October 7, 2025 • 45 mins
A city can shape a designer, and Charleston does it with flair. We welcome Mary Welch Fox—interior designer, HGTV host, and founder of a woman-led studio—to unpack how place, personality, and process turn houses into homes people can’t wait to live in. From crossing a bridge and feeling the style shift to honoring each client’s taste without falling into copycat trends, Mary shares the mindset that keeps her work fresh and deeply personal.
We go inside her client journey: rich discovery, a three-round design structure that keeps budgets honest, and the unsung operations that make beautiful rooms possible—drawings, schedules, vendors, and the thousand choices between mood board and install day. She’s candid about the realities too: shipping delays, damaged goods, and why solving problems fast is the difference between chaos and calm. And yes, we celebrate that goosebump “reveal” moment when all the decisions finally become a feeling. Mary also opens up about the business behind the beauty: hiring a trusted designer, avoiding burnout, growing at a sustainable pace, and learning to love the numbers as much as the finishes.
Fans of Breaking Bland will love the origin story—from a Knoxville connection to a full HGTV series—and the next chapter: The Reveal on the Design Network and a smart, budget-forward collaboration with Walmart and Apartment Therapy. Expect timeless design talk (limewash, plaster, natural stone), practical refresh tips (Samplize paint swatches, color families, flea market treasures), and a love letter to Charleston’s artisans who make “impossible” details real. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a homeowner with a room that needs heart, this conversation will nudge you to choose what you truly love and build around it with confidence.
Enjoyed the show? Follow, rate, and share it with a friend who’s dreaming up their next project. Your reviews help more listeners discover the stories and strategies behind great design.
Presenting Sponsor: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
Studio Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions
Expo Podcast Sponsor: @PollenSocial
Production Sponsor: RMBO.co
Design Sponsor: DK Design
Committee:
Kathleen Herrmann | Host | MPCC Immediate Past President | Mount Pleasant Towne Centre
Mike Compton | Co-host | Marketing Chair | RMBO.co
Rebecca Imholz | Co-host | MPCC Executive Director
Amanda Bunting Comen | Co-host | Social ABCs
Ben Nesvold | Co-host | In-coming President | Edward Jones
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_01 (00:10):
Well, hello, and welcome to the Building Business
Podcast powered by the MountPleasant Chamber of Commerce.
We are here recording in theCharleston Media Solutions
Studio.
Huge supporters of the Chamber,so thank you as always for
recording us today.
And another huge thank you toour podcast sponsor, DK Designs.
(00:31):
If you have not reached out toDarius yet, please do.
My name is Kathy Herman.
I am your immediate pastpresident of the Mount Pleasant
Chamber of Commerce and themarketing director for Mount
Pleasant Town Center.
And I am joined by, I don't knowif we've have we co-hosted
together?
SPEAKER_05 (00:49):
No, I've always I've co-hosted with Mike several
times.
SPEAKER_01 (00:52):
But this is our first time.
This is our first time.
This is uh this is excitingstuff.
Um I am joined today by my newco-host, uh Amanda Bunting
Coleman.
Uh Amanda is the owner of SocialABCs.
So um welcome, Amanda, and tellus a little bit about your
thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_05 (01:09):
I'm happy to be here with Kathy for the first time.
Um I have like Kathy said,social ABCs is my business,
marketing, all things.
And the chamber is one of mylovely clients, and this is
something fun we get to do.
Yeah, it is have fun people likeMary.
SPEAKER_01 (01:28):
Yeah, it's gonna be a stuff great.
Um awesome.
Well, thank you for being herewith me today, Amanda.
Um, all right, I'm gonna tellyou a little bit about our
really very special guest today.
Um from Knoxville, right?
From Knoxville.
Um, her path from Colorado StateUniversity through hubs like
(01:50):
Denver, Chicago, and New YorkCity, which is where I'm from,
by the way.
Um, fueled by inspirations offashion, music, fitness, and
love for travel, four of thethings I love a lot myself, um,
host of HGTV's Breaking Blandand featured in Charleston Home
(02:11):
and Design Magazine, ModernLuxury Interiors.
Unbelievable, by the way.
She aims to forge personalconnections with each client,
crafting spaces that resonatedeeply with their emotions and
reflect their unique passionsand aesthetic desires.
And now you make your home inour beloved Charleston.
(02:34):
I want to very excited towelcome Mary Welch Fox.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I know I got like chills when Iwas reading that.
I really am, because you can dothe one thing that I have
absolutely no ability to do.
SPEAKER_00 (02:51):
See, I believe everybody has it in them.
SPEAKER_01 (02:53):
I don't, I mean, I I don't know.
We'll get to we'll get to thatbecause I'll embarrass myself
with how what I think looksgood.
But um, we're really excited tohave you here today.
Um tell our listeners a littlebit about yourself.
SPEAKER_00 (03:07):
Yeah, absolutely.
Well, again, I um my name isMary Welch.
I grew up in Knoxville and I'm amom of two young girls here.
I moved here when I waspregnant, um, I guess almost 13
years ago.
Um, and I have not looked back.
So my um my husband and Idecided to move here.
(03:27):
My older sister had alreadymoved here, my younger sister
was here, my mother had movedhere, and I just loved it here.
I grew up vacationing here, andthis was the space that I wanted
to be.
Um and it was a great place forme to kind of explore and
change, change our story around.
So um, yeah, that's I'm a momthat I love fitness design and
(03:50):
friends and family and inCharleston.
SPEAKER_01 (03:52):
Well, I'm sure that like the history and and all of
the things that we have in ourbeloved city can really be
thrown into your interior designwork, right?
Because I can't even between thebeach and the rainbow row and
the bridges and the the ever allthese great things and of why we
live here.
Absolutely.
Um how has it influenced yourbrand living here now and and
(04:16):
kind of how you look atprojects?
SPEAKER_00 (04:18):
So gosh, you know, it's so crazy.
Here you can cross a bridge andbe right next to an area, and
the style can completely change.
And I think that that isincredible.
It gives us a lot of opportunityto explore different designs and
different options and differentpeople and different values and
the way and ways of life, andand and then putting that into
(04:39):
somebody's home.
So, you know, everything fromthe beach to the angel oaks to
you know going downtown andwalking through those historical
streets, that's inspiration andcan completely shift.
And some people have homesdowntown and on the beach.
So there's an opportunity to dothat.
I want to be one of thosepeople.
SPEAKER_01 (04:54):
It's never gonna happen, but I'd like to be able
to do that.
You gotta believe it.
You gotta believe it.
That's my wish.
That's my wish.
unknown (05:00):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (05:02):
But how did you get started in interior design
anyway?
I actually studied design incollege.
Um, but I didn't know that thatwas a major until I went to
college.
And I had I'd spent two years inbiology thinking I was gonna be
a doctor.
SPEAKER_01 (05:20):
I'm like, okay, listen to talk about you know
pages in your majors, huh?
SPEAKER_00 (05:24):
Oh yeah.
You can, I mean, I still don'tknow what I want to be when I
grew up, but I um you know, Ididn't know.
Like growing up, I was kind ofthought you could be a a doctor,
a lawyer, or a business person.
And I did not know what thatmeant.
Or an artist.
I really did want to go to artschool, but um, I did discover
in school that there was a suchthing called an interior design
(05:45):
program and explored that.
And it was an automaticfour-year school where I went to
school, so I had to audition toget in and submit a portfolio
and then spent four more yearsin school.
But the last two I could travelback and forth to Denver because
I'd really already completedeverything.
But um, yeah, I studied it andand I loved it.
I fell in love with it andbuilding and just all the
(06:09):
components of it.
But I've always loved, you know,interior style.
I think my that your space canshape your mood.
And it always did growing up.
I would redo my room all thetime or you know, just kind of
shape my own environment to howI wanted to feel.
Um so getting to do that for aliving sounded very appealing to
me.
SPEAKER_01 (06:30):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_05 (06:31):
I want to know with all that experience and and how
family-oriented you are, how doyou balance the creativity side
with the business side ofthings?
SPEAKER_00 (06:42):
It is very difficult.
Um, balance is such a trickyword too, because you know, how
do you really define there's noway we're always in person?
It's different for everybody.
Yeah, absolutely.
Sometimes, you know, I'm showingup full force as a mom, but you
know, that's gonna affect mybusiness in other ways.
You know, maybe we're not I'mnot actively growing at that
(07:02):
time and I'm staying there.
But or let's say I'm showing upall the time in my business,
well, that's gonna affect how Ishow up as a mom, or even
creatively, but creatively,because I'm not able to create,
I'm I'm learning how to to builda business.
Um or or in health or friends,you know, something's always
gonna fall out of of balance.
(07:23):
But you know, just pouring thatcup from one cup to another and
letting it flow, and I've gottenbetter over the years, kind of
riding that way rather than youknow, clenching and just
powering through it all.
But um, but you know, that it'sjust trying to wait, you know,
kind of feel it and know thatthat's just my life.
SPEAKER_05 (07:43):
Do you have days where it's like, all right, I'm
focusing just on the business,and then there's days where it's
all creative?
Or do you just ebb and flow anddo what feels right?
SPEAKER_00 (07:52):
Um, a little bit of both.
I I definitely have businessmostly business days now.
Um that's really, you know,where where it's kind of turned.
Um but I have to make room forthe for the creative side or you
know, I lose my direction.
Um, that's the whole point ofit.
So um, but the business reallyis is most of the is the focus
(08:14):
now and um and kind of mentoringthe women that work for me and
and taking care of the clientsand and just focusing on and
making that the best machine itcan be.
But I have to dive into thecreative.
I'll tell the girls I'm like,no, I'm getting too too much
logistics.
Like, I'm like my creative brainneeds to have a moment.
And so I I do I have to I haveto carve out space for it now.
(08:35):
It's not as as everyday or partof my life anymore.
It's definitely something I haveto carve and make happen.
But it's it's has to happen.
SPEAKER_01 (08:43):
And when did you when did you start your own,
like when did you start your ownbusiness?
And and and back to that is whatmade you want to start your own
business instead of working forsomebody else.
SPEAKER_00 (08:52):
Um I started my own business actually when I was in
Chicago.
And it really happened bychance.
Um, I had been working forsomebody in New York, moved to
Chicago, but I moved to Chicagoright when the um when the
market crashed.
So nobody was really hiring ordesigning homes in.
So I shifted into um working inthe music industry.
(09:13):
I got yoga certified, I waitedtables, you know, I did all the
things.
Oh my god.
Teaching yoga, teaching fitness.
And actually, while I waswaiting tables, one of the women
I was waiting tables with knewthat I had was an interior
designer in my you know earlierlife.
And she said, My boyfriend isredoing his condo and he wants
(09:34):
you to do it.
And I was like, You what?
I was like, all right, you know,let me think at yeah, I can do
that.
Um, and I did it.
And that was kind of that wasit.
That was the like the launchingpoint that okay, well, I don't
need to wait for somebody tohire me now.
Like, I can just do this.
I have the experience, I've donethis, and um, and was doing
(09:58):
great in Chicago, but then onceI found out I was pregnant, I
was I'd my family was alreadyhere and I was already being
called here, it was just sort oflike we're gonna move.
So I'd, you know, left that andwas kind of traveling back and
forth from here to Chicago for alittle while, and then um, you
know, picked it back up here andstarted that with working for
(10:20):
free again.
And then I had all those goodtimes.
Absolutely.
But it was more of a slow rollonce I moved here.
I had to really had to start allover again and and and recheck
my values.
I also had a baby and what wasreally important to me then.
So it was it wasn't somethingthat it happened quickly, it was
it was over time and um and andlearning to believe in myself
(10:43):
and and like believing that Ican trust myself to make a name
for myself in a new city.
But that took that took time andsome diligence.
SPEAKER_01 (10:51):
Well, also because you know, Charleston, um, you
know, people have been here fora very long time.
Yes, oh yeah, you know, andwelcoming something new might
not be so easy for them, butapparently, you know, you've
made your you've made your stakein this town because you know I
mean HGTV, I mean, come on.
That's sounds that was such anhonor.
That is a huge thing.
We'll get to we'll get to thatin a minute.
(11:12):
But I mean, just it like so youknow what you're doing.
Yeah, you know, you know whatyou're doing.
Yeah, thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (11:21):
It feels good that somebody else thinks that.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_05 (11:26):
From a designer's perspective, like can you walk
us through like the process?
Yeah, like you know, obviouslythe business side, you're you
get a client, you hire them,they hire you.
But then what's that processlike creatively and from the
business side?
SPEAKER_00 (11:41):
Sure.
Um we really want to downloadall of your information.
So I want to know everythingabout you, um, everything about
how you want to feel in yourspace, how you want it to
function for you, how you wantto move through it, um, what's
your style, what are your hardnoses, what are your yeses, what
what kind of music do you listento?
(12:03):
Um, what's your budget?
That's you know, what's yourbudget?
It's really important.
Um and go through all the insand outs.
And then, and and if you haveany sort of inspiration boards,
we take all of that informationand just start working our way
through it.
So the first few steps would bewe present you with our um first
(12:23):
initial thoughts in ourdirection, and then we go
through a couple of rounds ofkind of honing in on what
direction we think we're gonnago in, and then the first design
um proper like proposals rollout.
And I I would really love to getit done in three rounds.
Um, that's how we contractuallylay it out.
We'll give you three options perspace, per thing, and then if
(12:45):
we're not there, then let'slet's reconfigure how we're
looking at this.
Um that way we're not you knowgoing too far on either person's
end.
Like we're getting to theforever.
Absolutely.
So we really want to get intolike get to a final landing
point.
Um so we give three differentrounds, and then once we land on
(13:06):
those final designs, we startsubmitting all of our drawings
and getting everything laid out.
Um, you know, how we're going toexecute if it's a remodel, if
it's a new build, if it's justredecorating.
Like, how are we gonna, youknow, start this process?
Um, what's where's our startingpoint?
You know, talking to thecontractors, talking to our
vendors, and and just making ithappen and doing all the
(13:28):
scheduling and logistics behindthat.
And it's really important toknow that you know, anytime in
building and design, it is a itis a faulty industry.
There's um something alwayshappens, right?
Yes, out of your control.
Yes, there are so many people werely on, and so many things
going on, and so many shippingdelays and products that arrive
damaged and all of those things.
So just preparing that to knowthat you know, this is why you
(13:52):
hired us.
Right.
Um, what can go wrong will gowrong, and we're here to solve
all those problems.
We're gonna make a beautifulspace, but we're gonna try to
make this as easy as possiblefor you to to deal with, and
you're not chasing down all thethe loose end parts and pieces,
bits and things that have to goto to make this come to life.
It's so there's so many tinydetails that people you don't
(14:14):
think about.
Um and the mistakes areexpensive.
Yeah, sure.
So yeah, this is an expensivejob.
So it's like, you know, you wantto make sure all of those, um,
all those little parts andpieces are are tied together
before you so have you ever donea project for a client that you
hated, like they loved, and youwere like, I don't want to do
this, but this is what they'repaying me for?
(14:36):
No, no, I I wouldn't that befun, like um lucky.
SPEAKER_01 (14:39):
I know.
SPEAKER_00 (14:40):
Well, I mean, um, there's some I don't like love,
but you know, it's not my house,so we can't say I was wondering,
I was always wondering ifthere's like this this one
person who's like, I just wantmy entire bedroom black.
SPEAKER_01 (14:51):
I don't know, I'm making it up, and you're like,
no, and he's like, yes, andyou're like no, you know, and
then you and you do it.
And I was just wondering ifthere's done any projects that
you don't that you walk awaygoing, I could have done so much
more with that.
SPEAKER_00 (15:02):
Or like it wasn't a good fit for the client.
SPEAKER_01 (15:05):
Right.
SPEAKER_00 (15:05):
Yeah, there's I've there's definitely been some
where I'm like, this isn't agood decision, this isn't a good
decision, but like this is whatyou want, and I can't, it's your
money and it's not in my house,and I can't change that.
But but not like where I'm like,ugh, I don't like it.
Like then it's probably not agood fit.
Yeah, I like we would speak upand hopefully it wouldn't work
(15:26):
out for either one of us becauseI want to it to feel good and
fluid for everybody.
SPEAKER_05 (15:30):
Yeah.
And what's your favorite part ofthe process?
Like the beginning, the middle,the end, like starting, you
know, putting it all together orthe final result, or is it you
know, putting it all togetherbeforehand?
You know, what part of theprocess is your favorite?
SPEAKER_00 (15:47):
I love, I love putting it all together, but
nothing beats a reveal.
That moment is, I mean, it it'llkeep you coming back over.
I mean, I cry every time thatsomebody, I mean, I hope that
they like it too.
Is it like is it like the TVshow?
So I try to do that, you know.
Like we try to do that as muchas possible.
And there are some clients thatare like, yes, wait, I want it
all at once.
And sometimes people want you toslow roll and get it in piece by
(16:10):
piece, but which is great, youknow.
Like, I get it.
I want some people just want tolive in their house.
But when I get to do it at theend and just have somebody walk
in to see their space, that isthe best, the best feeling.
It's just a fun, you know, theyknow it's coming, but they've
not walked in it and felt it andseen it yet.
So that's that's the best.
SPEAKER_01 (16:28):
Yeah, well then speaking of T L TV, let's talk a
little bit about um your show.
Yeah.
I mean, how exciting.
Tell us um how it happened, howthat was the experience, um, and
what did you take away from it?
SPEAKER_00 (16:41):
It was god, it was so it was so fun and just such
an honor to be considered.
And honestly, while I was in theprocess, it took years to go
from start to to being h to tosaying you have a series, um,
the interview process, all ofthe above.
And that I never really thoughtin my brain, I was like, well,
it's not gonna happen.
So, like, it's just not gonnahappen.
(17:02):
So, whatever.
I'll just kept going with myday-to-day life until you know
you get from one step to thenext, and they're like, Well,
now you're in the next round,and now you're in the next
round, and now you have a umthey called a sizzle, and then
you have your um pilot, and nowthey're like, well, now you have
a series, and then it was like,what?
SPEAKER_01 (17:19):
So you had a TV star to your resume, by the way.
SPEAKER_00 (17:22):
Yoga instructor, restaurant, yeah, okay.
All the things, attack of alltrades, master of nothing.
Um but it it was it wasincredible.
Um, I worked with a productionteam, they were actually from
Knoxville.
Um, and I had gone to middleschool with um the lead
producer, and that's how my namewas brought up to TV.
(17:44):
Never know exactly.
What anyone stay in touch onFacebook with those middle
school friends, right?
It was so just the craziest turnof events.
Um and and and truly just likepinched me.
I can't believe this.
SPEAKER_01 (17:58):
And if um if no one has seen the show, just give a
brief explanation about what itis, what you did, and and where
they can watch episodes now, ofcourse.
SPEAKER_00 (18:06):
Yes.
Um it was called Breaking Bland,and it was on HGTV, and it was
really just saying, you know,kind of my design motto is I
want you to love your space,whatever that means for you.
That doesn't mean everybody elsehas to, it has to fit everybody
else's expectations.
It's like what turned you onwhat feels good for you.
So honoring the style and likeand us making it beautiful for
(18:27):
you.
So making that like work and becohesive and feel good, but you
know, spaces that turn you onand breaking the, you know, I
felt like for for a while andand and kind of still do, we see
the same things over and overagain.
That same, you know ship lap,yeah, white and all, yeah, and
gray, and just gosh, there's somany options out there to feel,
(18:48):
and and it can still betimeless.
So um just breaking out of thatbox of of what everybody is
already looking at and andreally tapping into creativity
or creativity and and what makesyou feel good.
SPEAKER_01 (19:02):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_00 (19:03):
Yeah, yeah, it was fun.
SPEAKER_01 (19:05):
I'm assuming we can watch these on YouTube or
something.
I think so.
Yeah, yeah.
All right, fantastic.
SPEAKER_05 (19:09):
I watched them all when they came out.
And another character of theshow was Charleston, you know.
Yes, background.
SPEAKER_00 (19:15):
Listen, backdrop, absolutely.
Yep.
Oh, we have some new showscoming out on the design
network.
Wow, tell us about breakingnews.
Yeah, um, um, one is called aseries on the called The Reveal.
So I'll tour two homes Icompleted here in Charleston,
one in the old village and oneon Daniel Island.
Um, I believe those come out inJuly, uh, which is really fun.
(19:38):
That's where the design networkcomes into the homes and they
really just film our finishedproduct.
And that's it's not, you know,it doesn't show the process, but
it's the finished product, whichis really fun to watch as well.
And then another one inpartnership with um Walmart and
apartment therapy on how to redoyour spaces for um for you know,
you can still get great designon a dime.
(19:59):
Oh, that's so awesome! See, thatone I'll watch.
Oh, yeah, please do.
That was another design.
SPEAKER_01 (20:05):
Yeah, I do need uh I do need some help on a dime.
SPEAKER_00 (20:07):
Oh yeah, there's so many great options out there
now.
It is it is um it design shouldbe accessible to everybody.
SPEAKER_01 (20:15):
I I agree.
Yeah, I agree.
And then speaking of that, likewhat are what do you what trends
are you loving right now?
And which ones you know can kindof go back in the closet.
SPEAKER_00 (20:25):
Um I forever love plaster and lime wash.
We also have or also have ourown lime washing team in-house.
So because I love to put it inprojects so much, I was like,
we've gotta learn how to dothis.
Like it's so hard to book peopleand to find people that can do
it and and and at the rightprice.
So it's like we're just gonnafigure it out.
SPEAKER_01 (20:44):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_00 (20:45):
So um limewash and plaster always, they're
timeless, they're beautiful,they add depth and texture.
Um so those are my I don't I Idon't even I wouldn't plaster's
not a trend.
Plaster's been around forhundreds of years, but that's my
I think there's so much beautyin it.
And wallpaper.
I always love wallpaper.
I have a love hate, right?
SPEAKER_05 (21:04):
Yeah, I have a love hate too.
SPEAKER_00 (21:06):
I hear it's oh god, it is agent.
I love and in small spaces, youdon't have to do it everywhere,
but fun little like places thatpack a punch and natural stone
is that's my I love furnitureout of natural stone, ever you
know, those they're it's sobeautiful.
Um it's like it blows my mind tolook at natural stone thinking
(21:27):
that it came out of our earth,it has been here for I can't
even I have no idea how manyyears.
Um I'm gonna sound like adingong if I try to project
that.
I know.
Um since BC.
SPEAKER_01 (21:40):
Um is there anything that like is like all right,
guys, it's you know it's 2025,stop.
I Which is probably in my house,so go ahead.
SPEAKER_00 (21:50):
No, no, no.
Um I I hate saying that.
You know, I don't ever want toput any any design down.
SPEAKER_01 (21:59):
Um I just said it's I'm telling you in my house.
I still have gold fixtureshanging in my house from 1989
when the house or 1998 when thehouse was built.
SPEAKER_00 (22:05):
Hey, it might be kind of that.
You never know.
You know what?
I'm sitting here saying, pleasecome back.
Oh yeah.
Please come back.
Well, I mean, I we tore, youknow, out of houses, some stone
out of houses for years, and nowI'm like, now we're putting it
right back in.
I didn't think about that.
Um but I I don't ever, I don'tknow.
I don't ever want to down putput down color.
SPEAKER_01 (22:26):
What's the what's the what's everyone's favorite
color in Charleston?
Because I actually just did ReadMy Bath.
We'll have to talk about thatsome other time.
But I did, it was it and was itAunt Betty's Attic?
I was told is like a classicCharleston color.
Charleston green.
It looks like ivory to me, butum, I mean, are those are those
still used?
SPEAKER_00 (22:44):
Um yeah, yeah, ivory will never, never go out of
style.
Um Charleston green will nevergo out of style.
So those are good staples.
Um, I mean, I would love to seeless chiflat.
Um and you know, the overusethere is functional purposes for
it, which I totally get.
Um, but then there's spaceswhere it's kind of like we can
think of other options, youknow.
(23:06):
Is molding still in style?
SPEAKER_01 (23:07):
Oh yeah.
Okay.
Because I have beautiful crownmolding.
Yes, crown molding is I that'sthe only thing I really like
that's gonna stay is the crownmolding.
SPEAKER_00 (23:14):
I love crown molding.
It's it is you can go with orwithout, but there are certain
styles of homes that really itworks.
Yeah.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (23:21):
See, I'm learning a lot.
I'm certainly learning a lottoday.
Um, and I'm sure, you know, likeI said before, like Charleston,
being in Charleston's gotta be aunique place to design.
Oh, it's fabulous.
I mean, can you give us I youdon't have to say where or who,
but one or two of your favoriteprojects that you've done in
these years?
SPEAKER_00 (23:42):
Oh, every time I finish one, I'm like, this was
my favorite.
So it's it's so that's so hardbecause I also get to develop
personal relationships with thefamily.
Sure.
So that is such a special partof the job for me as well.
So it really is.
I walk away and I'm like, thatwas so special.
I have new friends, I love thisfamily, I love this home, I want
(24:04):
to come back to it.
Um and they're all so unique andso different.
It's so it's it's hard.
Even when I even the commercialspaces, I look I love commercial
spaces.
SPEAKER_05 (24:14):
Yeah, commercial spaces like you know, all the
homes that you do.
Yeah, have you ever branched outinto the commercial side?
Oh yeah.
So that's great to hear.
It is so fun.
SPEAKER_00 (24:23):
I've done a a a handful of local businesses from
um Spa Azure to the works andthe work cycle to heart jewelry
downtown to the Kubernetes.
Um gosh, I hope I'm notforgetting anything.
I'm sure I am, but um yeah, Ilove local businesses.
Creating a brand, taking a brandpackage and then just thinking
(24:46):
about what that would look likevisually is is the best.
And it that comes pretty easy tome.
Like for some reason I feel likeI can look at brand colors and
be like, that should look likethat.
You know, like all your brandslook like this on walls.
SPEAKER_01 (25:00):
Well, I think we all know by now, especially with
retail, um, because I have I'mfrom town center.
Yeah.
Um, I mean, there's a lot ofcompetition out there, and you
gotta look, I mean, if yourstore does not look good when a
customer walks in, they willwalk right out the door.
Oh yeah.
It's right out the door.
SPEAKER_00 (25:15):
Visual experience is very important.
SPEAKER_01 (25:17):
Too crowded, too close together, to this, to
that, whatever it might be.
I mean, and like you said, everybrand is different because
you're you know, one onehigh-end store is not gonna be
the same as a target.
I'm I'm using it as an example,but and just being able to show
that personality through thedisplays and things is really
important.
SPEAKER_05 (25:36):
Right, and so that's different than designing
somebody's house because that'sthat that's where uh they show
their personality where theylive.
Whereas a business, you'retrying to invite many different
personalities in to stay and buystuff.
So that's interesting.
SPEAKER_00 (25:51):
And like reflect that.
What does that brand look like?
You know, what how does thatmake you feel?
But and and and correct andcreate a comfortable space out
of that too, and typically witha budget that's hefty in mind,
which is great.
You know, but I I love I lovecommercial spaces as well.
SPEAKER_01 (26:08):
Now, do you work with um local artisans and
things like that when you'redoing um because I can I can see
uh Charlestonians really likingworking with other
Charlestonians.
SPEAKER_00 (26:19):
Oh yeah.
We love our local trades are arelike our bread and butter, the
people that you know we can relyon to create our wild visions,
to um, you know, there's a localartist named Jonathan Ripkuma.
He he's done um displays for usand furniture and art and you
know our stone fabricators at umLux Stone Boutique and Zemple
(26:43):
can make anything, you know,anything near the cabinet store
makes our cabinets.
Like these are the people thathelp pull our visions and and
make them come to life.
And it's it's the we have thebest.
I I think that Charleston, ofall the places I've lived and
worked, I think that this thecommunity here lifts each other
up and supports each other morethan any place I've seen.
And when I describe it to otherfriends in business in other
(27:05):
cities, they're like, that's notwhat our city is like.
I'm like, God, the city'sincredible.
That's why everybody's movinghere.
Sure.
I know spilling our secrets.
It is so uh, but you know, eventhe look the interior design
community, like all thedesigners, we're each other's
fans and support group and otherinterior designers.
If I have a question, I have noproblem reaching out and asking.
I've never ever not had somebodyanswer and lend a helping hand
(27:28):
or invite me to their home orinvite me.
Like it is the most lovely groupof people that support each
other that I'm so grateful for.
Charleston's a wonderful place,y'all.
Yep.
SPEAKER_05 (27:40):
What's the weirdest request a client has ever made?
SPEAKER_00 (27:43):
Oh gosh.
I thought about this, like I'vethought about this long and
hard, and I'm like, God, isanything weird to me anymore?
Um, but it's not defined.
SPEAKER_01 (27:53):
That's a whole nother podcast for her room.
SPEAKER_00 (27:57):
Um I I can tell you the most the the funniest, most
fun request I've ever had that Ijust it cracked me up.
Um I I did have a client ask meto make a room that would offend
her mother-in-law, and all of asudden.
Okay.
I was like, I can noted, but notin a like in a cheapy fun way.
(28:22):
Like more like edgy rather thanshe hates pineapple, so there's
pineapple's everywhere in thebeginning.
SPEAKER_01 (28:28):
Yeah, like let's make this pre-yeah.
Oh my god, that's hysterical.
Yeah.
I can't even imagine.
SPEAKER_00 (28:40):
I almost fell out of my chair.
I was like, oh, I've never heardthat.
Got that.
SPEAKER_01 (28:45):
Let's talk about your business for one second
because we are a businesspodcast and we do have
businesses listen to us.
So um, but it I mean, a womanowned business, obviously.
Tell us a little bit about umhow many employees, things like
that, um, and what you felt wasone of the toughest and then one
of the easiest things aboutopening your business.
SPEAKER_00 (29:04):
Absolutely.
Um, business has been starting abusiness has been like a life
lesson.
I've like now I'm I'm to thepoint where I'm saying like I
feel like owning a business islike a little bit of self-growth
along the way, you know?
Like you're learning everysingle day, every step of the
way, every single fail, whichthere's so many, um, and every
single win.
(29:26):
It's it's you know, there's somuch up and down.
It's like, yes, no, oh God.
Um and right now I've got agreat team of women.
So um a couple that are with mefull-time, and then some that
are contract, and it and it ebbsand flows nicely.
We all are in this great spot atthis point where I feel like we
can live our lives and have alittle bit of balance and still
(29:50):
be working and feeling greatabout what we're pulling out and
not burning out.
Because I've definitely gonethrough periods of burnout and a
period where I tried to grow toofast and Just realizing that I
don't always have to be, youknow, grinding so hard that it's
not livable.
Right.
That I can I can sit back andlive and w as well.
(30:11):
And we can st you know, again,like ask me in two months and
I'll be grinding again.
But um Ebb and Flow.
Ebb and flow.
But it's the ebb and flow.
Um, but I think right that thatcomfortable spot of not growing
too fast, because again, ourbusiness is has expensive,
costly mistakes, and making sureevery project is staying on
track and um that we're we'reexecuting what we said we were
(30:34):
gonna execute in a great way,that everybody's happy.
Um so you know, keeping thisteam moving the way we're moving
is working great now.
And then when when we win or ifwe want to expand, we we will
and can.
But right now I I'm I'm lovingthe way we're working together.
We've got this great flow and uhand finding the people that you
can work with that reallysupport each other, um lift each
(30:58):
other up when somebody needshelp with this or needs to go do
this, like got it.
We can fill in the gaps there.
Um and and and again, like justworking together and supporting
each other and being positivetoo with each other.
SPEAKER_01 (31:10):
And um Are you personally still involved with
every design?
Oh yes.
Oh yeah.
I'm not giving it away thatfast.
No, I have my fingers ineverything.
SPEAKER_00 (31:18):
Although I do have a great, I did finally hire a
designer, and she is amazing.
So it is awesome to know thatlike I'm not the end-all be all
every day.
I can have somebody that hasbeen the biggest relief for me.
Well, sure.
SPEAKER_01 (31:33):
A lot of stress off of you.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (31:35):
Someone that you can trust.
Yeah.
Yes, I can trust her so.
SPEAKER_01 (31:38):
People to hiring and they want your name, right?
And then they're like, well, I'mgonna send Susie over.
I don't want Susie.
SPEAKER_00 (31:43):
I want you to be like, no, but Susie's just as
good as I am.
Trust me.
SPEAKER_01 (31:47):
So yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (31:47):
That's a great place to be.
It has been the biggest gamechanger for and to be a mom and
to be able to focus on growingthe business and take care of
everybody in the business andfocus on those things rather
than just the hustle behind itbecause there's so much that
goes into it.
So um, you know, it's itbusiness has been an an
interesting ride.
And you know, I I'm gonna saysomething that's really, really
(32:09):
embarrassing for me.
But when I first started mybusiness, you know, years ago
before I had children and and Iwas just creating, I didn't I'd
never heard of what a PL was.
Listen, only one goal.
SPEAKER_01 (32:25):
So no, do not think that you're don't be as
embarrassed as you would think.
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (32:30):
Yeah, it was it was actually much later.
I had a woman working with methat was like, let me see your
PL sheets in the last few years.
I'm like, what?
What?
Yes, I need to pick that up.
Yeah.
So that's learning how to to nowrun a business that is
sustainable and um and and makesmoney and that doesn't just, you
know, create, but that's what Ithought, you know.
(32:52):
It's like I've got to create thedream first, and that's gonna
lose some money, and then it'sgonna then it, you know, that
was my thought process.
But sort of learning the designof the business process behind
it and taking business courses,and that's been the biggest, you
know, there's so much to learn,but a lot of it is is trial and
error and just doing it andfiguring it out.
SPEAKER_05 (33:11):
Yep, and then every day there's something new to
learn.
Yep, every single day in lifeand in business.
SPEAKER_00 (33:15):
Yep, yep, absolutely.
SPEAKER_01 (33:17):
And then um what if somebody is listening to us as
an aspiring designer and wouldlike to get into the business?
What kind of steps or what kindof advice would you give to
them?
SPEAKER_00 (33:28):
Um, I would say do your homework.
Um there is again, there's somany um parts and pieces to the
business that you don't want togo in and um and not know and
make a huge mistake and have itbe costly or or a lawsuit.
Right.
Um, but also trust yourself.
(33:49):
And if this is something thatyou've been working on and you
love and believe in and you'vedone the homework, um try it.
Try it on, try it for free forsomebody, you know, that um try
it for yourself.
Try it in small spaces and umbut but believe in it.
And then whatever it is that youstart, you know, finish it and
follow through with all thoselittle things and problems will
(34:12):
come, but um it's how you solvethem and and make right that
that makes the the final productin your business and and
everything.
SPEAKER_01 (34:21):
That's good advice.
That's really good advice.
SPEAKER_05 (34:24):
If if you decide to see your upcoming shows, what uh
do you see in the store in thefuture for your business and
yourself?
SPEAKER_00 (34:35):
Um I wanted to just continue to keep creating and
and now kind of like I wastouching on before, but instead
of the grind, I want it to justcontinue to intentionally unfold
as best as they can.
Um and and let it organicallygrow and let this team grow and
let this um let us keepcontinuing to be comfortable and
(34:58):
then the next projects come onand the you know the young women
rise up and um take on biggerroles and um but let this like
continue to let our groupsupport each other and and grow
the best that that we can.
I'd I'd love to see someexpansion, but that was my next
(35:18):
question.
SPEAKER_05 (35:19):
So are you already like you're based in Charleston
now?
Do you do work outside ofCharleston?
SPEAKER_00 (35:24):
Yes, we can do work anywhere.
Um we've done a couple ofprojects outside of Charleston,
but I'd love to I would love todo more.
Right, yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (35:32):
Well they have to have your clients call all their
friends all over the place,right?
All your friends.
I've got this girl.
I know this girl.
That's really awesome.
Yeah.
Um, and so and and I know thisis gonna sound funny, but I just
need like one or two likestaples.
Okay, two.
SPEAKER_04 (35:51):
I'm just gonna go home today and do it.
SPEAKER_01 (35:52):
So here's I'm the kind of I'm the kind of person
that I know what I like when Isee it, but there is absolutely
no talent on designing it oranything.
Like I have to see it.
And I'll be like, oh, I likethat couch.
Oh, I like the way those pills.
Like, I am really bad.
I just didn't and it's reallysad because my mom was like the
(36:14):
complete opposite and I'm didn'tget any of that talent from her.
Um, but so like what are acouple just staples that someone
I have I have a cute littlehouse, um it's one level, it's
fun, you know.
Is it pillows, is it like whatis I don't know, what to jazz it
up a little bit?
Like what can I do?
SPEAKER_00 (36:32):
I I would um I would suggest for somebody like if
that you're going to jazz upyour space with an is go to flea
markets or antique marts andlike find things that really
resonate with you that you loveand would be there forever.
No no offense to like the homegoods, but rather than finding
(36:52):
like little things from thoseplaces, go find things that you
keep and um and that would havemore meaning, deeper meaning for
you, or find like that one nicepiece and you can build over
time rather than you know kindof trying to outfit it all with
at once.
And then, you know, matching ifyou match your pillows and your
throw and your rug, like thosekind of you know, are you
(37:15):
supposed to match or not matchnow?
Well I guess no color way ofwhat it's supposed to be doing
as well.
SPEAKER_01 (37:21):
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (37:22):
Keep it in the same color family.
SPEAKER_01 (37:23):
Of color family, so not like a red chair and a green
chair or something like that.
SPEAKER_00 (37:28):
You know, in the same like monochromatic or stay
stay in the same color family,and that's typically safe.
SPEAKER_01 (37:34):
I'm I'm just no good.
SPEAKER_00 (37:35):
Oh, you good at it, Amina?
I try.
I think I've got a lot ofpeople.
Well, at least she tries.
SPEAKER_01 (37:38):
I don't think I try.
I don't even know.
SPEAKER_00 (37:40):
I think everybody has it in them a little bit.
The the point truly, it shouldbe what you like then.
I I know if it makes you feelgood in there, who cares what
anybody else does.
SPEAKER_01 (37:48):
But I think my other problem is that I'm very I'm
very sentimental.
So I've got a lot of tchotchkisthat I just That's okay.
No, but no, I no, I it's reallynot.
And um It's okay to let go.
Yeah, well, I well then um buthere's like I'll tell you a
really funny story, and andyou're gonna laugh at this, I
think.
So I just got um uh my masterbathroom redone, which I'll be
paying off forever.
(38:08):
Um because it's so huge.
But anyway, so you know, Iwanted to realize I was like,
this is gonna be the perfectbathroom.
I have this picture um of this,it's a picture of these dogs
that I've had on every singlebathroom since I was 18 years
old.
It's like a hor like this, andit goes over the toilet bowl.
Every I mean, okay, I'm mucholder than now.
Okay.
(38:28):
But every single bathroom I'velived in for eight since 18 has
this picture.
So I put the picture up, right?
And my husband's like,seriously?
I mean, seriously.
You know, but so then what itwas really funny.
But it made you feel good.
Yeah, it did, but that but sothen we went out and bought some
local artwork.
Yeah.
Hand painted artwork of turtlesand and um crabs and these
(38:50):
beautiful fish and stuff.
And we put them up, and you lookat them, and then you look at
the picture over the toilet.
You're like, it's just what isgoing on here, but I can't take
it down.
No, see, it's your house.
SPEAKER_00 (39:02):
So don't worry about what anybody else thinks.
That is another very importantthing.
The local artwork that is thatright there.
I think everybody needs at leastone piece of art that they love
in their home.
Yeah, maybe that picture mightbe.
But yeah, so see, if it makesyou happy, and I love Totchkees
too.
I mean last night we're I justmoved into a an older home that
we're kind of and I'm doing as Igo.
(39:24):
So being my own client is fun.
You're probably the worst clientout there.
Oh my god, totally.
And it's a good reminder thatlike things take time.
My things come in broken too.
You know, like I've got it, andit's you have to live in
shambles, and I understand whenclients are like, I don't want
anybody in my house anymore.
I'm like, I don't I get it.
Um but in my closet, I puttogether a whole shelf of my
(39:45):
chat keys that I'm like, I Ilove y'all.
I won't I'm not gonna part withyou.
You're all special memories, butyou can live here in my closet.
SPEAKER_01 (39:52):
Maybe I need that.
Maybe I need a special space.
SPEAKER_00 (39:55):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (39:56):
With some shelves.
SPEAKER_05 (39:57):
And isn't another um easy way to change up a space is
just a coat of paint.
SPEAKER_00 (40:03):
Absolutely.
A fresh coat of paint willchange can change anything.
Like, and it's just paint.
That's a good family.
Like, at the end of the day, ifyou don't like it, it's just
paint.
Paint it again.
And it's an easy way to veryeasy way to change anything.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (40:18):
I've also got to get I've also gotta get my uh boring
husband to get excited aboutsome new furniture and stuff
like that.
He's not gonna listen to this,so we're okay.
I'm like, I don't know if shecan help you with that.
Um we're gonna ask you a coupleum of rapid fire fun questions
before we let you go.
Um I'll go first, Amanda.
Okay.
(40:41):
Wallpaper.
I think it's hysterical.
Love it.
SPEAKER_00 (40:48):
Um minimalist or maximist?
Okay, that is entirely dependenton the house in the space, but
I'm probably leaning moretowards maximalist.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (40:59):
All right, antique market or a modern showroom?
Antique market.
SPEAKER_05 (41:04):
What about designing a beach house or a high-end or a
historic mansion?
unknown (41:09):
Both.
SPEAKER_05 (41:11):
Might choose when you could do it.
SPEAKER_01 (41:13):
It could be again, it could be a beach house
mansion in the house.
Well, I'm sure you've been in acouple beach house mansions
around here.
Absolutely.
Um, what is your favorite roomto design?
Kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom?
SPEAKER_00 (41:24):
Kitchen.
Kitchen, why?
Um, gosh, there's the heart ofthe room.
Yeah.
I mean, I love a powder roombecause you can kind of go all
out and be really weird inthere, and that's okay because
it's a small space.
But the kitchens can be sointeresting now with the stones
and the um hardware and the woodand the different weight, the
tile and the I just likekitchens.
(41:46):
That's the heart of the homeswhere everybody hangs out.
It's true.
It's where you spend all yourtime.
And I love designing somebody'skitchen and coming back and
hanging out in their kitchen.
SPEAKER_01 (41:57):
Kitchens.
And then finally, if you uh werenot doing what you're doing now,
you're a successful in uhinterior designer.
SPEAKER_00 (42:04):
What do you think you'd be doing?
Um, I would probably be teachingfitness and doing some form of
motivational speaking.
That has been the biggestchallenge for me is believing in
myself.
So helping other people believein themselves is really
important to me.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (42:19):
Yeah, that's really awesome.
Um, remind our listeners wherethey can find you.
SPEAKER_00 (42:23):
Um, you can find me on well, anywhere.
All the social Oh yes.
I have two social mediaaccounts.
I don't know why I get askedthat all the time.
Um and I don't know how to runthem.
So they're sometimes they're,you know, one's more personal,
one's MW Fox Stasic, and theother one is Mary Welch Fox
Design.
And um the other one's moreshiny things and and fun photos
(42:47):
of the spaces that we do.
Um, yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (42:51):
The website is what?
SPEAKER_00 (42:52):
Um MaryWelchfox.com.
And your show, your new shows,yeah.
Remind us about those again.
Oh, those will be coming out inJuly um on the Design Network.
Awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (43:02):
That is really fun.
Thank you so much for beinghere.
Y'all, thank you so much forhaving me.
Thank you.
I'm gonna have to go look atsome like some paint colors on
my way home.
On my way home.
SPEAKER_00 (43:14):
If they come the next day, it's a dollar.
It's where you get throughcalled sample eyes.
Oh, you don't have to makecostly paint mistakes anymore.
SPEAKER_01 (43:21):
Just put those sample eyes stickers on your
wall, live with them indifferent lights, and that's
well, I remember when I a longtime ago when I was redoing a
bathroom um before I moved herein my old house.
I I had the little things, Iforgot the word called them.
I taped them up there and I Iliterally left them there for a
week.
I kept walking by and I'm like,Oh yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (43:39):
Well, those are too small to tell.
I know they look different indifferent lights.
Yeah, I know.
Sambolize is like a a good like12 bucks.
Samplize.
SPEAKER_05 (43:49):
Oh, that's a good tip.
SPEAKER_00 (43:50):
Yeah, it's that is saved us so much because then
you can leave it there morning,night, look at it in different
lights, and it's not that tinylittle chip, but like actually
doesn't look like that in theend.
Exactly.
SPEAKER_01 (44:01):
Well, exactly, you're actually more.
SPEAKER_00 (44:02):
And you could buy a couple of them, you know, fill a
bigger space and let it sit inthe bike.
That's amazing.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (44:09):
That is the tip of the day, people.
The tip of the day.
Uh, thank you again so much.
It was so awesome talking toyou.
We wish you um continued successin everything that you do.
We can't wait to watch your newTV shows.
And then everybody go back toYouTube and watch H E T V's
Breaking Bland.
Yeah.
We can have some fun with that.
Uh Amanda, do you have anythingelse?
SPEAKER_00 (44:31):
Or no, that's it.
I had fun.
So much fun.
I've I love hanging out andtalking.
So I'll come back anytime.
SPEAKER_01 (44:40):
Amanda, thank you um for being here with me today.
Um, I do love learning aboutthis kind of stuff, especially
when um it's something I knowI'm not good at.
Um and I've and I've got a wholethought process going in in my
head right now from justspeaking with you.
So um you made an impact on me.
So I'm sure you'll make animpact on our listeners as well.
(45:00):
So um it's such a pleasure tomeet you.
Uh before we leave, we need toonce again thank our sponsors,
uh DK Design and CharlestonMedia Solutions, for their
support, not only of thispodcast, of course, but the
entire Mount Pleasant Chamber ofCommerce.
Um, if you're interested insponsoring or being a guest on
our show, please reach out toRebecca Imholtz, um, and someone
(45:21):
will get back to you.
Make sure to like and subscribeon all of our media channels.
We'll be on Spotify, iTunes,YouTube, Instagram, Facebook,
and LinkedIn.
So thank you for being with ustoday.
Until next time, Mount Pleasant.
Until next time, listeners.
Well, hello, and welcome to the Building Business
Podcast powered by the MountPleasant Chamber of Commerce.
We are here recording in theCharleston Media Solutions
Studio.
Huge supporters of the Chamber,so thank you as always for
recording us today.
And another huge thank you toour podcast sponsor, DK Designs.
(00:31):
If you have not reached out toDarius yet, please do.
My name is Kathy Herman.
I am your immediate pastpresident of the Mount Pleasant
Chamber of Commerce and themarketing director for Mount
Pleasant Town Center.
And I am joined by, I don't knowif we've have we co-hosted
together?
SPEAKER_05 (00:49):
No, I've always I've co-hosted with Mike several
times.
SPEAKER_01 (00:52):
But this is our first time.
This is our first time.
This is uh this is excitingstuff.
Um I am joined today by my newco-host, uh Amanda Bunting
Coleman.
Uh Amanda is the owner of SocialABCs.
So um welcome, Amanda, and tellus a little bit about your
thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_05 (01:09):
I'm happy to be here with Kathy for the first time.
Um I have like Kathy said,social ABCs is my business,
marketing, all things.
And the chamber is one of mylovely clients, and this is
something fun we get to do.
Yeah, it is have fun people likeMary.
SPEAKER_01 (01:28):
Yeah, it's gonna be a stuff great.
Um awesome.
Well, thank you for being herewith me today, Amanda.
Um, all right, I'm gonna tellyou a little bit about our
really very special guest today.
Um from Knoxville, right?
From Knoxville.
Um, her path from Colorado StateUniversity through hubs like
(01:50):
Denver, Chicago, and New YorkCity, which is where I'm from,
by the way.
Um, fueled by inspirations offashion, music, fitness, and
love for travel, four of thethings I love a lot myself, um,
host of HGTV's Breaking Blandand featured in Charleston Home
(02:11):
and Design Magazine, ModernLuxury Interiors.
Unbelievable, by the way.
She aims to forge personalconnections with each client,
crafting spaces that resonatedeeply with their emotions and
reflect their unique passionsand aesthetic desires.
And now you make your home inour beloved Charleston.
(02:34):
I want to very excited towelcome Mary Welch Fox.
Thank you.
Thank you.
I know I got like chills when Iwas reading that.
I really am, because you can dothe one thing that I have
absolutely no ability to do.
SPEAKER_00 (02:51):
See, I believe everybody has it in them.
SPEAKER_01 (02:53):
I don't, I mean, I I don't know.
We'll get to we'll get to thatbecause I'll embarrass myself
with how what I think looksgood.
But um, we're really excited tohave you here today.
Um tell our listeners a littlebit about yourself.
SPEAKER_00 (03:07):
Yeah, absolutely.
Well, again, I um my name isMary Welch.
I grew up in Knoxville and I'm amom of two young girls here.
I moved here when I waspregnant, um, I guess almost 13
years ago.
Um, and I have not looked back.
So my um my husband and Idecided to move here.
(03:27):
My older sister had alreadymoved here, my younger sister
was here, my mother had movedhere, and I just loved it here.
I grew up vacationing here, andthis was the space that I wanted
to be.
Um and it was a great place forme to kind of explore and
change, change our story around.
So um, yeah, that's I'm a momthat I love fitness design and
(03:50):
friends and family and inCharleston.
SPEAKER_01 (03:52):
Well, I'm sure that like the history and and all of
the things that we have in ourbeloved city can really be
thrown into your interior designwork, right?
Because I can't even between thebeach and the rainbow row and
the bridges and the the ever allthese great things and of why we
live here.
Absolutely.
Um how has it influenced yourbrand living here now and and
(04:16):
kind of how you look atprojects?
SPEAKER_00 (04:18):
So gosh, you know, it's so crazy.
Here you can cross a bridge andbe right next to an area, and
the style can completely change.
And I think that that isincredible.
It gives us a lot of opportunityto explore different designs and
different options and differentpeople and different values and
the way and ways of life, andand and then putting that into
(04:39):
somebody's home.
So, you know, everything fromthe beach to the angel oaks to
you know going downtown andwalking through those historical
streets, that's inspiration andcan completely shift.
And some people have homesdowntown and on the beach.
So there's an opportunity to dothat.
I want to be one of thosepeople.
SPEAKER_01 (04:54):
It's never gonna happen, but I'd like to be able
to do that.
You gotta believe it.
You gotta believe it.
That's my wish.
That's my wish.
unknown (05:00):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (05:02):
But how did you get started in interior design
anyway?
I actually studied design incollege.
Um, but I didn't know that thatwas a major until I went to
college.
And I had I'd spent two years inbiology thinking I was gonna be
a doctor.
SPEAKER_01 (05:20):
I'm like, okay, listen to talk about you know
pages in your majors, huh?
SPEAKER_00 (05:24):
Oh yeah.
You can, I mean, I still don'tknow what I want to be when I
grew up, but I um you know, Ididn't know.
Like growing up, I was kind ofthought you could be a a doctor,
a lawyer, or a business person.
And I did not know what thatmeant.
Or an artist.
I really did want to go to artschool, but um, I did discover
in school that there was a suchthing called an interior design
(05:45):
program and explored that.
And it was an automaticfour-year school where I went to
school, so I had to audition toget in and submit a portfolio
and then spent four more yearsin school.
But the last two I could travelback and forth to Denver because
I'd really already completedeverything.
But um, yeah, I studied it andand I loved it.
I fell in love with it andbuilding and just all the
(06:09):
components of it.
But I've always loved, you know,interior style.
I think my that your space canshape your mood.
And it always did growing up.
I would redo my room all thetime or you know, just kind of
shape my own environment to howI wanted to feel.
Um so getting to do that for aliving sounded very appealing to
me.
SPEAKER_01 (06:30):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_05 (06:31):
I want to know with all that experience and and how
family-oriented you are, how doyou balance the creativity side
with the business side ofthings?
SPEAKER_00 (06:42):
It is very difficult.
Um, balance is such a trickyword too, because you know, how
do you really define there's noway we're always in person?
It's different for everybody.
Yeah, absolutely.
Sometimes, you know, I'm showingup full force as a mom, but you
know, that's gonna affect mybusiness in other ways.
You know, maybe we're not I'mnot actively growing at that
(07:02):
time and I'm staying there.
But or let's say I'm showing upall the time in my business,
well, that's gonna affect how Ishow up as a mom, or even
creatively, but creatively,because I'm not able to create,
I'm I'm learning how to to builda business.
Um or or in health or friends,you know, something's always
gonna fall out of of balance.
(07:23):
But you know, just pouring thatcup from one cup to another and
letting it flow, and I've gottenbetter over the years, kind of
riding that way rather than youknow, clenching and just
powering through it all.
But um, but you know, that it'sjust trying to wait, you know,
kind of feel it and know thatthat's just my life.
SPEAKER_05 (07:43):
Do you have days where it's like, all right, I'm
focusing just on the business,and then there's days where it's
all creative?
Or do you just ebb and flow anddo what feels right?
SPEAKER_00 (07:52):
Um, a little bit of both.
I I definitely have businessmostly business days now.
Um that's really, you know,where where it's kind of turned.
Um but I have to make room forthe for the creative side or you
know, I lose my direction.
Um, that's the whole point ofit.
So um, but the business reallyis is most of the is the focus
(08:14):
now and um and kind of mentoringthe women that work for me and
and taking care of the clientsand and just focusing on and
making that the best machine itcan be.
But I have to dive into thecreative.
I'll tell the girls I'm like,no, I'm getting too too much
logistics.
Like, I'm like my creative brainneeds to have a moment.
And so I I do I have to I haveto carve out space for it now.
(08:35):
It's not as as everyday or partof my life anymore.
It's definitely something I haveto carve and make happen.
But it's it's has to happen.
SPEAKER_01 (08:43):
And when did you when did you start your own,
like when did you start your ownbusiness?
And and and back to that is whatmade you want to start your own
business instead of working forsomebody else.
SPEAKER_00 (08:52):
Um I started my own business actually when I was in
Chicago.
And it really happened bychance.
Um, I had been working forsomebody in New York, moved to
Chicago, but I moved to Chicagoright when the um when the
market crashed.
So nobody was really hiring ordesigning homes in.
So I shifted into um working inthe music industry.
(09:13):
I got yoga certified, I waitedtables, you know, I did all the
things.
Oh my god.
Teaching yoga, teaching fitness.
And actually, while I waswaiting tables, one of the women
I was waiting tables with knewthat I had was an interior
designer in my you know earlierlife.
And she said, My boyfriend isredoing his condo and he wants
(09:34):
you to do it.
And I was like, You what?
I was like, all right, you know,let me think at yeah, I can do
that.
Um, and I did it.
And that was kind of that wasit.
That was the like the launchingpoint that okay, well, I don't
need to wait for somebody tohire me now.
Like, I can just do this.
I have the experience, I've donethis, and um, and was doing
(09:58):
great in Chicago, but then onceI found out I was pregnant, I
was I'd my family was alreadyhere and I was already being
called here, it was just sort oflike we're gonna move.
So I'd, you know, left that andwas kind of traveling back and
forth from here to Chicago for alittle while, and then um, you
know, picked it back up here andstarted that with working for
(10:20):
free again.
And then I had all those goodtimes.
Absolutely.
But it was more of a slow rollonce I moved here.
I had to really had to start allover again and and and recheck
my values.
I also had a baby and what wasreally important to me then.
So it was it wasn't somethingthat it happened quickly, it was
it was over time and um and andlearning to believe in myself
(10:43):
and and like believing that Ican trust myself to make a name
for myself in a new city.
But that took that took time andsome diligence.
SPEAKER_01 (10:51):
Well, also because you know, Charleston, um, you
know, people have been here fora very long time.
Yes, oh yeah, you know, andwelcoming something new might
not be so easy for them, butapparently, you know, you've
made your you've made your stakein this town because you know I
mean HGTV, I mean, come on.
That's sounds that was such anhonor.
That is a huge thing.
We'll get to we'll get to thatin a minute.
(11:12):
But I mean, just it like so youknow what you're doing.
Yeah, you know, you know whatyou're doing.
Yeah, thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (11:21):
It feels good that somebody else thinks that.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_05 (11:26):
From a designer's perspective, like can you walk
us through like the process?
Yeah, like you know, obviouslythe business side, you're you
get a client, you hire them,they hire you.
But then what's that processlike creatively and from the
business side?
SPEAKER_00 (11:41):
Sure.
Um we really want to downloadall of your information.
So I want to know everythingabout you, um, everything about
how you want to feel in yourspace, how you want it to
function for you, how you wantto move through it, um, what's
your style, what are your hardnoses, what are your yeses, what
what kind of music do you listento?
(12:03):
Um, what's your budget?
That's you know, what's yourbudget?
It's really important.
Um and go through all the insand outs.
And then, and and if you haveany sort of inspiration boards,
we take all of that informationand just start working our way
through it.
So the first few steps would bewe present you with our um first
(12:23):
initial thoughts in ourdirection, and then we go
through a couple of rounds ofkind of honing in on what
direction we think we're gonnago in, and then the first design
um proper like proposals rollout.
And I I would really love to getit done in three rounds.
Um, that's how we contractuallylay it out.
We'll give you three options perspace, per thing, and then if
(12:45):
we're not there, then let'slet's reconfigure how we're
looking at this.
Um that way we're not you knowgoing too far on either person's
end.
Like we're getting to theforever.
Absolutely.
So we really want to get intolike get to a final landing
point.
Um so we give three differentrounds, and then once we land on
(13:06):
those final designs, we startsubmitting all of our drawings
and getting everything laid out.
Um, you know, how we're going toexecute if it's a remodel, if
it's a new build, if it's justredecorating.
Like, how are we gonna, youknow, start this process?
Um, what's where's our startingpoint?
You know, talking to thecontractors, talking to our
vendors, and and just making ithappen and doing all the
(13:28):
scheduling and logistics behindthat.
And it's really important toknow that you know, anytime in
building and design, it is a itis a faulty industry.
There's um something alwayshappens, right?
Yes, out of your control.
Yes, there are so many people werely on, and so many things
going on, and so many shippingdelays and products that arrive
damaged and all of those things.
So just preparing that to knowthat you know, this is why you
(13:52):
hired us.
Right.
Um, what can go wrong will gowrong, and we're here to solve
all those problems.
We're gonna make a beautifulspace, but we're gonna try to
make this as easy as possiblefor you to to deal with, and
you're not chasing down all thethe loose end parts and pieces,
bits and things that have to goto to make this come to life.
It's so there's so many tinydetails that people you don't
(14:14):
think about.
Um and the mistakes areexpensive.
Yeah, sure.
So yeah, this is an expensivejob.
So it's like, you know, you wantto make sure all of those, um,
all those little parts andpieces are are tied together
before you so have you ever donea project for a client that you
hated, like they loved, and youwere like, I don't want to do
this, but this is what they'repaying me for?
(14:36):
No, no, I I wouldn't that befun, like um lucky.
SPEAKER_01 (14:39):
I know.
SPEAKER_00 (14:40):
Well, I mean, um, there's some I don't like love,
but you know, it's not my house,so we can't say I was wondering,
I was always wondering ifthere's like this this one
person who's like, I just wantmy entire bedroom black.
SPEAKER_01 (14:51):
I don't know, I'm making it up, and you're like,
no, and he's like, yes, andyou're like no, you know, and
then you and you do it.
And I was just wondering ifthere's done any projects that
you don't that you walk awaygoing, I could have done so much
more with that.
SPEAKER_00 (15:02):
Or like it wasn't a good fit for the client.
SPEAKER_01 (15:05):
Right.
SPEAKER_00 (15:05):
Yeah, there's I've there's definitely been some
where I'm like, this isn't agood decision, this isn't a good
decision, but like this is whatyou want, and I can't, it's your
money and it's not in my house,and I can't change that.
But but not like where I'm like,ugh, I don't like it.
Like then it's probably not agood fit.
Yeah, I like we would speak upand hopefully it wouldn't work
(15:26):
out for either one of us becauseI want to it to feel good and
fluid for everybody.
SPEAKER_05 (15:30):
Yeah.
And what's your favorite part ofthe process?
Like the beginning, the middle,the end, like starting, you
know, putting it all together orthe final result, or is it you
know, putting it all togetherbeforehand?
You know, what part of theprocess is your favorite?
SPEAKER_00 (15:47):
I love, I love putting it all together, but
nothing beats a reveal.
That moment is, I mean, it it'llkeep you coming back over.
I mean, I cry every time thatsomebody, I mean, I hope that
they like it too.
Is it like is it like the TVshow?
So I try to do that, you know.
Like we try to do that as muchas possible.
And there are some clients thatare like, yes, wait, I want it
all at once.
And sometimes people want you toslow roll and get it in piece by
(16:10):
piece, but which is great, youknow.
Like, I get it.
I want some people just want tolive in their house.
But when I get to do it at theend and just have somebody walk
in to see their space, that isthe best, the best feeling.
It's just a fun, you know, theyknow it's coming, but they've
not walked in it and felt it andseen it yet.
So that's that's the best.
SPEAKER_01 (16:28):
Yeah, well then speaking of T L TV, let's talk a
little bit about um your show.
Yeah.
I mean, how exciting.
Tell us um how it happened, howthat was the experience, um, and
what did you take away from it?
SPEAKER_00 (16:41):
It was god, it was so it was so fun and just such
an honor to be considered.
And honestly, while I was in theprocess, it took years to go
from start to to being h to tosaying you have a series, um,
the interview process, all ofthe above.
And that I never really thoughtin my brain, I was like, well,
it's not gonna happen.
So, like, it's just not gonnahappen.
(17:02):
So, whatever.
I'll just kept going with myday-to-day life until you know
you get from one step to thenext, and they're like, Well,
now you're in the next round,and now you're in the next
round, and now you have a umthey called a sizzle, and then
you have your um pilot, and nowthey're like, well, now you have
a series, and then it was like,what?
SPEAKER_01 (17:19):
So you had a TV star to your resume, by the way.
SPEAKER_00 (17:22):
Yoga instructor, restaurant, yeah, okay.
All the things, attack of alltrades, master of nothing.
Um but it it was it wasincredible.
Um, I worked with a productionteam, they were actually from
Knoxville.
Um, and I had gone to middleschool with um the lead
producer, and that's how my namewas brought up to TV.
(17:44):
Never know exactly.
What anyone stay in touch onFacebook with those middle
school friends, right?
It was so just the craziest turnof events.
Um and and and truly just likepinched me.
I can't believe this.
SPEAKER_01 (17:58):
And if um if no one has seen the show, just give a
brief explanation about what itis, what you did, and and where
they can watch episodes now, ofcourse.
SPEAKER_00 (18:06):
Yes.
Um it was called Breaking Bland,and it was on HGTV, and it was
really just saying, you know,kind of my design motto is I
want you to love your space,whatever that means for you.
That doesn't mean everybody elsehas to, it has to fit everybody
else's expectations.
It's like what turned you onwhat feels good for you.
So honoring the style and likeand us making it beautiful for
(18:27):
you.
So making that like work and becohesive and feel good, but you
know, spaces that turn you onand breaking the, you know, I
felt like for for a while andand and kind of still do, we see
the same things over and overagain.
That same, you know ship lap,yeah, white and all, yeah, and
gray, and just gosh, there's somany options out there to feel,
(18:48):
and and it can still betimeless.
So um just breaking out of thatbox of of what everybody is
already looking at and andreally tapping into creativity
or creativity and and what makesyou feel good.
SPEAKER_01 (19:02):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_00 (19:03):
Yeah, yeah, it was fun.
SPEAKER_01 (19:05):
I'm assuming we can watch these on YouTube or
something.
I think so.
Yeah, yeah.
All right, fantastic.
SPEAKER_05 (19:09):
I watched them all when they came out.
And another character of theshow was Charleston, you know.
Yes, background.
SPEAKER_00 (19:15):
Listen, backdrop, absolutely.
Yep.
Oh, we have some new showscoming out on the design
network.
Wow, tell us about breakingnews.
Yeah, um, um, one is called aseries on the called The Reveal.
So I'll tour two homes Icompleted here in Charleston,
one in the old village and oneon Daniel Island.
Um, I believe those come out inJuly, uh, which is really fun.
(19:38):
That's where the design networkcomes into the homes and they
really just film our finishedproduct.
And that's it's not, you know,it doesn't show the process, but
it's the finished product, whichis really fun to watch as well.
And then another one inpartnership with um Walmart and
apartment therapy on how to redoyour spaces for um for you know,
you can still get great designon a dime.
(19:59):
Oh, that's so awesome! See, thatone I'll watch.
Oh, yeah, please do.
That was another design.
SPEAKER_01 (20:05):
Yeah, I do need uh I do need some help on a dime.
SPEAKER_00 (20:07):
Oh yeah, there's so many great options out there
now.
It is it is um it design shouldbe accessible to everybody.
SPEAKER_01 (20:15):
I I agree.
Yeah, I agree.
And then speaking of that, likewhat are what do you what trends
are you loving right now?
And which ones you know can kindof go back in the closet.
SPEAKER_00 (20:25):
Um I forever love plaster and lime wash.
We also have or also have ourown lime washing team in-house.
So because I love to put it inprojects so much, I was like,
we've gotta learn how to dothis.
Like it's so hard to book peopleand to find people that can do
it and and and at the rightprice.
So it's like we're just gonnafigure it out.
SPEAKER_01 (20:44):
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_00 (20:45):
So um limewash and plaster always, they're
timeless, they're beautiful,they add depth and texture.
Um so those are my I don't I Idon't even I wouldn't plaster's
not a trend.
Plaster's been around forhundreds of years, but that's my
I think there's so much beautyin it.
And wallpaper.
I always love wallpaper.
I have a love hate, right?
SPEAKER_05 (21:04):
Yeah, I have a love hate too.
SPEAKER_00 (21:06):
I hear it's oh god, it is agent.
I love and in small spaces, youdon't have to do it everywhere,
but fun little like places thatpack a punch and natural stone
is that's my I love furnitureout of natural stone, ever you
know, those they're it's sobeautiful.
Um it's like it blows my mind tolook at natural stone thinking
(21:27):
that it came out of our earth,it has been here for I can't
even I have no idea how manyyears.
Um I'm gonna sound like adingong if I try to project
that.
I know.
Um since BC.
SPEAKER_01 (21:40):
Um is there anything that like is like all right,
guys, it's you know it's 2025,stop.
I Which is probably in my house,so go ahead.
SPEAKER_00 (21:50):
No, no, no.
Um I I hate saying that.
You know, I don't ever want toput any any design down.
SPEAKER_01 (21:59):
Um I just said it's I'm telling you in my house.
I still have gold fixtureshanging in my house from 1989
when the house or 1998 when thehouse was built.
SPEAKER_00 (22:05):
Hey, it might be kind of that.
You never know.
You know what?
I'm sitting here saying, pleasecome back.
Oh yeah.
Please come back.
Well, I mean, I we tore, youknow, out of houses, some stone
out of houses for years, and nowI'm like, now we're putting it
right back in.
I didn't think about that.
Um but I I don't ever, I don'tknow.
I don't ever want to down putput down color.
SPEAKER_01 (22:26):
What's the what's the what's everyone's favorite
color in Charleston?
Because I actually just did ReadMy Bath.
We'll have to talk about thatsome other time.
But I did, it was it and was itAunt Betty's Attic?
I was told is like a classicCharleston color.
Charleston green.
It looks like ivory to me, butum, I mean, are those are those
still used?
SPEAKER_00 (22:44):
Um yeah, yeah, ivory will never, never go out of
style.
Um Charleston green will nevergo out of style.
So those are good staples.
Um, I mean, I would love to seeless chiflat.
Um and you know, the overusethere is functional purposes for
it, which I totally get.
Um, but then there's spaceswhere it's kind of like we can
think of other options, youknow.
(23:06):
Is molding still in style?
SPEAKER_01 (23:07):
Oh yeah.
Okay.
Because I have beautiful crownmolding.
Yes, crown molding is I that'sthe only thing I really like
that's gonna stay is the crownmolding.
SPEAKER_00 (23:14):
I love crown molding.
It's it is you can go with orwithout, but there are certain
styles of homes that really itworks.
Yeah.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (23:21):
See, I'm learning a lot.
I'm certainly learning a lottoday.
Um, and I'm sure, you know, likeI said before, like Charleston,
being in Charleston's gotta be aunique place to design.
Oh, it's fabulous.
I mean, can you give us I youdon't have to say where or who,
but one or two of your favoriteprojects that you've done in
these years?
SPEAKER_00 (23:42):
Oh, every time I finish one, I'm like, this was
my favorite.
So it's it's so that's so hardbecause I also get to develop
personal relationships with thefamily.
Sure.
So that is such a special partof the job for me as well.
So it really is.
I walk away and I'm like, thatwas so special.
I have new friends, I love thisfamily, I love this home, I want
(24:04):
to come back to it.
Um and they're all so unique andso different.
It's so it's it's hard.
Even when I even the commercialspaces, I look I love commercial
spaces.
SPEAKER_05 (24:14):
Yeah, commercial spaces like you know, all the
homes that you do.
Yeah, have you ever branched outinto the commercial side?
Oh yeah.
So that's great to hear.
It is so fun.
SPEAKER_00 (24:23):
I've done a a a handful of local businesses from
um Spa Azure to the works andthe work cycle to heart jewelry
downtown to the Kubernetes.
Um gosh, I hope I'm notforgetting anything.
I'm sure I am, but um yeah, Ilove local businesses.
Creating a brand, taking a brandpackage and then just thinking
(24:46):
about what that would look likevisually is is the best.
And it that comes pretty easy tome.
Like for some reason I feel likeI can look at brand colors and
be like, that should look likethat.
You know, like all your brandslook like this on walls.
SPEAKER_01 (25:00):
Well, I think we all know by now, especially with
retail, um, because I have I'mfrom town center.
Yeah.
Um, I mean, there's a lot ofcompetition out there, and you
gotta look, I mean, if yourstore does not look good when a
customer walks in, they willwalk right out the door.
Oh yeah.
It's right out the door.
SPEAKER_00 (25:15):
Visual experience is very important.
SPEAKER_01 (25:17):
Too crowded, too close together, to this, to
that, whatever it might be.
I mean, and like you said, everybrand is different because
you're you know, one onehigh-end store is not gonna be
the same as a target.
I'm I'm using it as an example,but and just being able to show
that personality through thedisplays and things is really
important.
SPEAKER_05 (25:36):
Right, and so that's different than designing
somebody's house because that'sthat that's where uh they show
their personality where theylive.
Whereas a business, you'retrying to invite many different
personalities in to stay and buystuff.
So that's interesting.
SPEAKER_00 (25:51):
And like reflect that.
What does that brand look like?
You know, what how does thatmake you feel?
But and and and correct andcreate a comfortable space out
of that too, and typically witha budget that's hefty in mind,
which is great.
You know, but I I love I lovecommercial spaces as well.
SPEAKER_01 (26:08):
Now, do you work with um local artisans and
things like that when you'redoing um because I can I can see
uh Charlestonians really likingworking with other
Charlestonians.
SPEAKER_00 (26:19):
Oh yeah.
We love our local trades are arelike our bread and butter, the
people that you know we can relyon to create our wild visions,
to um, you know, there's a localartist named Jonathan Ripkuma.
He he's done um displays for usand furniture and art and you
know our stone fabricators at umLux Stone Boutique and Zemple
(26:43):
can make anything, you know,anything near the cabinet store
makes our cabinets.
Like these are the people thathelp pull our visions and and
make them come to life.
And it's it's the we have thebest.
I I think that Charleston, ofall the places I've lived and
worked, I think that this thecommunity here lifts each other
up and supports each other morethan any place I've seen.
And when I describe it to otherfriends in business in other
(27:05):
cities, they're like, that's notwhat our city is like.
I'm like, God, the city'sincredible.
That's why everybody's movinghere.
Sure.
I know spilling our secrets.
It is so uh, but you know, eventhe look the interior design
community, like all thedesigners, we're each other's
fans and support group and otherinterior designers.
If I have a question, I have noproblem reaching out and asking.
I've never ever not had somebodyanswer and lend a helping hand
(27:28):
or invite me to their home orinvite me.
Like it is the most lovely groupof people that support each
other that I'm so grateful for.
Charleston's a wonderful place,y'all.
Yep.
SPEAKER_05 (27:40):
What's the weirdest request a client has ever made?
SPEAKER_00 (27:43):
Oh gosh.
I thought about this, like I'vethought about this long and
hard, and I'm like, God, isanything weird to me anymore?
Um, but it's not defined.
SPEAKER_01 (27:53):
That's a whole nother podcast for her room.
SPEAKER_00 (27:57):
Um I I can tell you the most the the funniest, most
fun request I've ever had that Ijust it cracked me up.
Um I I did have a client ask meto make a room that would offend
her mother-in-law, and all of asudden.
Okay.
I was like, I can noted, but notin a like in a cheapy fun way.
(28:22):
Like more like edgy rather thanshe hates pineapple, so there's
pineapple's everywhere in thebeginning.
SPEAKER_01 (28:28):
Yeah, like let's make this pre-yeah.
Oh my god, that's hysterical.
Yeah.
I can't even imagine.
SPEAKER_00 (28:40):
I almost fell out of my chair.
I was like, oh, I've never heardthat.
Got that.
SPEAKER_01 (28:45):
Let's talk about your business for one second
because we are a businesspodcast and we do have
businesses listen to us.
So um, but it I mean, a womanowned business, obviously.
Tell us a little bit about umhow many employees, things like
that, um, and what you felt wasone of the toughest and then one
of the easiest things aboutopening your business.
SPEAKER_00 (29:04):
Absolutely.
Um, business has been starting abusiness has been like a life
lesson.
I've like now I'm I'm to thepoint where I'm saying like I
feel like owning a business islike a little bit of self-growth
along the way, you know?
Like you're learning everysingle day, every step of the
way, every single fail, whichthere's so many, um, and every
single win.
(29:26):
It's it's you know, there's somuch up and down.
It's like, yes, no, oh God.
Um and right now I've got agreat team of women.
So um a couple that are with mefull-time, and then some that
are contract, and it and it ebbsand flows nicely.
We all are in this great spot atthis point where I feel like we
can live our lives and have alittle bit of balance and still
(29:50):
be working and feeling greatabout what we're pulling out and
not burning out.
Because I've definitely gonethrough periods of burnout and a
period where I tried to grow toofast and Just realizing that I
don't always have to be, youknow, grinding so hard that it's
not livable.
Right.
That I can I can sit back andlive and w as well.
(30:11):
And we can st you know, again,like ask me in two months and
I'll be grinding again.
But um Ebb and Flow.
Ebb and flow.
But it's the ebb and flow.
Um, but I think right that thatcomfortable spot of not growing
too fast, because again, ourbusiness is has expensive,
costly mistakes, and making sureevery project is staying on
track and um that we're we'reexecuting what we said we were
(30:34):
gonna execute in a great way,that everybody's happy.
Um so you know, keeping thisteam moving the way we're moving
is working great now.
And then when when we win or ifwe want to expand, we we will
and can.
But right now I I'm I'm lovingthe way we're working together.
We've got this great flow and uhand finding the people that you
can work with that reallysupport each other, um lift each
(30:58):
other up when somebody needshelp with this or needs to go do
this, like got it.
We can fill in the gaps there.
Um and and and again, like justworking together and supporting
each other and being positivetoo with each other.
SPEAKER_01 (31:10):
And um Are you personally still involved with
every design?
Oh yes.
Oh yeah.
I'm not giving it away thatfast.
No, I have my fingers ineverything.
SPEAKER_00 (31:18):
Although I do have a great, I did finally hire a
designer, and she is amazing.
So it is awesome to know thatlike I'm not the end-all be all
every day.
I can have somebody that hasbeen the biggest relief for me.
Well, sure.
SPEAKER_01 (31:33):
A lot of stress off of you.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (31:35):
Someone that you can trust.
Yeah.
Yes, I can trust her so.
SPEAKER_01 (31:38):
People to hiring and they want your name, right?
And then they're like, well, I'mgonna send Susie over.
I don't want Susie.
SPEAKER_00 (31:43):
I want you to be like, no, but Susie's just as
good as I am.
Trust me.
SPEAKER_01 (31:47):
So yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (31:47):
That's a great place to be.
It has been the biggest gamechanger for and to be a mom and
to be able to focus on growingthe business and take care of
everybody in the business andfocus on those things rather
than just the hustle behind itbecause there's so much that
goes into it.
So um, you know, it's itbusiness has been an an
interesting ride.
And you know, I I'm gonna saysomething that's really, really
(32:09):
embarrassing for me.
But when I first started mybusiness, you know, years ago
before I had children and and Iwas just creating, I didn't I'd
never heard of what a PL was.
Listen, only one goal.
SPEAKER_01 (32:25):
So no, do not think that you're don't be as
embarrassed as you would think.
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (32:30):
Yeah, it was it was actually much later.
I had a woman working with methat was like, let me see your
PL sheets in the last few years.
I'm like, what?
What?
Yes, I need to pick that up.
Yeah.
So that's learning how to to nowrun a business that is
sustainable and um and and makesmoney and that doesn't just, you
know, create, but that's what Ithought, you know.
(32:52):
It's like I've got to create thedream first, and that's gonna
lose some money, and then it'sgonna then it, you know, that
was my thought process.
But sort of learning the designof the business process behind
it and taking business courses,and that's been the biggest, you
know, there's so much to learn,but a lot of it is is trial and
error and just doing it andfiguring it out.
SPEAKER_05 (33:11):
Yep, and then every day there's something new to
learn.
Yep, every single day in lifeand in business.
SPEAKER_00 (33:15):
Yep, yep, absolutely.
SPEAKER_01 (33:17):
And then um what if somebody is listening to us as
an aspiring designer and wouldlike to get into the business?
What kind of steps or what kindof advice would you give to
them?
SPEAKER_00 (33:28):
Um, I would say do your homework.
Um there is again, there's somany um parts and pieces to the
business that you don't want togo in and um and not know and
make a huge mistake and have itbe costly or or a lawsuit.
Right.
Um, but also trust yourself.
(33:49):
And if this is something thatyou've been working on and you
love and believe in and you'vedone the homework, um try it.
Try it on, try it for free forsomebody, you know, that um try
it for yourself.
Try it in small spaces and umbut but believe in it.
And then whatever it is that youstart, you know, finish it and
follow through with all thoselittle things and problems will
(34:12):
come, but um it's how you solvethem and and make right that
that makes the the final productin your business and and
everything.
SPEAKER_01 (34:21):
That's good advice.
That's really good advice.
SPEAKER_05 (34:24):
If if you decide to see your upcoming shows, what uh
do you see in the store in thefuture for your business and
yourself?
SPEAKER_00 (34:35):
Um I wanted to just continue to keep creating and
and now kind of like I wastouching on before, but instead
of the grind, I want it to justcontinue to intentionally unfold
as best as they can.
Um and and let it organicallygrow and let this team grow and
let this um let us keepcontinuing to be comfortable and
(34:58):
then the next projects come onand the you know the young women
rise up and um take on biggerroles and um but let this like
continue to let our groupsupport each other and and grow
the best that that we can.
I'd I'd love to see someexpansion, but that was my next
(35:18):
question.
SPEAKER_05 (35:19):
So are you already like you're based in Charleston
now?
Do you do work outside ofCharleston?
SPEAKER_00 (35:24):
Yes, we can do work anywhere.
Um we've done a couple ofprojects outside of Charleston,
but I'd love to I would love todo more.
Right, yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (35:32):
Well they have to have your clients call all their
friends all over the place,right?
All your friends.
I've got this girl.
I know this girl.
That's really awesome.
Yeah.
Um, and so and and I know thisis gonna sound funny, but I just
need like one or two likestaples.
Okay, two.
SPEAKER_04 (35:51):
I'm just gonna go home today and do it.
SPEAKER_01 (35:52):
So here's I'm the kind of I'm the kind of person
that I know what I like when Isee it, but there is absolutely
no talent on designing it oranything.
Like I have to see it.
And I'll be like, oh, I likethat couch.
Oh, I like the way those pills.
Like, I am really bad.
I just didn't and it's reallysad because my mom was like the
(36:14):
complete opposite and I'm didn'tget any of that talent from her.
Um, but so like what are acouple just staples that someone
I have I have a cute littlehouse, um it's one level, it's
fun, you know.
Is it pillows, is it like whatis I don't know, what to jazz it
up a little bit?
Like what can I do?
SPEAKER_00 (36:32):
I I would um I would suggest for somebody like if
that you're going to jazz upyour space with an is go to flea
markets or antique marts andlike find things that really
resonate with you that you loveand would be there forever.
No no offense to like the homegoods, but rather than finding
(36:52):
like little things from thoseplaces, go find things that you
keep and um and that would havemore meaning, deeper meaning for
you, or find like that one nicepiece and you can build over
time rather than you know kindof trying to outfit it all with
at once.
And then, you know, matching ifyou match your pillows and your
throw and your rug, like thosekind of you know, are you
(37:15):
supposed to match or not matchnow?
Well I guess no color way ofwhat it's supposed to be doing
as well.
SPEAKER_01 (37:21):
Okay.
SPEAKER_00 (37:22):
Keep it in the same color family.
SPEAKER_01 (37:23):
Of color family, so not like a red chair and a green
chair or something like that.
SPEAKER_00 (37:28):
You know, in the same like monochromatic or stay
stay in the same color family,and that's typically safe.
SPEAKER_01 (37:34):
I'm I'm just no good.
SPEAKER_00 (37:35):
Oh, you good at it, Amina?
I try.
I think I've got a lot ofpeople.
Well, at least she tries.
SPEAKER_01 (37:38):
I don't think I try.
I don't even know.
SPEAKER_00 (37:40):
I think everybody has it in them a little bit.
The the point truly, it shouldbe what you like then.
I I know if it makes you feelgood in there, who cares what
anybody else does.
SPEAKER_01 (37:48):
But I think my other problem is that I'm very I'm
very sentimental.
So I've got a lot of tchotchkisthat I just That's okay.
No, but no, I no, I it's reallynot.
And um It's okay to let go.
Yeah, well, I well then um buthere's like I'll tell you a
really funny story, and andyou're gonna laugh at this, I
think.
So I just got um uh my masterbathroom redone, which I'll be
paying off forever.
(38:08):
Um because it's so huge.
But anyway, so you know, Iwanted to realize I was like,
this is gonna be the perfectbathroom.
I have this picture um of this,it's a picture of these dogs
that I've had on every singlebathroom since I was 18 years
old.
It's like a hor like this, andit goes over the toilet bowl.
Every I mean, okay, I'm mucholder than now.
Okay.
(38:28):
But every single bathroom I'velived in for eight since 18 has
this picture.
So I put the picture up, right?
And my husband's like,seriously?
I mean, seriously.
You know, but so then what itwas really funny.
But it made you feel good.
Yeah, it did, but that but sothen we went out and bought some
local artwork.
Yeah.
Hand painted artwork of turtlesand and um crabs and these
(38:50):
beautiful fish and stuff.
And we put them up, and you lookat them, and then you look at
the picture over the toilet.
You're like, it's just what isgoing on here, but I can't take
it down.
No, see, it's your house.
SPEAKER_00 (39:02):
So don't worry about what anybody else thinks.
That is another very importantthing.
The local artwork that is thatright there.
I think everybody needs at leastone piece of art that they love
in their home.
Yeah, maybe that picture mightbe.
But yeah, so see, if it makesyou happy, and I love Totchkees
too.
I mean last night we're I justmoved into a an older home that
we're kind of and I'm doing as Igo.
(39:24):
So being my own client is fun.
You're probably the worst clientout there.
Oh my god, totally.
And it's a good reminder thatlike things take time.
My things come in broken too.
You know, like I've got it, andit's you have to live in
shambles, and I understand whenclients are like, I don't want
anybody in my house anymore.
I'm like, I don't I get it.
Um but in my closet, I puttogether a whole shelf of my
(39:45):
chat keys that I'm like, I Ilove y'all.
I won't I'm not gonna part withyou.
You're all special memories, butyou can live here in my closet.
SPEAKER_01 (39:52):
Maybe I need that.
Maybe I need a special space.
SPEAKER_00 (39:55):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (39:56):
With some shelves.
SPEAKER_05 (39:57):
And isn't another um easy way to change up a space is
just a coat of paint.
SPEAKER_00 (40:03):
Absolutely.
A fresh coat of paint willchange can change anything.
Like, and it's just paint.
That's a good family.
Like, at the end of the day, ifyou don't like it, it's just
paint.
Paint it again.
And it's an easy way to veryeasy way to change anything.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (40:18):
I've also got to get I've also gotta get my uh boring
husband to get excited aboutsome new furniture and stuff
like that.
He's not gonna listen to this,so we're okay.
I'm like, I don't know if shecan help you with that.
Um we're gonna ask you a coupleum of rapid fire fun questions
before we let you go.
Um I'll go first, Amanda.
Okay.
(40:41):
Wallpaper.
I think it's hysterical.
Love it.
SPEAKER_00 (40:48):
Um minimalist or maximist?
Okay, that is entirely dependenton the house in the space, but
I'm probably leaning moretowards maximalist.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (40:59):
All right, antique market or a modern showroom?
Antique market.
SPEAKER_05 (41:04):
What about designing a beach house or a high-end or a
historic mansion?
unknown (41:09):
Both.
SPEAKER_05 (41:11):
Might choose when you could do it.
SPEAKER_01 (41:13):
It could be again, it could be a beach house
mansion in the house.
Well, I'm sure you've been in acouple beach house mansions
around here.
Absolutely.
Um, what is your favorite roomto design?
Kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom?
SPEAKER_00 (41:24):
Kitchen.
Kitchen, why?
Um, gosh, there's the heart ofthe room.
Yeah.
I mean, I love a powder roombecause you can kind of go all
out and be really weird inthere, and that's okay because
it's a small space.
But the kitchens can be sointeresting now with the stones
and the um hardware and the woodand the different weight, the
tile and the I just likekitchens.
(41:46):
That's the heart of the homeswhere everybody hangs out.
It's true.
It's where you spend all yourtime.
And I love designing somebody'skitchen and coming back and
hanging out in their kitchen.
SPEAKER_01 (41:57):
Kitchens.
And then finally, if you uh werenot doing what you're doing now,
you're a successful in uhinterior designer.
SPEAKER_00 (42:04):
What do you think you'd be doing?
Um, I would probably be teachingfitness and doing some form of
motivational speaking.
That has been the biggestchallenge for me is believing in
myself.
So helping other people believein themselves is really
important to me.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (42:19):
Yeah, that's really awesome.
Um, remind our listeners wherethey can find you.
SPEAKER_00 (42:23):
Um, you can find me on well, anywhere.
All the social Oh yes.
I have two social mediaaccounts.
I don't know why I get askedthat all the time.
Um and I don't know how to runthem.
So they're sometimes they're,you know, one's more personal,
one's MW Fox Stasic, and theother one is Mary Welch Fox
Design.
And um the other one's moreshiny things and and fun photos
(42:47):
of the spaces that we do.
Um, yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (42:51):
The website is what?
SPEAKER_00 (42:52):
Um MaryWelchfox.com.
And your show, your new shows,yeah.
Remind us about those again.
Oh, those will be coming out inJuly um on the Design Network.
Awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (43:02):
That is really fun.
Thank you so much for beinghere.
Y'all, thank you so much forhaving me.
Thank you.
I'm gonna have to go look atsome like some paint colors on
my way home.
On my way home.
SPEAKER_00 (43:14):
If they come the next day, it's a dollar.
It's where you get throughcalled sample eyes.
Oh, you don't have to makecostly paint mistakes anymore.
SPEAKER_01 (43:21):
Just put those sample eyes stickers on your
wall, live with them indifferent lights, and that's
well, I remember when I a longtime ago when I was redoing a
bathroom um before I moved herein my old house.
I I had the little things, Iforgot the word called them.
I taped them up there and I Iliterally left them there for a
week.
I kept walking by and I'm like,Oh yeah.
SPEAKER_00 (43:39):
Well, those are too small to tell.
I know they look different indifferent lights.
Yeah, I know.
Sambolize is like a a good like12 bucks.
Samplize.
SPEAKER_05 (43:49):
Oh, that's a good tip.
SPEAKER_00 (43:50):
Yeah, it's that is saved us so much because then
you can leave it there morning,night, look at it in different
lights, and it's not that tinylittle chip, but like actually
doesn't look like that in theend.
Exactly.
SPEAKER_01 (44:01):
Well, exactly, you're actually more.
SPEAKER_00 (44:02):
And you could buy a couple of them, you know, fill a
bigger space and let it sit inthe bike.
That's amazing.
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (44:09):
That is the tip of the day, people.
The tip of the day.
Uh, thank you again so much.
It was so awesome talking toyou.
We wish you um continued successin everything that you do.
We can't wait to watch your newTV shows.
And then everybody go back toYouTube and watch H E T V's
Breaking Bland.
Yeah.
We can have some fun with that.
Uh Amanda, do you have anythingelse?
SPEAKER_00 (44:31):
Or no, that's it.
I had fun.
So much fun.
I've I love hanging out andtalking.
So I'll come back anytime.
SPEAKER_01 (44:40):
Amanda, thank you um for being here with me today.
Um, I do love learning aboutthis kind of stuff, especially
when um it's something I knowI'm not good at.
Um and I've and I've got a wholethought process going in in my
head right now from justspeaking with you.
So um you made an impact on me.
So I'm sure you'll make animpact on our listeners as well.
(45:00):
So um it's such a pleasure tomeet you.
Uh before we leave, we need toonce again thank our sponsors,
uh DK Design and CharlestonMedia Solutions, for their
support, not only of thispodcast, of course, but the
entire Mount Pleasant Chamber ofCommerce.
Um, if you're interested insponsoring or being a guest on
our show, please reach out toRebecca Imholtz, um, and someone
(45:21):
will get back to you.
Make sure to like and subscribeon all of our media channels.
We'll be on Spotify, iTunes,YouTube, Instagram, Facebook,
and LinkedIn.
So thank you for being with ustoday.
Until next time, Mount Pleasant.
Until next time, listeners.
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