carpenter, a high school educator – he from the time he was very young had to work hard to survive and then work hard to support his family. In speaking with him as I grew and developed into an adult it was obvious that he took great pride in his contributions throughout his lifetime.

He lived to 99 years of age, and my hope is that when I someday look back on the impact of my lifetime of work and accomplishments – that I will be as proud of myself as I am of my grandfather.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
In my second semester of post secondary, I dealt with serious mental health issues that resulted in my withdrawing from classes.

As someone who was raised with a very high level of expectation placed on me to succeed and do the best I was possible of at all times – the idea of failing or giving up was very difficult to accept.

I had to push myself incredibly hard in the months following withdrawl from post secondary classes to heal myself and re-focus on my goals.

I was able to take online courses when the next semester of classes began, worked hard full-time to support myself and in 2011 returned to in-person studies to complete not only the first post secondary program that I had begun in 2009, but I also started a secondary post secondary program and graduated from both in 2013.

I gave up. But I persevered – and now, I am proud.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say yes, the public gets a very real Melissa when we meet.

Hair – rarely done, and even when done… clearly she doesn’t know what she’s doing.

Outfit – probably battling cat hair when wearing black or coffee evidence when wearing any other colour.

Energy – always excited to tackle the next project!

Sure there are days where I am dealing with more than meets the eye whether it’s physical challenges or mental ones – but I show up authentically myself, terrible fashion sense and all.

I learned a long time ago that regardless of whether you are yourself or someone else’s preferred version of yourself – someone will always have an opinion of you that you’d like to change. Choosing to show up for myself in a way that makes me feel proud, that is what I do my best to accomplish day to day.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace in two very different situations.

Situation one is at my cottage, working on the property whether it is mowing the lawn, dealing with brush from the forest or just relaxing reading a book on the deck. To be able to unplug even if just for a few hours and be in nature where it is quiet, fresh and beautiful – it resets me.

Situation two is putting my daughter to bed – when teeth are brushed and jammies are on and we snuggle up to read bedtime stories. This window of time where work messages aren’t getting read, where outside stimulus is gone and it’s just my girl, story time and time together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Violette & Co. Photography
Ashley Marie Creative Studios

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