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

Shanna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Fear and change go together like peanut butter and jelly – they just can’t seem to stay apart. But when fear starts running the show, it’s like being stuck in a “Groundhog Day” loop of the same old, same old. Trust me, I’ve been there. Let me tell you a tale of a young Interior Design graduate, fresh-faced and full of hopes and dreams.

She landed a job at a commercial furniture dealership, not really sure what she was getting into. Six years later, she was a seasoned pro, but also feeling like a hamster on a wheel. The grind was getting to her, feeling drained and unmotivated, and dealing with some seriously difficult clients. Not to mention, a lack of creative opportunities. She considered starting her own business, but didn’t know where to begin or how to take the leap. Plus, stability is a pretty seductive mistress. So, she stuck around. For two more years… telling herself it was comfortable, safe, and a steady paycheck.

But let me tell you, the price of comfort can be steep. Long hours, low mental capacity to enjoy life, and just plain burnout. It was time for a change. I launched my own interior design business, and boy, was I kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Flexibility, control, new relationships, creativity – it was a whole new world. So, my friend, don’t let fear take the driver’s seat. Take that leap, start that business, and chase those dreams. The only thing you’ll regret is not doing it sooner.

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

We spend so much time indoors… at work, at home, in restaurants and stores… People often don’t realize just how much of an impact interior design can have on our mood and wellbeing. This is why I love helping clients breathe new life into their homes. Home is where life happens. It should be a sanctuary. Somewhere comfortable and easy to live.

And as someone who has benefitted from starting a vacation rental property, I’m passionate about helping others optimize their investments, whether it be in their own homes or in investment properties. I enjoy helping owners avoid costly mistakes, make a stellar first impression, and increase their income. A beautiful and thoughtful property will stand out among the rest, attracting those high-paying guests and solidly booking out the calendar.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My previous job was all about communication. We wanted our clients to know exactly what was going on and when, so they wouldn’t have to contact us like a lost puppy trying to figure things out. It worked like a charm. People were thrilled to know what was going on and I felt like a superhero for being so on top of things. I ended up keeping my email open all the time. I’d even check it while in line for a morning chai tea, because who knows what kind of crisis could be happening at 8am on a Tuesday? I made it a personal goal to respond to clients on the same day, sometimes even within the same hour.

As I started my own business, I was in for a rude awakening. Suddenly, I had a zillion things to do and not enough time to do them in. And guess what I was doing? That’s right, constantly checking my email. It was chaotic, unproductive, and left me frustrated wondering why I wasn’t more efficient.

I decided to change my approach. I still respond to clients promptly, but I’m much more intentional with my time. I’ve embraced the art of time blocking and shut down my email but once or twice a day. No more distractions or interruptions – just pure, uninterrupted productivity.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

My hubby works in the medical field but doesn’t want to take call forever. We needed a backup plan and decided on real estate. Our first property was an Airbnb, which blended our love for real estate, design, and hospitality.

Fast forward a few years, and I was itching to start my own business. I didn’t need much gear, just a couple of computer programs and a new phone and laptop to replace the dinosaurs I had. For me, it was more about not having a steady paycheck. I didn’t want to give up all the things we loved doing and feel like we were back at square one after having worked our butts off to get where we were.

Thanks to our successful Airbnb, we had extra income rolling in. It gave me the confidence to quit my corporate job and start my own business, knowing the income would be spotty for a while. Now, a big focus of mine is helping others make the most of their vacation rental investments. It’s fulfilling to see others achieve their dreams and have fun doing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ashbyroadstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashbyroadstudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshbyRoadStudio/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoxL_WgwMCUs_606OLcE_Lw

Image Credits
Kylie Fitts Photography