Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Susan Grant, owner of Color Envy Design, located in Huntington, NY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Clients local to Long Island as well as all over the country hire me for expert paint color selection and 3-D virtual visualization interior design. Using a fact-based, data-driven approach to paint color as well as cutting-edge 3-D design technology, I am able to take all the stressing and guessing out of the re-decorating and re-design process for clients. I help people get “unstuck” in their interior design, decorating, and paint color projects.
Tell us about yourself
After rebuilding and renovating several of my own homes and business locations for family members, I saw a huge gap in how paint color and design services were traditionally offered. The gap between DIY and full-service design was huge. Being able to offer clients of all different income levels access to quick and approachable processes for them to follow saves them both time and money. Giving clients just the right amount of support they need in their projects gets them immediately unstuck. Seeing how excited they are to start actually executing and making decisions with confidence after being stressed out for so long is probably the greatest motivation I have every day. When clients say, “I never knew there were services like this out there; I’m so glad I found you when I did, “ I know my instincts were correct about what real everyday people really needed to help design their spaces. The after pictures still make me so happy after years of doing this!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I created a successful interior design & paint color selection business offering services in a way that nobody else was. Even when it was “unpopular” to offer “just 3D space planning, styling, and paint color selection, “ I stayed true to myself and followed my instincts. My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is that almost 40 clients have left me five-star Google reviews and amazing testimonials. This confirms that there was such a huge need for the services I offer in the way that I offer them.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that come with being a business owner is work-life balance. When you truly love what you do, it is so easy to be consumed with it. You need to schedule time for yourself, your friends, and your family.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Tip number one: you’re going to make mistakes, but you will learn from them. Embrace the mistakes. You cannot succeed without them.
Tip number two: understand that not everyone is going to support your journey, and that’s OK. Don’t expect friends and family to be as excited about your business as you are. Consider a bonus if they do but don’t count on it as part of your growth strategy.
Tip number three: learn how to turn down work that is not a good fit for you. Learn to say no to things that do not support your vision or mission. It is OK, and this is also imperative to growth and success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://colorenvydesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colorenvydesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorenvydesign/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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