We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shawna Mills. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shawna below.

Hi Shawna , thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

If I’m being honest, I truly believe I started my business exactly when I was meant to.

Before launching, I was bartending—living in a fast-paced, high-energy environment that taught me so much about people, creativity, and hustle. But at the same time, my life was shifting in a much deeper way. I had just stepped into two of the most important roles of my life: becoming a wife and a new mom. That season completely redefined what success looked like for me.

I started my business during that transition—when I was learning how to balance marriage, motherhood, and my own identity. I wanted to build something that allowed me to still feel creative and fulfilled, while also being present for my family. That’s really where everything began—from a desire to create a life that felt more intentional, more flexible, and more aligned with who I was becoming.

Of course, I’ve had moments where I’ve wondered what it would’ve been like to start sooner. Maybe I would be further along, maybe I would have taken bigger risks earlier. But honestly, I don’t think I would have had the same perspective. Bartending gave me resilience and people skills, and stepping into marriage and motherhood gave me purpose and clarity. Without those experiences, my business wouldn’t have the heart it does today.

Starting later doesn’t feel right either. That moment—where everything felt new, a little overwhelming, but also full of possibility—pushed me to take the leap. If I had waited, I think fear and overthinking might have held me back.

So looking back, I wouldn’t change the timing at all. I started in a season that stretched me, but also shaped me—as a wife, a mother, and a business owner. And because of that, my business didn’t just become something I run—it became something that grew with me and reflects the life I’m building every day.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a creative entrepreneur, content creator, and interior designer, as well as the founder of Nest & Thread—a brand rooted in intentional living, elevated simplicity, and everyday beauty.

Before starting my business, I was bartending—a fast-paced, creative environment that taught me how to connect with people, think on my feet, and create an experience. Over time, I felt a pull toward building something of my own—something more aligned with my creativity and long-term vision. That’s when I transitioned into entrepreneurship and began shaping what is now Nest & Thread.

Today, my work blends interior design with curated lifestyle products and personalized services. Through my store, I offer thoughtfully selected home and everyday pieces, along with my virtual design consultations—a service created to make interior design more accessible and tailored to each client’s lifestyle. Whether someone is starting from scratch or just needs help pulling a space together, I guide them through the process with clarity and intention.

The problem I solve is simple: overwhelm. A lot of people know they want a space that feels cohesive, elevated, and personal, but they don’t know where to begin or how to execute it. Through my design work and consultations, I simplify that process. I hand-pick pieces, refine the vision, and help bring everything together in a way that feels effortless but still deeply personal.

What sets me apart is my approach. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all design or spaces that look good but don’t function well. I design with real life in mind—how people actually live, move, and feel in their homes. My style leans into timeless, elevated simplicity, but always with a layer of personality and intention.

I think my background plays a big role in that. It gave me a strong sense of adaptability, creativity, and connection. I understand how to read people, translate their needs, and turn that into something tangible and beautiful.

’m most proud of creating a brand that feels both elevated and approachable. Nest & Thread isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about helping people create spaces that support their lifestyle and bring a sense of ease to their everyday.

If there’s one thing I want people to take away, it’s that good design doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or out of reach. Through my interior design work and virtual consultations, I make it personal, simplified, and tailored—so every space feels like home, but better.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what’s really helped me build my reputation in this market is a combination of authenticity, consistency, and a very personal approach to what I do.

I didn’t come into this industry trying to fit into a specific mold—I built my brand in a way that felt natural to me. Sharing my journey as I’ve grown creatively and personally has allowed people to connect with me beyond just the work. That authenticity has built a level of trust that you can’t really manufacture.

Consistency has been another major factor. Across my content, product curation, and interior design work, I’ve stayed true to a clear aesthetic and message—elevated, intentional, and approachable. Over time, that consistency helps people recognize your style and feel confident in what you offer.

Personalization is also at the core of my reputation. Through my interior design work and virtual consultations, I focus on creating tailored experiences rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. I take the time to understand how my clients live, what they need, and how they want their space to feel, and I design around that. That level of care and intention really stands out.

I’ve also carried over the ability to connect with people, read their needs, and create an experience that feels seamless and thoughtful. That human connection, paired with intentional design, is what builds lasting relationships and keeps clients coming back or referring others.

Overall, my reputation has been built on trust, relatability, and delivering something that feels both elevated and real.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has definitely been word of mouth. There’s something incredibly powerful about someone having a great experience and then sharing that with others—it builds trust instantly. When a client feels genuinely taken care of and loves the outcome, they naturally want to tell their friends, and that kind of referral has been huge for my growth.

Social media has also played a major role. I’m able to showcase my design style, share transformations, and give people a behind-the-scenes look at how I work. That visibility helps potential clients feel connected to me before they even reach out, which makes the process feel more comfortable and personal from the start.

I’ve also seen growth through my store and virtual design consultations. Because everything is connected—my content, my products, and my services—people are able to discover my brand in different ways and then transition into working with me more directly.

Overall, I’d say it’s the combination of strong client relationships, consistent online presence, and a seamless brand experience—but word of mouth has definitely been the biggest and most impactful driver.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Nestandthreadhome.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnajmills?igsh=ZGF3bzMxc2x0MnRt&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14cfocEg2uE/?mibextid=wwXIfr