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

Alright, Mesha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, folks often look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight – but that often obscures all the nitty, gritty details of everything that went into the growth phase of your business. We’d love to hear about your scaling story and how you scaled up?

My journey commenced in 2014 when I bravely decided to leave my position as an Account Manager, motivated by the unnecessary anxiety and depression I was experiencing. After a few twist and turns, this pivotal moment eventually led to the birth of my entrepreneurial dream: to establish a unique interior decor brand named Instinctively Different. This dream was fueled during my childhood as I observed my mother’s enthralling home renovation projects. Such early exposure nurtured my creativity and cemented my deep commitment to interior design.

Embarking on this entrepreneurial path was challenging. The journey of entrepreneurship, filled with its highs and lows, demands resilience. Initially, in 2014, my venture into creating leather handbags and accessories saw some growth, but my lack of business acumen led me back into employment two years later. Yet, I discovered my true passion and skill in home decor, as well as designing and crafting interior and exterior furniture. Encouraged by friends and family, I decided to relaunch Instinctively Different in 2019, focusing on home decor and custom furniture.

However, the year 2020 brought significant challenges with a sharp increase in the cost of materials and goods. Despite these difficulties, community support through craft and local markets provided some sustenance. Yet, to grow and build a brand, a strategic pivot was necessary. Contrary to the belief that starting a business comes with instant solutions, I found myself in desperate need of guidance. Accessible mentorship programs from successful business owners became a lifeline. One piece of advice that resonated with me was about growth being inherently painful, a notion I embraced as I navigated through increasing challenges. This realization prompted me to rebrand. Although the meaning of Instinctively Different meant a naturalness to be unique and stand out, I noticed our name was becoming challenging to pronounce and often changed.

Through this journey, I recognized my innate talent for decorating and designing—a skill I had previously underestimated. My background in construction and renovation, both from my upbringing and professional experiences, paved the way for my rebranding efforts. In 2022, I launched id Designs & Co., marking a natural progression in my career. Understanding the significant impact well-designed spaces have on mental health, I was motivated by my struggles with anxiety and depression to create environments that foster mental well-being, balance, and tranquility. My goal was to use my passion for design to positively affect people’s lives.

Moreover, my exposure to my mother’s home renovations instilled a profound appreciation for creativity and the transformative power of design. I aspired to harness this passion in my business, creating spaces that not only inspire but also uplift. This journey, spanning over a decade, has taught me the importance of adaptability, facing challenges head-on, and persistently pursuing what I love. I’ve learned the value of pivoting, embracing growth opportunities, and the importance of perseverance.

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 am Mesha Williams, the visionary behind id Designs & Co., a trailblazing interior design firm dedicated to transforming mental wellness through cutting-edge, inclusive design solutions for both homes and businesses. Our core mission is to effect positive change through designs that are impactful yet minimally intrusive, with a focus on nurturing mental health and well-being. We employ strategic design principles and unique elements in our work, ensuring our designs are not only visually stunning but also enhance the mental and emotional health of occupants.

Every project is a unique adventure. We immerse ourselves in the lives of our clients, aiming to fully grasp their individual perspectives, dreams, and goals. This deep understanding is the cornerstone of our design philosophy. Our goal is to not merely design spaces but to create personalized experiences for each client. We offer high-end design solutions that are accessible and affordable, maintaining high quality without sacrificing affordability.
In an era where sustainability and mental health are crucial, we make it a priority to incorporate these aspects into our designs. We craft solutions that offer a blend of aesthetic appeal, well-being, and environmental responsibility.

In Tampa, we confront a dire housing crisis, with many struggling with high rent, eviction threats, and a growing risk of homelessness. id Designs & Co. is committed to addressing these challenges by delivering bespoke interior design services aimed at enhancing mental wellness in living spaces, offering a level of dedication beyond what larger companies can provide.

Our commitment to the community is demonstrated by our active participation in local events and support for community initiatives. We prioritize working with local suppliers and producers, reinforcing our role as a business deeply embedded in and supportive of our community.
Sustainability and quality are the pillars of our service. We partner with eco-friendly brands to offer top-notch, sustainable products and services, setting us apart from larger entities that may place profit over quality and service.

Our nimbleness in meeting the needs of our community is a major advantage. We collaborate with Design Build firms and Nonprofits providing unique advice to combat the housing crisis by designing modern, sustainable workforce housing that not only meets physical requirements but also supports mental health, acknowledging the significant influence our living environments have on our mental state.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I firmly hold the view that networking transcends the mere exchange of business cards at gatherings. It’s about forging authentic relationships that pave the way for fresh opportunities, partnerships, and knowledge. As interior designers, our knack for crafting beautiful and practical spaces is not just rooted in creativity but also in our ability to grasp and fulfill the requirements of our clients.

By widening our professional circle and nurturing lasting connections across various industries, we unlock a diverse spectrum of projects. Each project brings its unique set of challenges and benefits, encouraging us to evolve and innovate persistently.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Yes, I proactively seek out mentorship opportunities that foster growth and knowledge. The insights gained have profoundly influenced my business approach, particularly in understanding varied enterprises and capital ventures. Engaging with other business leaders has also been incredibly enlightening. Learning about their experiences, obstacles, and wisdom has broadened my perspective. This effort provides access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from experienced professionals.

A few books that have become staples in my entrepreneurial learning journey include “Acting Up” by Janice Bryant Howroyd, the founder and CEO of ActOne Group; “Who Owns the Ice House?” by Gary G. Schoeniger & Clifton L. Taulbert; and “The Mountain Is You” by Brianna West.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iddesigns.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iddesigns.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iddesignsco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iddesignsco
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iddesignsco
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iddesignsco

Image Credits
Branded Photography: FemForce®️Brand Photography Interior Design & Photography: id Designs & Co.