We were lucky to catch up with Christie Bell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

As a business owner, I find immense happiness in the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship. The roller coaster of ups and downs is something I thrive on, and I can’t imagine being anything but a business owner. However, I must admit that the thought of having a regular job has crossed my mind from time to time. There are moments, especially during this current year, when the idea of someone telling me what to do and when to do it sounds quite delightful.

This year has presented its fair share of growing pains for my business, particularly as we streamlined processes for CHD’s new services. I have faced the challenges of reaching a new client segment and invested significantly in creating a cohesive brand with a clear message. The responsibility for these endeavors rests solely on my shoulders, and at times, it can feel overwhelming. I won’t sugarcoat it; there are moments when I feel like I’m drowning in my responsibilities.

Nevertheless, being an entrepreneur is about survival. When problems arise, I am driven to find solutions. I embrace the role of a troubleshooter, constantly seeking ways to improve and never giving up when times get tough. While the idea of working for someone else may sound like a vacation at times, I would never give up the path I’ve chosen. Each day brings new struggles and accomplishments, and I find joy in that unpredictability. Moreover, I take pride in knowing that I can make a significant difference in my clients’ lives.

Looking ahead, I am fueled by the vision of Curated Home Design’s growth and the positive impact it can have on my community. As the business expands, I will have the opportunity to provide jobs and contribute to the well-being of those around me. This prospect inspires me and strengthens my commitment to the entrepreneurial path I’ve chosen.

So, while the idea of a regular job may occasionally flirt with my thoughts, I am resolute in my decision to continue as a business owner. The daily challenges, the ability to make a difference, and the potential for future growth are all reasons why I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything else.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Christie Bell, and I am a Maryland native. My journey into the world of design and home transformation is best described as “going with the flow.” I worked in the childcare industry for a decade while caring for my father, who had progressive Multiple Sclerosis. As his MS progressed, my father was constantly tired, so I found myself sorting and organizing his belongings while he rested. Little did I know that this experience would shape my future.

In April 2016, my father passed away, and my brother and I had the task of dealing with his estate. While my brother handled the legalities and putting the house on the market, I took on the overwhelming responsibility of clearing out the estate. The organizing skills I had developed earlier proved invaluable, making this daunting task manageable. Once it was completed, I had time to reflect on my next steps in life. I always knew there was more for me than being a nanny, and with a small inheritance from my father and newfound organizing skills, I felt a calling to start my own business and make him proud.

Exactly one year after my father’s passing, I received a letter congratulating me on my business becoming official. It felt like a sign, affirming that I was on the right path. From there, I delved into educating myself in the organizing world, learning how to assist chronically disorganized individuals in developing organizing skills that would positively impact their daily lives. Simultaneously, I found myself helping people downsize and prepare their homes for sale. This led me to become certified as a home stager, utilizing existing furniture and decor to create captivating spaces that would entice potential buyers. Often, my clients would express falling in love with their homes all over again, even inviting me to decorate their new spaces. The more I received inquiries for decorating services, the more I realized my passion for this aspect of my work. Determined to enhance my knowledge, I enrolled in QC Design School, obtaining certifications in color consulting, decorating, and design.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I made the significant decision to rebrand my company and focus solely on the design side of things. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. This shift allowed me to network in new ways, build relationships with vendors and contractors, and truly master my craft.

Today, my company, Curated Home Designs, offers a range of services. From one-hour virtual design consultations to complete turn-key designs, we cater to clients who face challenges such as time constraints, overwhelming design decisions, and a lack of expertise or resources to bring their vision to life. While I am the sole employee, I have cultivated a team of dedicated contractors, including general contractors, carpenters, architects, custom furniture builders, and upholstery fabricators, whom I collaborate closely with. Providing the best customer experience is my top priority. I want my clients to feel pampered and well taken care of. When they look back on their home transformations, I want them to not only love the final result but also cherish the positive feelings they experienced throughout the process.

I take great pride in my work, and I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am committed to delivering exceptional design services. With a keen eye for detail, a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces, and a dedicated team of skilled professionals, I strive to exceed expectations. Whether it’s a small virtual consultation or a comprehensive start-to-finish design project, my goal is to provide an unforgettable journey that leaves a lasting impression on my clients.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been prioritizing exceptional customer service. I firmly believe that satisfied clients are my best advocates. The power of positive word-of-mouth referrals cannot be overstated. When I provide the best possible customer experience, my clients are more likely to share their positive experiences with others, leading to valuable referrals and new opportunities.

By going above and beyond to meet my client’s needs and expectations, I aim to create a memorable and enjoyable journey for them. I strive to listen attentively to their desires, communicate effectively throughout the process, and deliver results that exceed their vision. This commitment to excellence not only cultivates trust and satisfaction but also encourages clients to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and colleagues.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

To keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty, we utilize various strategies that prioritize consistent communication and valuable engagement. One of our key channels is social media, which allows us to connect with clients and showcase our most recent work. By maintaining an active presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we provide a space for clients to stay updated on our latest projects, design inspiration, and helpful tips. This helps us build a community around our brand and allows clients to engage with our content, share their thoughts, and interact with other like-minded individuals.

In addition to social media, we recently introduced a monthly newsletter to further nurture our client relationships. This newsletter serves as a direct line of communication, keeping recipients informed about important news, industry updates, decorating tips, and exclusive deals. By delivering valuable content directly to their inbox, we ensure that our clients feel connected to our brand and continuously receive information that enhances their design experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.curatedhomedesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedhomedesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CuratedHomeDesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/curated-home-designs/

Image Credits
Portrait photo by: © Maureen Porto Photography