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

Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business really came from a deeply personal place. After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona in 2008 with dreams of being a recording artist, my life took a different turn when my husband and I started a family. But I wouldn’t trade those years for anything. Being at home with my babies during their early years was the best.

During those years, I discovered this passion for creating cozy, inviting spaces in our home. I truly believe that when our surroundings are functional, comfortable, and reflect our personal style, it just makes life better! And it was that belief that sparked the idea for my business.

At first, I tried my hand at home organizing, but quickly realized my heart was in decorating and design. I started small, helping out friends and family with little projects, until I got my first paying client in 2019. I’ll admit, I was nervous and had no idea how to run a design project, but seeing the joy on my clients’ faces when they saw their newly designed space was incredibly addicting.

What really drove me was this desire to help people create homes they love, homes that feel like a true reflection of who they are. I didn’t want to create sterile, museum-like spaces. I wanted to design spaces that felt lived-in, cozy, and inviting. And that’s what gets me excited every day – knowing that I get to play a part in making someone’s home their happy place.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Alyssa Wine, a boba-drinking, Love is Blind-binging mom of three and owner of a boutique interior design studio in Brea, CA. My passion for interior design stemmed from my desire to make people’s lives better through thoughtful design. I wanted to do more than just design rooms; I wanted to enhance lives by transforming environments into havens of comfort and joy.

At my studio, I offer full-service design, consulting, and renovation support, focusing on functionality, beauty, and comfort. What sets me apart? It’s my belief that design is NOT about making pretty spaces, it’s about giving my clients a TOOL to strengthening relationships and enrich lives.

I’m most proud of the people I’ve been able to help, from simplifying routines to giving them the confidence to host Christmas for the first time ever. fostering meaningful connections. Here’s the deal: working with me means saving yourself from the stress, decision fatigue, and costly mistakes that can come with navigating the world of interior design solo. Together, your home will not only look amazing, but help you live the way you want to.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The best strategy for growing my clientele has hands-down been building a portfolio. In the world of design, your project photos are your calling card. When I was just starting out, I took my own “after” photos (which were amateur at best). As soon as I could afford it, I hired a professional interiors photographer – and it made all the difference.

Having high-quality, well-lit images of my work allows potential clients to see what I can do, and what’s possible for their own homes. It adds legitimacy and professionalism to my brand that simply can’t be achieved with my iPhone. Potential clients constantly mention my portfolio as a reason they called me.

My advice to new designers? Invest in professional photography ASAP, even if it means digging into the bank account or trading services with a photographer friend. Those photos are worth it. Take headshots and photos of you working for social media too. They attract new clients and elevate your brand. Trust me, it’s a worthwhile investment.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

The lockdown of 2020 brought a surge in demand for my services, and I felt like I’d cracked the code of success! However, the economic downturn of 2022 and 2023 changed all that. Suddenly the phone stopped ringing, and I felt like a big entrepreneurial failure. Knowing I needed to find a new strategy or close shop, I invested in Google and Yelp ads, expanding beyond referrals. Also, I introduced bite-sized design packages tailored to smaller budgets, like helping pick out paint colors or flooring. These changes were just what clients were looking for, and before long my calendar was getting booked again! This experience taught me how important it is to fight that “but this is the way I’ve always done it!” voice and be willing to try new things for a healthy business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alyssawine.com
• Instagram: @alyssawinehomestyling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaWineHomeStylingOC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssawine/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alyssa-wine-home-styling-brea

Image Credits: 

Photography: Michael Radford Photography – https://www.michaelradfordphotography.com
Design: Alyssa Wine Home Styling