Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shonna Hughes, founder of restHERation design, located in Charlotte, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Reimagine yesterday's furniture for today's lifestyle. Here at restHERation design, we strive to execute your vision for your piece/design. We realize not everyone has an "eye" for furniture, but no worries, we don't mind assisting with creative control. Our goal is to provide and create unique keepsake pieces for you to love on, show off, and most importantly, enjoy. We pride ourselves on authenticity, creativeness, and striving to provide you with a unique piece that expresses who you truly are!
Who are my customers?
Anyone who can communicate a vision and trust me enough to execute it. Not everyone can afford "high-end" furniture, but why should that limit your space from being less than anything else. A name brand or price tag should not mean furniture can't still have that same look & feel; the same goes with the design of a room and/or home. We can work within any budget to create something unique just for you.
Tell us about yourself
HER Story:
restHERation design began as a family idea, one that my momma, sister, and I shared and visioned jokingly. After surrounding myself with other millennial entrepreneurs, I decided to take a chance on myself and see if this was attainable for me. I literally woke up one day after returning from a family vacation in Hawaii and said, "I can do this shit!" From there, I asked, researched, and began my entrepreneurial journey.
HER Journey:
A journey it has been, I began with no strategic plan or process, and it quickly made me fall on my ass. So much so I temporarily closed my business, this decision was also made during a time when I had not prioritized my mental health, and as a result, I had to take a step back.
HER:
Rejuvenated & revived are the only two words that would describe where I am now. After the much-needed break, I returned and returned hard! The passion that comes from being able to express me through my creativity is what maintains the drive but being able to use my craft to help others express themselves in their own unique way is what motivates me daily.
Furniture restoration and design is not a predominately black industry; the impact I want to have is beyond restoration and design but to demonstrate to other black women, men, and children that "I" can still be successful and exceedingly fulfilled in places that we don't see much representation in. Beyond the internal motivators, God has always come first during this odyssey. With God, passion, and perspective, I know anything is possible.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
At this point in my business, it would be having the resiliency to return and continue manifesting my dreams. My goals are to create a legacy for my family while also being an impactful contributor to the black community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Learning and understood that my business doesn't have to be traditional in order for it to succeed. I've learned that I can be my authentic self and still design and create unique furniture that tells a story or someone else's.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- I challenge you to change your perspective-your mind is so powerful; when you can challenge all of the "why would you do that?" to "why not?" your outlook will take you to places that YOU CAN imagine.
- Every time you have an idea, thought, or vision about your business, write it down- this aligns with number 1. Once your perspective shifts, your ideas, thoughts, and visions begin to manifest.
- Always bet on YOU-that's it; that's the message.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://restherationdesign.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restHERation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/restherationdesign/
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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