We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shelby Fairweather a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

While studying graphic design, I took a course where our final assignment was to create a fictitious graphic design business and design an ad for a magazine. Using Photoshop, I designed a collage that visually represented the brand, and that’s when Bright Nest was born. The name itself was intentional: “Bright” symbolized ideas, intelligence, and creativity, while “Nest” represented a place where those ideas could come to life.

Fast forward to post-college, during COVID, when finding graphic design work was tough. I began making custom products and selling them as a way to stay creative and earn some income. What started as a side project quickly grew into something much bigger, and that’s when Bright Nest really evolved into what it is today.

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.

When I moved to Illinois, I was starting fresh—new city, no connections, and figuring out how to grow my business while looking for work. I dove in, reaching out to people, sending emails, and connecting on social media to learn about the local craft show and small business scene, seeking out the best opportunities.

I truly brought Bright Nest to life during the pandemic, searching for a creative outlet beyond design work and a way to earn extra income. I began participating in local craft shows, selling custom drinkware, art prints, seasonal handmade items like sewn tea towels, and curated gift boxes—while continuing my freelance graphic design work, which I still do today.

The positive response from my craft shows inspired me to take a leap and join a small business incubator program in McHenry, Illinois. This opportunity allowed me to test owning a physical storefront with minimal risk. While I made everything I sold at craft shows, I knew I couldn’t stock a shop with just my own products, so I expanded Bright Nest to include curated items like jewelry, apothecary goods, and thoughtful gifts.

As my business grew, I found myself evolving personally, too. I began crafting herb blends, intention-infused tea light candles, and eventually became attuned in Reiki. I also added services like mediumship sessions, tarot, and oracle readings, which deepened my connection with customers and broadened my market.

During both seasons in the incubator program, I refined my offerings and hosted small events and workshops. I paid close attention to every detail of the shopping experience—from the music playing in the background, to the fresh flowers on the porch, to thoughtfully curating the perfect merchandising. I chose high-quality ribbon and tissue paper and ensured every product was beautifully wrapped at checkout. Customers often said Bright Nest felt like a live Etsy shop—a peaceful, intentional place to shop where every aspect was carefully designed to make them feel special.

The space became a trusted destination for people looking for meaningful gifts—whether for a joyful or difficult occasion, my customers knew they could find something truly thoughtful to express love and care.

Though I’ve transitioned from the physical storefront, I’m proud of that chapter and am now focusing on expanding Bright Nest through e-commerce. Building a brand in a new city has been a rewarding accomplishment, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey.

Bright Nest has always been my passion project, and I’m excited to see how it continues to evolve. With my background in graphic design and retail, I’ve created a brand that reflects my creativity, purpose, and commitment to meaningful products. I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes me!

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

From the very beginning, I had a passion for what I was doing. Everything I made, I wanted to ensure it was as perfect as it could be. I strived to create consistency for my customers, so even as my business evolved, they always knew there would be a level of quality, thoughtfulness, and consistency behind everything I offered. On top of consistency, I always wanted to ensure a personable experience. I enjoyed going the extra mile and focusing on the things I could do to really set myself apart from big-box stores—attention to detail, making connections, and offering a level of care with every person that made them feel valued. The type of person who was drawn to Bright Nest was someone who wanted something different, something thoughtful. They appreciated the intentionality behind my products and the unique experience that went with them.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Starting my business was a giant pivot—it wasn’t the plan. I had originally planned on securing a 9-to-5 graphic design job after school, but when that didn’t happen, I shifted and made something else work. I’m so happy I did. What started as a side project during a challenging time became something I’m truly passionate about. The unexpected journey led me to build a business that reflects my creativity, my purpose, and my commitment to offering something meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brightnestllc.omc
• Instagram: @_brightnest
• Facebook: BrightNestLLC

Image Credits

First personal photo – Joyful Times Photography