We recently connected with Melissa Levy and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?
6 years ago, GA Peach Restoration was a small dream I came up with to share my design skills and education with the world. I didn’t know at the time what it’s future as a business would look like, as well as where it would take me professionally. As the years progressed, I have helped decorate many homes, both for friends and clients, as well as personally designed a custom home for our family. Being able to create spaces for clients, is what brings me joy. While it isn’t something I have been able to launch full time just yet, I also work 40 hours a week assisting with facilities and design in a corporate setting. The journey of our home build really helped to build my brand, in addition to providing short reels that highlight the do’s and don’ts of interior design and construction. I feel this was a huge stepping stone in driving my current growth and success. At the end of the day the measure of success for me is finding happiness in what I do and seeing that people/clients feel the same way. If the information and services I am providing are proven successful in this moment, then I consider that growth.
Melissa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started GA Peach restoration in 2018, with the intention of having a platform to showcase my love for design and decorating. My husband and I purchased our first home, a 1920’s craftsman, that I spent many hours restoring and enhancing. It was then, that I really discovered my love for styling. You learn to appreciate the unique characteristics in old homes, that you don’t really see anymore. That was fun for me. In doing that, I found that I grew to love all different design styles and then that love grew into helping others design their spaces. I think what sets me aside from other designers is the fact that I can pivot my personal style and open my eyes to the need of the client. Each space and person has a vision and it’s my job to understand that vision, and bring it to life. Personally, I tend to lean more towards a “modern farmhouse” style type, but have helped decorate everything from mid century modern to traditional style homes.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
In my opinion, this is a two part answer. The first thing is of course, my social media platform. I have at least 5 people a week reach out inquiring about professional and design advice. Most of which is small and completed through online help, Out of those 5, 1 might turn into a potential client I would visit at a job site. Having my Instagram platform to showcase my previous work, is basically providing an ongoing portfolio to anyone who wants to see if I could be a potential fit for their needs. Then second, would be the old school method of, word of mouth. Many of my new clients have also come from previous clients sending them my way, because they were happy with the services I provided. My plan for the upcoming year is to start my own YouTube channel for design tips and tricks, as well as a Pinterest board to allow clients to save my photos and work as part of their vision boards.
Any advice for managing a team?
Majority of my working career, call it 15 years now, has been in some type of management. I have managed anywhere from 4-22 employees at a time, and this always comes with many joys, as well as many lessons learned. The biggest piece of information I can give is, know how to read your people and to understand their management style. Each person functions very differently and you have know going into it, that no two people can be managed the same. Once you figure out, what makes each of your people, “tick”, then you are set up for success, and so are they. When someone feels heard, mentored and clearly understands their growth path, they too will feel happiness in their career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gapeach_restoration/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-levy-992450125/
Image Credits
Photographer: @thestowecophoto