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

Alright, Shelly thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being a business owner force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am more aligned with my values as a self-employed business owner. When I was working for other interior designers, the prize client always looked the same. The goal was to find a client who had a large budget and wanted a final product that was gorgeous and publishable. This type of project was typically in the top 5% demographic. I’m fine with celebrating success, but my thoughts were always with the other 95% and how they lacked support in this area. I truly believe that all people deserve a place to live that is safe and inspirational. Interior design is packaged as a luxury service, but its power to transform is too amazing to be reserved for a chosen few. My business has been slower growing as a result, but I am so much happier creating restful spaces for people who truly need the boost! I’ve discovered that teaching others affordable design hacks is super rewarding and benefits society as a whole. Once we learn better and more pleasurable ways to live, we begin to thrive and that security and happiness is spread throughout a community.

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

I have 3 children and all of them struggle with various challenges. Some are disabilities, like Autism and Down syndrome. And some are more typical like ADHD, anxiety or insomnia. As a parent, I got creative in my own household to try and solve these problems. As a designer, I realized that there were many changes I could make to the kids’ rooms to better support their frustrations. With years of research, I found solutions to tantrums, melt-downs, poor concentration and more. I now teach others how to analyze their child’s personalities to determine their needs. As we actively begin to improve our environments, the entire family benefits. Not only do we spend almost 90% of our lives indoors, we desperately need a safe haven to rest from all of the busyness! I am writing a book to share all of my easy hacks for having the home you really need. I can’t wait to expose all of my design secrets to millions of people can thrive inside!

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

My market relates to me because we are all wrestling with similar issues. I know how to talk with a caregiver of a person with cognitive disabilities because I’m a caregiver too. I know what it feels like to be a highly-sensitive person with ADHD because I also live with it. My own personal challenges, and those of my children, informed the business that I have today. I walk the walk and my clients respect this; they feel seen and understood. I know what it’s like to use every tool you have and still not experience progress. I get the overwhelm and the frustration of not being able to help someone you love. With personal experience and vast education, I can meet my clients where they are and help them create a supportive environment with little investment. A mind shift is the main goal. Once you see a situation in a new way, you’ll begin to identify better solutions.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

The best way to establish brand loyalty is to trust the client first. It’s only natural for someone to want to get to know you before they invest in you. We all want to try before we buy, right? I believe you can and should share information, tools and hacks with your audience well before you try to sell them on your services. Help them see your value. Give them an important tip or resource and experience a win. Sharing with an abundant mind set will put you first in a client’s mind when they really need help. I love to give out easy options or hard-to-find resources on social media. I also like asking questions to engage the community. A newsletter is a great way to send regular gifts to your all-important list!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://acornandoak.com
• Instagram: @shellyrosenberg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelly.rosenberg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-rosenberg-acornandoak/
• Other: Insta: @acornandoakbyshellyrosenberg

Image Credits
Image Credits Rachael Heacox and Dan Piassick