January 18, 2024 • 30 mins
When my niece Shavonne Winston decided to leap from the structured world of criminal justice into the swirling colors of interior design, little did she realize how her passion for eco-conscious living would reshape not just spaces, but lives. This episode is a tapestry woven from Shavonne tales, recounting her transformative journey and the birth of ReStyle Living, where she marries sustainability with style. Her insights into repurposing with purpose offer listeners a treasure trove of practical tips for breathing eco-friendly life into their homes, using everything from Feng Shui to savvy organization.
Picture this: a pandemic hits, and the world is forced indoors, sparking a universal quest for sanctuary in our own spaces. Shavonne shares how this global pause led her from Wisconsin's familiarity to Atlanta's vibrant design scene, embracing freelance opportunities and the art of upcycling. She recounts the unexpected role social media played in expanding her business and influencing sustainable living. Our conversation dances through her innovative solutions for single men's spaces to the charm of thrifted finds, proving design has no one-size-fits-all.
We wrap up with Shavonne Winston from Restyle Living, whose expertise in furniture facelifts brings both laughter and learning to our chat. The garage may be full, and the car might be parked outside, but the ideas for rejuvenating living spaces are limitless. Her tales of revamping armoires and the promise of upcoming collaborations with Shavonne tease at the exciting horizons of restyling. Join us for an episode that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and the joy of turning the place you live into a place you love.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Charlie Shaw (00:01):
Hey, good evening .
This is Charlie Shaw, aka.
Who am I?
Little Mel.
This is Little Mel podcast show, and my next guest is my niece.
I'm going to allow her tointroduce herself to you folks.
Shavonne (00:15):
Hey everyone, my name is Siobhan Winston.
I am an interior designer andorganizer and the founder of
ReStyle Living.
We are here to help you getyour home organized, designed
and just for you to live a moreeco-friendly lifestyle.
Charlie Shaw (00:34):
Right, right, yes .
When you visited my house, thatwas one of the main things I
asked you.
I was like am I livingeco-friendly?
You said no, not really, butyou tried you had some stuff.
Shavonne (00:44):
I was like, hey, you had that.
What was it?
That solar stream, that's good.
Charlie Shaw (00:48):
I was trying.
You got a lot of good stuff.
Yes, I like my carbonated water.
Shavonne (00:54):
Yes, I love it too.
I had to grab myself one afterI went to the house.
I'm like oh yeah, I need to getone of these so that I don't
have to get used to the sodasand everything on it.
So it definitely helps out.
Charlie Shaw (01:08):
So Siobhan is.
She's married to my nephew,adrian you guys heard him before
and they are entrepreneurs andI'm very impressed with both of
them.
They've built a success forthemselves and they're doing
very well.
Siobhan, tell us about what itis that you actually do and how
(01:32):
are you helping folks.
From what I understand, youwant us to live eco-friendly.
Shavonne (01:37):
Yes, it's time to get back, go back to old school ways
and just pay attention to theenvironment, live in more
eco-friendly and just doing ourpart to help, because we only
have one earth and it's time todo our part for that.
Charlie Shaw (02:02):
So if you went into someone's home, if somebody
hired you as consultant forinterior design, what are one of
the things that you can suggestto them?
Shavonne (02:14):
So really just depending.
Again, I do interior designwork, organizing, and I do like
to incorporate thesustainability aspect, so I go
in.
I try to help people live amore or less chaotic lifestyle.
So if they're, I like to helpwith the Feng Shui and the area.
(02:38):
So that's really just how yourhome is laid out, to give you
that peace of mind the fluidity,the flow.
So I'll go in.
I'm doing assessment of thehouse, see what areas in the
house need that extra help, ifit needs some organization or if
it needs some design.
And I do like to incorporate inmy design elements just
(03:00):
functional items, stuff that aremulti-purpose, something like
if you have a coffee table butyou need more storage, something
that like lifts up where youcan store stuff in there.
So just try to give people thatmulti-purpose aspect.
Charlie Shaw (03:15):
When you were at my house you found different
stuff, because I'm a bachelor, Idon't have all that in the
house.
You actually incorporateddifferent things that we use as
a pan.
You basically draped somethingover and did it as a serving
dish.
I'm like I wouldn't eventhought about it.
Shavonne (03:32):
Multi-functional?
Yes, yes.
So just try to see what we canuse with what you already have
existing, so you don't have togo out and purchase all new
things.
Charlie Shaw (03:42):
So you're from.
Shavonne (03:45):
I'm originally from San Antonio, texas.
Okay, yes.
Charlie Shaw (03:49):
And you went to school, where At Tennessee State
University in Nashville.
What's your discipline?
Shavonne (03:55):
I graduated with a graphic design degree, went back
to school in 2016 for interiordesign and that's where I got my
certification from the New YorkInstitute of Art and Design.
Charlie Shaw (04:06):
Very impressive, thank you.
What did you get into interiordesign?
Shavonne (04:11):
Really, I always had the love for art growing up, so
when I first went to school Iwas thinking I would have wanted
to go for criminal justice.
Charlie Shaw (04:20):
Oh, you would fall in my field, yeah, or in
your uncle field also, yes,exactly.
Shavonne (04:24):
Yes, yes.
So I wanted to do that and then, once I got into it, I was like
I took my first course.
Is that intro to criminaljustice?
Charlie Shaw (04:33):
and.
Shavonne (04:33):
I was like Do I really like?
Charlie Shaw (04:35):
this I'm like this is very boring to me it
wasn't boring.
Shavonne (04:39):
It was it was actually really interesting, but it was
something that I was like.
I don't know if this is it.
And then I started learningmore and I looked into it.
I wanted to be a sketch artist.
So that's why I was like, OK,let me switch to art and still
keep the criminal justice so Ican be a sketch artist and do
that.
So it's still bringing the loveof art that I had.
Charlie Shaw (04:59):
And to a feel that was boring.
Yeah, but anyway, that feelreally was boring.
It was, and it was.
I ate on it for 31 years.
Shavonne (05:07):
So I know, I know, it's just, I guess the classes.
When I was sitting in there I'mlike, ah, this isn't really me.
So I definitely had to take astep back and look.
And then I went to the artdepartment, found the head of
the art department and theyintroduced me into graphic
design, and so that's when Ifell in love with graphics, the
(05:29):
digital aspect, logo design,branding, all that stuff.
So, that's what I went to schoolfor and I absolutely loved it.
Yeah, I absolutely lovedworking doing graphics and all
that stuff.
But once I graduated it was somuch harder to try to get a job
(05:50):
in the field.
So then I just ended up workingat AT&T.
Like once you get, you know,after you graduate, you go into
just the workforce.
That I did in the customerservice and in stores at AT&T
and I was there for about fiveyears.
Charlie Shaw (06:09):
Was it a hotel also that you worked at?
Shavonne (06:12):
I did so after.
Charlie Shaw (06:13):
Because you were doing interior design for new
build-outs.
Shavonne (06:17):
Yes, yes.
So after I left AT&T, I wasstuck in that rut and I was like
I still need this art.
So at that point, that's when Iended up going back to school
and getting that certificationfor interior design and I landed
a job.
(06:37):
They still I was still inschool, but it was a small
hospitality firm and they gaveme the chance to start working
for them and that's where I gotmy start in interior design.
Charlie Shaw (06:50):
That was a blessing for you it was,
definitely was.
So we all know about the COVIDair.
Shavonne (06:55):
Yes, ok.
Charlie Shaw (06:57):
How did you benefit from that?
How did you turn lemons intolemonade?
Shavonne (07:02):
Yes, there we go, that's good.
Because it was a struggle.
So once the pandemic first hit,it was a lot going on At my job
.
They were still because we wereconsidered essential workers.
Charlie Shaw (07:16):
Oh, you were.
Shavonne (07:17):
Yes, buildings were still.
Everybody was still buildingdifferent things, so they were
still going.
Hotels still needed to getfinished.
So at that point we were stillin the office and I was getting
a little scared because mysister-in-law she caught COVID
(07:37):
and it was very rough.
So I was getting nervous, justnot.
It was the unknown.
We didn't know what was goingon.
He just hearing everything.
So that really put me into themindset like this company isn't
really here for me.
They just want me to do thework, they're not looking out
for my well-being.
So I was like it's time.
(07:58):
So at that point I talked to myhusband and we were like, ok,
we need to make a transition.
And towards the end of thepandemic that's when our lease
was up we're like OK, we'regoing to make this move.
Charlie Shaw (08:12):
So we decided to Atlanta.
Shavonne (08:14):
So we decided to pack up our two-bedroom apartment and
we were still in the transition.
So we put our stuff in storagefor about six months and we're
going back and forth.
He was here in Wisconsin.
I was trying to find us a placein Atlanta.
I have family there, so Istayed with them for a little
while.
So we were just moving back andforth for about six months to a
(08:34):
year just trying to figure itout and in that time I was
trying to just freelance, do myown thing.
I'm like, ok, I feel confidentin my design work and what I do
and my knowledge.
Let me try to see what I can do.
So at that point I wasdesigning for family and friends
.
So whoever wanted help orneeded anything during the
(08:56):
pandemic I was going.
So I went to Texas for aboutthree weeks I did my mom's house
my sister's house, you actuallydid work in my place.
Charlie Shaw (09:06):
You turned my mirror into it was my mom's
mirror.
Shavonne (09:11):
And it was gold.
Charlie Shaw (09:12):
And you turned that into a flat black.
Shavonne (09:16):
Yes, yes, just to match all the finishes and stuff
that you have in the house.
Charlie Shaw (09:21):
Yes, that's beautiful.
Shavonne (09:22):
Thank you.
I'm glad that we were able totransform that Just a heirloom
piece?
Charlie Shaw (09:28):
Yeah, it's a heirloom.
You know what's crazy is?
I could have did it, but Idon't have the eye.
Shavonne (09:34):
A lot of people say that.
Charlie Shaw (09:36):
I think, yeah, when you started it, I was like
man, I didn't think about that,I don't have the eye, so I stay
in my lane.
I hear that.
Shavonne (09:44):
Yes, a lot of people that's a lot of people reach out
to me.
They're like I really don'tknow what to do.
I kind of know, but I'd ratheryou help me with it and, like
you said, I just love doingstuff like that and just
upcycling.
Again, that goes back tosustainability.
Charlie Shaw (10:03):
Explain to me what upcycling is.
Shavonne (10:05):
Upcycling.
So you're just taking an itemthat's existing or thrifted and
you just fix it up.
Charlie Shaw (10:10):
You're modernizing it OK, bringing it
up to date.
Shavonne (10:14):
Yeah, bringing it back to date.
So I love to go thrifting, findthrifting pieces fix it up.
Charlie Shaw (10:20):
I've seen you and everybody thrift store from
Nashville all the way to Atlanta.
Shavonne (10:24):
I've always been at a thrift store.
I've always been at a thriftstore.
Charlie Shaw (10:26):
That's a new one.
She's a, she also has time forlunch.
And when I say I've seen her,she has a huge following on all
social media.
I'm going to give you a chanceto brag about your accolades,
your success.
Shavonne (10:41):
Yes, so really just after the pandemic hit, I kind
of just wanted to shareeverything in this process of
growing the business.
So I decided to get onInstagram and try something new.
So in 2020, that's when I waslike okay, let me get on here
(11:03):
and really take this seriously.
Charlie Shaw (11:05):
Right.
Shavonne (11:05):
Then TikTok just randomly popped up.
Charlie Shaw (11:08):
Right, it came out nowhere.
Shavonne (11:10):
Nowhere, and so everybody was talking about
TikTok, and there are stillpeople that were like, no, I'm
not going to go to that.
There's like it was still inthe air.
People were like no, yes, no.
So I think I hit it in thebeginning when it was still kind
of fresh.
Yes, so when I, when I signedup for it again, it was in the
beginning of the pandemic andjust bored my first post, I
(11:33):
think, was me and Adrian doing achallenge where he was like
trying to flip me over.
Charlie Shaw (11:37):
Oh yeah, we were supposed to do some random
challenge.
Shavonne (11:39):
So we were like, let's try it.
So that was my first ever post.
And then I just started gettinginto like, okay, let me show
how I'm decorated and organizedin my house.
And then from there it's justpeople started just just really
paying attention and followingalong.
And then I was like, okay,there's something here.
So just through that wholetravels, when I was designing
(12:01):
spaces, I was editing it up andjust sharing the final looks of
before and afters.
And then what?
When it really popped off, iswhen I really found my niche,
and that's in the sustainabilitysector.
So I just I honed in.
So I like to talk about, ofcourse, home organizing, but in
(12:24):
the home I like to sharesustainable practices and how
you can live more eco-friendlyand what we can do to help the
environment.
And from there it's just takenoff.
Charlie Shaw (12:36):
So do you have any solid demographics or are
you helping out across the board?
I mean like, for example, I'm abachelor.
You've seen my place.
Yes, it's a little bigger thanwhat it should be, but it's
beautiful.
How would you you could help mewith downsizing and upsizing?
Shavonne (12:56):
Yeah, so that's basically.
I don't want to like bring itin too small where it cuts out a
lot of people.
I wanted to try to have mycontent speak to everyone,
anyone who's interested insustainability, anyone who wants
their home organized or wantsjust a cleaner look, just a
(13:16):
well-designed home, because yourhome especially during the
pandemic, everybody learned okay, we're in our home for a long
time.
And we wanted to look the best,we want to feel the best when
we're at home.
We want our home to be oursanctuary.
So it's from then.
That's when I've noticed like alot of people just really just
(13:40):
watching and seeing how they canmake their homes look like that
.
So I don't really have aspecific audience.
Of course, as a black female,that's my main target is who
comes to me, because it's justjust I speak it Natural
gravitation, but you're reachingout to everyone.
Everyone, everyone, yes.
Charlie Shaw (14:01):
So don't be afraid to reach out to her.
She can help you, regardlesswho you are Exactly.
There's no discrimination, nodefinitely not.
Shavonne (14:09):
If you have a home and need organizing help or looking
into trying to get learn moreabout sustainability, you can
definitely learn.
Come to my channel, restyleLiving, and you'll learn so much
.
I give so many different tipson how to be eco-friendly, how
to organize your house,different tips on how to design
it and how to do it affordably.
Charlie Shaw (14:32):
Right.
Shavonne (14:32):
A lot of people that would design.
They like the high end designs.
That's just way too expensive.
You really don't have to dothat.
You don't, you can.
You can go thrifting and findgood pieces.
Charlie Shaw (14:43):
Clean it up.
Shavonne (14:44):
Yeah, make it look good and have the same beautiful
aesthetics as someone who spentmillions.
Charlie Shaw (14:49):
I also saw that you start building out like on
the walls, like different, likeshelvings and all that yes.
That will increase the value,well, increase the artistic look
of your restless girl it does.
Shavonne (15:02):
Yes, it definitely does.
So I'm living in a small onebedroom apartment currently, so
just utilizing the space Right,all the space you have.
Charlie Shaw (15:13):
That includes the walls.
Shavonne (15:13):
Yes, Walls, ceilings, floors, so anywhere that you can
add additional space.
That's when I'm here for to getyou to where you can have all
day, like our closet.
Me and Adrienne share a onesmall little closet, and I had
to.
I saw we have nine footceilings Right, so I ended up
buying these storage cubes toput our shoes up top above our
(15:37):
clothes, because we had no otherroom Right, so that was that
was a way to be able to do that.
Charlie Shaw (15:43):
You also?
What is that?
Where you like to grow plants?
Shavonne (15:48):
Oh, I do, and what is that?
Charlie Shaw (15:50):
What did you do that really aggravates age?
Shavonne (15:53):
I think it's because.
So I'm a country girl throughand through, from Texas, texas
Southern girl, and I love justgetting my hands dirty, so I
created this.
It's a compost that I decidedto put out in the garage.
Charlie Shaw (16:16):
She found a space .
Shavonne (16:18):
I did find a space.
I tried to get it far, farenough away so he wouldn't be
able to say anything, but it'sstill kind of he knows when it
goes in there he's like it's inhere.
Charlie Shaw (16:27):
I know it's here, but it helps.
Shavonne (16:30):
So that's what was I was we get a yard.
I'm excited to do that.
I wanted to try to see becausejust learning different things
about how to grow up with a cop.
Charlie Shaw (16:40):
Yeah, I know your father, so I know you.
I know you cut your first timeAll you was doing was talking
about this, that I was like Allright, man, you know where to
win, right.
Shavonne (16:51):
He can't cut it off.
He's from Paris, Tennessee, soyou know that country comes out.
Charlie Shaw (16:58):
So tell me about this you were actually on a show
, right?
Shavonne (17:02):
I was.
So recently, in April, I did ashow called Make it Mine.
It was for a senior livingfacility.
I was matched with a womannamed.
Her name was Dottie and sheneeded space for her second
(17:23):
bedroom.
She wanted to make it an artroom, but she also her husband
was also in there.
He has Parkinson's and he'sbedridden, so we needed to make
a space that she can have herarts in there and still be able
to be in that space with him.
(17:43):
So he was actually living inthat space and she wanted to put
her she wanted to work in therewith him so she can be able to
do her arts and crafts rightnext to him, so we were able to
open up the space.
I did a whole built-in on theback wall so that I could store
all her stuff.
Charlie Shaw (18:02):
I think that's what I was referring to.
Shavonne (18:05):
Yeah, so I could store all her art supplies and
everything, and then I gave hera nice desk so she could do her
arts and crafts there, and sheabsolutely loved it.
The show actually is on YouTube.
It aired in October on YouTubeand it's been really good.
(18:28):
I got great reactions from it,so I enjoyed it.
It was a blessing to be able tohelp her.
Charlie Shaw (18:36):
And that show one more time is.
Shavonne (18:37):
It's called Make it Mine.
Make it Mine, yes, okay.
Charlie Shaw (18:40):
Okay, make it Mine, and it's an interior
design show Interior design showon YouTube yes, On YouTube.
What else?
Do you have any new projectsthat you're working on right now
?
I know that you're in town hereon vacation with your husband.
We're in Racine, Wisconsin, ifwe didn't mention that earlier,
where we were raised up at.
(19:01):
You're actually working on aproject while you're on vacation
.
Shavonne (19:04):
I am, so I'm multitasking.
Yeah, I came in.
I have a friend that he livesin at Lantan.
His mom lives here and sheneeded help with her apartment.
She has a two-bedroom, one-bathapartment that she's just been
trying to get organized.
(19:24):
She wants it to feel morespacious.
A lot of her items were biggersize from her old place.
Charlie Shaw (19:32):
Right.
Shavonne (19:33):
And now that she's downsized she's just trying to
make sure it's enough space andit's well organized.
So I came in, I gave him adesign concept and the other day
I actually went to measure thespace to make sure that
everything that we decide topurchase will fit Okay and it
won't be too large or too smallin this space.
Charlie Shaw (19:51):
So, with that being said, what are you doing
with her old furniture and allthat?
Shavonne (19:56):
She's wanting to keep it.
She has a few people that shesaid that she wanted to donate
it to, okay, and then she haspieces that she wants to keep
and then a lot of hersentimental items.
I definitely want to make surethat stays in the home.
So she has a few things.
I just want to rearrange it,make sure that it's in where so,
when she walks around the space, that she doesn't have any like
(20:18):
hazard, like trip hazards oranything when she's trying to
come.
Charlie Shaw (20:22):
I think that's the problem with a lot of us.
Sometimes our furniture is waytoo big.
Shavonne (20:28):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (20:30):
You said that problem and I realized you don't
really need all that furniture.
You know you should getsomething that fits the room.
Shavonne (20:38):
And I think that's just the design before.
Like you go to, like what arethe rooms to go?
Where they have the sets whereyou buy the bed the nightstands,
all that all in one, and that'swhat a lot of people used to do
.
They just would get the fullset, take it home.
Charlie Shaw (20:58):
And be done with it, and be done.
Shavonne (21:00):
And a lot of people they don't realize.
Okay, some of the spaces.
I need to measure the space tomake sure this one's set.
Charlie Shaw (21:05):
I'm one of those things.
Shavonne (21:06):
Yes, a lot of people don't really think of that.
They're like oh, I like this, Iwant it, let's take it home.
And then that's when they findout oh, this is way too large,
or I didn't even need half ofthese pieces.
So that's a lot that I've beensaying recently.
Is that one thing that I dolove to do?
Instead of like doing thematchy, matchy furniture, I like
(21:28):
to find one big staple pieceand then stuff that coordinates
so that you're not so matchymatchy and then you won't feel
like you have all these big,bulky pieces in your space.
Charlie Shaw (21:37):
I like to stay safe with earth tones.
Shavonne (21:39):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (21:40):
But I also need some color, some pops.
Yes, and that's what I'mworking on.
So I'm way out there, got apicture, got a pain of a rooster
that I can put in my I mean abig wall paint on the rooster.
I'll buy it from you, butremember I was talking about
that?
Shavonne (21:56):
Yes, I do remember that.
Yes, I definitely think that,and that would go right in the
kitchen mat.
Look by your table.
Charlie Shaw (22:02):
Right, that would look really good, that dining
table, yep.
Shavonne (22:04):
That's going to look really good there.
Charlie Shaw (22:06):
But I'm trying, yeah, I'm trying to broaden it
out a little bit, but it's hard.
Shavonne (22:12):
It is harder, especially because neutral is
easy.
Like I, even I love designingwith neutrals and I add pops of
color through your pillows, youraccessories.
So pillows, blankets.
Charlie Shaw (22:27):
I was just going to ask you how, how can you get
somebody like me that's stubbornin that, in that category, to
change it up?
And you said that you would.
What accessories?
What accents?
Shavonne (22:36):
I definitely, I definitely recommend accents
because that is it will make itwhere you're not stuck to that
one color.
So if you are, oh, you want redthis season and the next year
you're like I don't even likered anymore.
You could change out thatpillow.
They have pillows where youdon't even need to buy the full
pillow.
You could just get a insert.
Change the insert out, get anew thing, keep it moving.
(22:59):
You don't have to be going byall new Everything, just replace
the few.
Charlie Shaw (23:04):
So you're based on Atlanta?
Yes, but you will take clientsanywhere.
Yes, I have.
How do you do that?
Shavonne (23:12):
So it really just depends on a lot of the clients
that are out of Atlanta.
They are, I do digital, so I dowhere I can do, digital renders
where you can see the space.
I'll give you your layouts, theitems that you need to purchase
(23:32):
all all those things, and thenI'll explain to you exactly
where they go so you can installit yourself.
Charlie Shaw (23:40):
Right.
Shavonne (23:40):
So that's the easiest way for my out of towners.
But then there are.
I do if I do travel.
So if they want me to come andtravel I will get on a flight.
It is an extra expense but Iwill get on that flight here and
make that move.
Charlie Shaw (23:58):
Yeah, definitely not.
It sounds like you really lovewhat you're doing, I do, I
absolutely enjoy it, and I'mhappy that you're in a field
that you love.
So many, so many people haveworked a lifetime and and, like
I was telling the agent, youguys really stepped out and made
made, made yourselves happy inthe industry that you want to
(24:18):
work in.
And that that's courageous.
Shavonne (24:22):
It is.
It's very scary to it.
It's.
It's scary.
I, when I decided to, becauseI've I grew up always working, I
always knowing, okay, you workthis nine to five, get your your
check.
Charlie Shaw (24:35):
You're going to be okay.
Shavonne (24:36):
And you'll be okay.
So to to um leave that securityit was.
It was very stressful for me.
Without Adrian's um support, Ithink I would.
I don't.
I don't think I would ever evenhave thought like
entrepreneurship was never in myhead as as a possibility.
It was always get a good job,work that job and be the best at
(24:57):
what you do.
Yes, and and um to see howsuccessful he was in it and to
to uh get the support that hegave me to be like I, I, you,
you uh helps me through this.
Now I'm going to do the sameLike you can now um step back
and I will.
I'll let you uh not lead but I'mgoing to support you, yeah,
(25:20):
support you, um, in this processit's it's been amazing and um,
it's it's really been uh helped,um, because of that, uh, I
don't.
I don't think that, like, likeI said, I don't know if I would
have had the courage to uh,because I it took me a long time
to get the confidence that Icould do it on my own.
Charlie Shaw (25:41):
People come in their lives for different
reasons.
Shavonne (25:43):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (25:43):
You know, as they do not only was your, your
husband, he was your biggestsupporter in here and what you
needed to do for you Exactly,that is true.
So what would you tell thelisteners that are out there
that want to not not just aninterior design, but want to get
into a feel that they all havealways wanted to do?
What would be your advice tosomeone that wants to try
(26:06):
something?
New or being an entrepreneur.
Shavonne (26:09):
It's it.
It's easier said than done, butI say try it, just go for it,
it's it's.
I know it's like I said it'seasier said than done.
Um, but I feel so much reliefafter just trying it.
I jumped out on that faith andit's really helped.
(26:33):
And I won't say go and quityour job and go full in, like I
would say yeah, easy into it.
So that my first few years likeI said, 2020 once that pandemic
hit I did leave my full time job, but I had to go back.
I had to go.
When I moved to Atlanta, I hadto get a job at FedEx.
I worked for FedEx for a yearuntil I felt comfortable to be
(26:57):
like, ok, I could do this andI'm still.
Right now I'm freelancing.
I have that graphic designbackground, so I freelance and
do graphic design on the side,so they also gives income.
Charlie Shaw (27:11):
Yeah that that helps me with that piece of mind
.
Shavonne (27:14):
Yes, because, knowing me, I stress, I stress, if I
don't have that money in myaccount, so that helps, that
helps me through the process.
So I would say, just just jumpout there, try it, make sure
that you, that you have thatsupport, because without that
support it's it's.
(27:34):
It's going to be hard, it's iteverybody's trying to to to do
this entrepreneur thing, butwithout the support it's hard.
Charlie Shaw (27:42):
Would it be fair for me to tell listeners that
that it's OK to contact you?
Shavonne (27:48):
Oh, of course definitely mentor.
Definitely you up for that I am.
Charlie Shaw (27:52):
You might get a thousand people that much.
Hey, come on I got you.
Shavonne (27:56):
I'm an open book.
I definitely I get some peoplethat DM me a lot on Instagram.
I just asking, given tips.
I've had a younger lady.
She reached out.
She wanted to get into interiordesign field.
I helped her through it and shewas very grateful.
She got in to her courses andshe's been enjoying it so far.
(28:20):
So I've been definitely tryingto help, because you can't we're
not gatekeeping around here.
We want we want all of us togrow.
Charlie Shaw (28:28):
I've always said it's enough pile.
Shavonne (28:29):
It is, it is you don't need all this.
Charlie Shaw (28:33):
We can share some of it.
Shavonne (28:34):
Yeah, and that's, and that's another thing.
Like once I left Nashville andmoved to Atlanta, I feel like
the doors open, like it feltlike it was a different type,
like people are there and theywant to help.
Charlie Shaw (28:45):
Right, they want to just hoard it.
Shavonne (28:47):
No, and it seemed harder in Nashville.
It was harder for us to get ourfoot in the door.
Try to find ways and just bythe grace, I was able to get
that job that I was working for.
Charlie Shaw (28:59):
And you mentioned by the grace, grace of what?
Shavonne (29:01):
In the grace of God.
Charlie Shaw (29:02):
Yes, it's OK to say that.
Shavonne (29:04):
Yes, all right.
Yes, he definitely.
He put me in the right place.
This guided me this whole waythrough.
There you go, definitely.
Charlie Shaw (29:12):
So where can we find you?
Shavonne (29:13):
You can find me on all social media platforms on
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, atRestyle Living.
Charlie Shaw (29:20):
Restyle Living.
Shavonne (29:21):
Yes, and on my website is restylelivingcom.
Charlie Shaw (29:24):
Spell it out for them.
Shavonne (29:25):
It's R E R E S T L Y, no, I'm starting.
Yes, let me try it again, it'sR E S T Y L E L I V I N G.
There you go.
Charlie Shaw (29:41):
Restyle Living.
Shavonne (29:42):
Restyle Living.
Charlie Shaw (29:44):
Shefaan Weston.
Shavonne (29:45):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (29:45):
Thank you for coming on the show.
Shavonne (29:46):
Thank you so much for having me.
Charlie Shaw (29:48):
I hope to have you again.
Yes, and matter of fact, wemight have to set up something
so you can do one of the roomsin my.
I want you to do thatDefinitely.
Shavonne (29:57):
And I need to do upcycle that piece that was at
Armour there.
Charlie Shaw (30:02):
Yeah, the Armour.
Yeah, you really want to messwith that.
That's a lot of moving parts inthere.
Shavonne (30:07):
You know, I like, I like Dilla with all that stuff.
Charlie Shaw (30:10):
All right, I'll throw it in the back and pick up
and bring it up.
Shavonne (30:12):
Yeah, definitely would love to.
You got room in the garage.
I do, but Adrian might saysomething different.
Charlie Shaw (30:17):
I have some room.
You let me know when you readyfor it, okay.
Shavonne (30:21):
He's still trying to slide his car in there and I
don't think there's there's nohope for that one.
Charlie Shaw (30:26):
Thank you again.
Shavonne (30:27):
Thank you.
Hey, good evening .
This is Charlie Shaw, aka.
Who am I?
Little Mel.
This is Little Mel podcast show, and my next guest is my niece.
I'm going to allow her tointroduce herself to you folks.
Shavonne (00:15):
Hey everyone, my name is Siobhan Winston.
I am an interior designer andorganizer and the founder of
ReStyle Living.
We are here to help you getyour home organized, designed
and just for you to live a moreeco-friendly lifestyle.
Charlie Shaw (00:34):
Right, right, yes .
When you visited my house, thatwas one of the main things I
asked you.
I was like am I livingeco-friendly?
You said no, not really, butyou tried you had some stuff.
Shavonne (00:44):
I was like, hey, you had that.
What was it?
That solar stream, that's good.
Charlie Shaw (00:48):
I was trying.
You got a lot of good stuff.
Yes, I like my carbonated water.
Shavonne (00:54):
Yes, I love it too.
I had to grab myself one afterI went to the house.
I'm like oh yeah, I need to getone of these so that I don't
have to get used to the sodasand everything on it.
So it definitely helps out.
Charlie Shaw (01:08):
So Siobhan is.
She's married to my nephew,adrian you guys heard him before
and they are entrepreneurs andI'm very impressed with both of
them.
They've built a success forthemselves and they're doing
very well.
Siobhan, tell us about what itis that you actually do and how
(01:32):
are you helping folks.
From what I understand, youwant us to live eco-friendly.
Shavonne (01:37):
Yes, it's time to get back, go back to old school ways
and just pay attention to theenvironment, live in more
eco-friendly and just doing ourpart to help, because we only
have one earth and it's time todo our part for that.
Charlie Shaw (02:02):
So if you went into someone's home, if somebody
hired you as consultant forinterior design, what are one of
the things that you can suggestto them?
Shavonne (02:14):
So really just depending.
Again, I do interior designwork, organizing, and I do like
to incorporate thesustainability aspect, so I go
in.
I try to help people live amore or less chaotic lifestyle.
So if they're, I like to helpwith the Feng Shui and the area.
(02:38):
So that's really just how yourhome is laid out, to give you
that peace of mind the fluidity,the flow.
So I'll go in.
I'm doing assessment of thehouse, see what areas in the
house need that extra help, ifit needs some organization or if
it needs some design.
And I do like to incorporate inmy design elements just
(03:00):
functional items, stuff that aremulti-purpose, something like
if you have a coffee table butyou need more storage, something
that like lifts up where youcan store stuff in there.
So just try to give people thatmulti-purpose aspect.
Charlie Shaw (03:15):
When you were at my house you found different
stuff, because I'm a bachelor, Idon't have all that in the
house.
You actually incorporateddifferent things that we use as
a pan.
You basically draped somethingover and did it as a serving
dish.
I'm like I wouldn't eventhought about it.
Shavonne (03:32):
Multi-functional?
Yes, yes.
So just try to see what we canuse with what you already have
existing, so you don't have togo out and purchase all new
things.
Charlie Shaw (03:42):
So you're from.
Shavonne (03:45):
I'm originally from San Antonio, texas.
Okay, yes.
Charlie Shaw (03:49):
And you went to school, where At Tennessee State
University in Nashville.
What's your discipline?
Shavonne (03:55):
I graduated with a graphic design degree, went back
to school in 2016 for interiordesign and that's where I got my
certification from the New YorkInstitute of Art and Design.
Charlie Shaw (04:06):
Very impressive, thank you.
What did you get into interiordesign?
Shavonne (04:11):
Really, I always had the love for art growing up, so
when I first went to school Iwas thinking I would have wanted
to go for criminal justice.
Charlie Shaw (04:20):
Oh, you would fall in my field, yeah, or in
your uncle field also, yes,exactly.
Shavonne (04:24):
Yes, yes.
So I wanted to do that and then, once I got into it, I was like
I took my first course.
Is that intro to criminaljustice?
Charlie Shaw (04:33):
and.
Shavonne (04:33):
I was like Do I really like?
Charlie Shaw (04:35):
this I'm like this is very boring to me it
wasn't boring.
Shavonne (04:39):
It was it was actually really interesting, but it was
something that I was like.
I don't know if this is it.
And then I started learningmore and I looked into it.
I wanted to be a sketch artist.
So that's why I was like, OK,let me switch to art and still
keep the criminal justice so Ican be a sketch artist and do
that.
So it's still bringing the loveof art that I had.
Charlie Shaw (04:59):
And to a feel that was boring.
Yeah, but anyway, that feelreally was boring.
It was, and it was.
I ate on it for 31 years.
Shavonne (05:07):
So I know, I know, it's just, I guess the classes.
When I was sitting in there I'mlike, ah, this isn't really me.
So I definitely had to take astep back and look.
And then I went to the artdepartment, found the head of
the art department and theyintroduced me into graphic
design, and so that's when Ifell in love with graphics, the
(05:29):
digital aspect, logo design,branding, all that stuff.
So, that's what I went to schoolfor and I absolutely loved it.
Yeah, I absolutely lovedworking doing graphics and all
that stuff.
But once I graduated it was somuch harder to try to get a job
(05:50):
in the field.
So then I just ended up workingat AT&T.
Like once you get, you know,after you graduate, you go into
just the workforce.
That I did in the customerservice and in stores at AT&T
and I was there for about fiveyears.
Charlie Shaw (06:09):
Was it a hotel also that you worked at?
Shavonne (06:12):
I did so after.
Charlie Shaw (06:13):
Because you were doing interior design for new
build-outs.
Shavonne (06:17):
Yes, yes.
So after I left AT&T, I wasstuck in that rut and I was like
I still need this art.
So at that point, that's when Iended up going back to school
and getting that certificationfor interior design and I landed
a job.
(06:37):
They still I was still inschool, but it was a small
hospitality firm and they gaveme the chance to start working
for them and that's where I gotmy start in interior design.
Charlie Shaw (06:50):
That was a blessing for you it was,
definitely was.
So we all know about the COVIDair.
Shavonne (06:55):
Yes, ok.
Charlie Shaw (06:57):
How did you benefit from that?
How did you turn lemons intolemonade?
Shavonne (07:02):
Yes, there we go, that's good.
Because it was a struggle.
So once the pandemic first hit,it was a lot going on At my job
.
They were still because we wereconsidered essential workers.
Charlie Shaw (07:16):
Oh, you were.
Shavonne (07:17):
Yes, buildings were still.
Everybody was still buildingdifferent things, so they were
still going.
Hotels still needed to getfinished.
So at that point we were stillin the office and I was getting
a little scared because mysister-in-law she caught COVID
(07:37):
and it was very rough.
So I was getting nervous, justnot.
It was the unknown.
We didn't know what was goingon.
He just hearing everything.
So that really put me into themindset like this company isn't
really here for me.
They just want me to do thework, they're not looking out
for my well-being.
So I was like it's time.
(07:58):
So at that point I talked to myhusband and we were like, ok,
we need to make a transition.
And towards the end of thepandemic that's when our lease
was up we're like OK, we'regoing to make this move.
Charlie Shaw (08:12):
So we decided to Atlanta.
Shavonne (08:14):
So we decided to pack up our two-bedroom apartment and
we were still in the transition.
So we put our stuff in storagefor about six months and we're
going back and forth.
He was here in Wisconsin.
I was trying to find us a placein Atlanta.
I have family there, so Istayed with them for a little
while.
So we were just moving back andforth for about six months to a
(08:34):
year just trying to figure itout and in that time I was
trying to just freelance, do myown thing.
I'm like, ok, I feel confidentin my design work and what I do
and my knowledge.
Let me try to see what I can do.
So at that point I wasdesigning for family and friends
.
So whoever wanted help orneeded anything during the
(08:56):
pandemic I was going.
So I went to Texas for aboutthree weeks I did my mom's house
my sister's house, you actuallydid work in my place.
Charlie Shaw (09:06):
You turned my mirror into it was my mom's
mirror.
Shavonne (09:11):
And it was gold.
Charlie Shaw (09:12):
And you turned that into a flat black.
Shavonne (09:16):
Yes, yes, just to match all the finishes and stuff
that you have in the house.
Charlie Shaw (09:21):
Yes, that's beautiful.
Shavonne (09:22):
Thank you.
I'm glad that we were able totransform that Just a heirloom
piece?
Charlie Shaw (09:28):
Yeah, it's a heirloom.
You know what's crazy is?
I could have did it, but Idon't have the eye.
Shavonne (09:34):
A lot of people say that.
Charlie Shaw (09:36):
I think, yeah, when you started it, I was like
man, I didn't think about that,I don't have the eye, so I stay
in my lane.
I hear that.
Shavonne (09:44):
Yes, a lot of people that's a lot of people reach out
to me.
They're like I really don'tknow what to do.
I kind of know, but I'd ratheryou help me with it and, like
you said, I just love doingstuff like that and just
upcycling.
Again, that goes back tosustainability.
Charlie Shaw (10:03):
Explain to me what upcycling is.
Shavonne (10:05):
Upcycling.
So you're just taking an itemthat's existing or thrifted and
you just fix it up.
Charlie Shaw (10:10):
You're modernizing it OK, bringing it
up to date.
Shavonne (10:14):
Yeah, bringing it back to date.
So I love to go thrifting, findthrifting pieces fix it up.
Charlie Shaw (10:20):
I've seen you and everybody thrift store from
Nashville all the way to Atlanta.
Shavonne (10:24):
I've always been at a thrift store.
I've always been at a thriftstore.
Charlie Shaw (10:26):
That's a new one.
She's a, she also has time forlunch.
And when I say I've seen her,she has a huge following on all
social media.
I'm going to give you a chanceto brag about your accolades,
your success.
Shavonne (10:41):
Yes, so really just after the pandemic hit, I kind
of just wanted to shareeverything in this process of
growing the business.
So I decided to get onInstagram and try something new.
So in 2020, that's when I waslike okay, let me get on here
(11:03):
and really take this seriously.
Charlie Shaw (11:05):
Right.
Shavonne (11:05):
Then TikTok just randomly popped up.
Charlie Shaw (11:08):
Right, it came out nowhere.
Shavonne (11:10):
Nowhere, and so everybody was talking about
TikTok, and there are stillpeople that were like, no, I'm
not going to go to that.
There's like it was still inthe air.
People were like no, yes, no.
So I think I hit it in thebeginning when it was still kind
of fresh.
Yes, so when I, when I signedup for it again, it was in the
beginning of the pandemic andjust bored my first post, I
(11:33):
think, was me and Adrian doing achallenge where he was like
trying to flip me over.
Charlie Shaw (11:37):
Oh yeah, we were supposed to do some random
challenge.
Shavonne (11:39):
So we were like, let's try it.
So that was my first ever post.
And then I just started gettinginto like, okay, let me show
how I'm decorated and organizedin my house.
And then from there it's justpeople started just just really
paying attention and followingalong.
And then I was like, okay,there's something here.
So just through that wholetravels, when I was designing
(12:01):
spaces, I was editing it up andjust sharing the final looks of
before and afters.
And then what?
When it really popped off, iswhen I really found my niche,
and that's in the sustainabilitysector.
So I just I honed in.
So I like to talk about, ofcourse, home organizing, but in
(12:24):
the home I like to sharesustainable practices and how
you can live more eco-friendlyand what we can do to help the
environment.
And from there it's just takenoff.
Charlie Shaw (12:36):
So do you have any solid demographics or are
you helping out across the board?
I mean like, for example, I'm abachelor.
You've seen my place.
Yes, it's a little bigger thanwhat it should be, but it's
beautiful.
How would you you could help mewith downsizing and upsizing?
Shavonne (12:56):
Yeah, so that's basically.
I don't want to like bring itin too small where it cuts out a
lot of people.
I wanted to try to have mycontent speak to everyone,
anyone who's interested insustainability, anyone who wants
their home organized or wantsjust a cleaner look, just a
(13:16):
well-designed home, because yourhome especially during the
pandemic, everybody learned okay, we're in our home for a long
time.
And we wanted to look the best,we want to feel the best when
we're at home.
We want our home to be oursanctuary.
So it's from then.
That's when I've noticed like alot of people just really just
(13:40):
watching and seeing how they canmake their homes look like that
.
So I don't really have aspecific audience.
Of course, as a black female,that's my main target is who
comes to me, because it's justjust I speak it Natural
gravitation, but you're reachingout to everyone.
Everyone, everyone, yes.
Charlie Shaw (14:01):
So don't be afraid to reach out to her.
She can help you, regardlesswho you are Exactly.
There's no discrimination, nodefinitely not.
Shavonne (14:09):
If you have a home and need organizing help or looking
into trying to get learn moreabout sustainability, you can
definitely learn.
Come to my channel, restyleLiving, and you'll learn so much
.
I give so many different tipson how to be eco-friendly, how
to organize your house,different tips on how to design
it and how to do it affordably.
Charlie Shaw (14:32):
Right.
Shavonne (14:32):
A lot of people that would design.
They like the high end designs.
That's just way too expensive.
You really don't have to dothat.
You don't, you can.
You can go thrifting and findgood pieces.
Charlie Shaw (14:43):
Clean it up.
Shavonne (14:44):
Yeah, make it look good and have the same beautiful
aesthetics as someone who spentmillions.
Charlie Shaw (14:49):
I also saw that you start building out like on
the walls, like different, likeshelvings and all that yes.
That will increase the value,well, increase the artistic look
of your restless girl it does.
Shavonne (15:02):
Yes, it definitely does.
So I'm living in a small onebedroom apartment currently, so
just utilizing the space Right,all the space you have.
Charlie Shaw (15:13):
That includes the walls.
Shavonne (15:13):
Yes, Walls, ceilings, floors, so anywhere that you can
add additional space.
That's when I'm here for to getyou to where you can have all
day, like our closet.
Me and Adrienne share a onesmall little closet, and I had
to.
I saw we have nine footceilings Right, so I ended up
buying these storage cubes toput our shoes up top above our
(15:37):
clothes, because we had no otherroom Right, so that was that
was a way to be able to do that.
Charlie Shaw (15:43):
You also?
What is that?
Where you like to grow plants?
Shavonne (15:48):
Oh, I do, and what is that?
Charlie Shaw (15:50):
What did you do that really aggravates age?
Shavonne (15:53):
I think it's because.
So I'm a country girl throughand through, from Texas, texas
Southern girl, and I love justgetting my hands dirty, so I
created this.
It's a compost that I decidedto put out in the garage.
Charlie Shaw (16:16):
She found a space .
Shavonne (16:18):
I did find a space.
I tried to get it far, farenough away so he wouldn't be
able to say anything, but it'sstill kind of he knows when it
goes in there he's like it's inhere.
Charlie Shaw (16:27):
I know it's here, but it helps.
Shavonne (16:30):
So that's what was I was we get a yard.
I'm excited to do that.
I wanted to try to see becausejust learning different things
about how to grow up with a cop.
Charlie Shaw (16:40):
Yeah, I know your father, so I know you.
I know you cut your first timeAll you was doing was talking
about this, that I was like Allright, man, you know where to
win, right.
Shavonne (16:51):
He can't cut it off.
He's from Paris, Tennessee, soyou know that country comes out.
Charlie Shaw (16:58):
So tell me about this you were actually on a show
, right?
Shavonne (17:02):
I was.
So recently, in April, I did ashow called Make it Mine.
It was for a senior livingfacility.
I was matched with a womannamed.
Her name was Dottie and sheneeded space for her second
(17:23):
bedroom.
She wanted to make it an artroom, but she also her husband
was also in there.
He has Parkinson's and he'sbedridden, so we needed to make
a space that she can have herarts in there and still be able
to be in that space with him.
(17:43):
So he was actually living inthat space and she wanted to put
her she wanted to work in therewith him so she can be able to
do her arts and crafts rightnext to him, so we were able to
open up the space.
I did a whole built-in on theback wall so that I could store
all her stuff.
Charlie Shaw (18:02):
I think that's what I was referring to.
Shavonne (18:05):
Yeah, so I could store all her art supplies and
everything, and then I gave hera nice desk so she could do her
arts and crafts there, and sheabsolutely loved it.
The show actually is on YouTube.
It aired in October on YouTubeand it's been really good.
(18:28):
I got great reactions from it,so I enjoyed it.
It was a blessing to be able tohelp her.
Charlie Shaw (18:36):
And that show one more time is.
Shavonne (18:37):
It's called Make it Mine.
Make it Mine, yes, okay.
Charlie Shaw (18:40):
Okay, make it Mine, and it's an interior
design show Interior design showon YouTube yes, On YouTube.
What else?
Do you have any new projectsthat you're working on right now
?
I know that you're in town hereon vacation with your husband.
We're in Racine, Wisconsin, ifwe didn't mention that earlier,
where we were raised up at.
(19:01):
You're actually working on aproject while you're on vacation
.
Shavonne (19:04):
I am, so I'm multitasking.
Yeah, I came in.
I have a friend that he livesin at Lantan.
His mom lives here and sheneeded help with her apartment.
She has a two-bedroom, one-bathapartment that she's just been
trying to get organized.
(19:24):
She wants it to feel morespacious.
A lot of her items were biggersize from her old place.
Charlie Shaw (19:32):
Right.
Shavonne (19:33):
And now that she's downsized she's just trying to
make sure it's enough space andit's well organized.
So I came in, I gave him adesign concept and the other day
I actually went to measure thespace to make sure that
everything that we decide topurchase will fit Okay and it
won't be too large or too smallin this space.
Charlie Shaw (19:51):
So, with that being said, what are you doing
with her old furniture and allthat?
Shavonne (19:56):
She's wanting to keep it.
She has a few people that shesaid that she wanted to donate
it to, okay, and then she haspieces that she wants to keep
and then a lot of hersentimental items.
I definitely want to make surethat stays in the home.
So she has a few things.
I just want to rearrange it,make sure that it's in where so,
when she walks around the space, that she doesn't have any like
(20:18):
hazard, like trip hazards oranything when she's trying to
come.
Charlie Shaw (20:22):
I think that's the problem with a lot of us.
Sometimes our furniture is waytoo big.
Shavonne (20:28):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (20:30):
You said that problem and I realized you don't
really need all that furniture.
You know you should getsomething that fits the room.
Shavonne (20:38):
And I think that's just the design before.
Like you go to, like what arethe rooms to go?
Where they have the sets whereyou buy the bed the nightstands,
all that all in one, and that'swhat a lot of people used to do
.
They just would get the fullset, take it home.
Charlie Shaw (20:58):
And be done with it, and be done.
Shavonne (21:00):
And a lot of people they don't realize.
Okay, some of the spaces.
I need to measure the space tomake sure this one's set.
Charlie Shaw (21:05):
I'm one of those things.
Shavonne (21:06):
Yes, a lot of people don't really think of that.
They're like oh, I like this, Iwant it, let's take it home.
And then that's when they findout oh, this is way too large,
or I didn't even need half ofthese pieces.
So that's a lot that I've beensaying recently.
Is that one thing that I dolove to do?
Instead of like doing thematchy, matchy furniture, I like
(21:28):
to find one big staple pieceand then stuff that coordinates
so that you're not so matchymatchy and then you won't feel
like you have all these big,bulky pieces in your space.
Charlie Shaw (21:37):
I like to stay safe with earth tones.
Shavonne (21:39):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (21:40):
But I also need some color, some pops.
Yes, and that's what I'mworking on.
So I'm way out there, got apicture, got a pain of a rooster
that I can put in my I mean abig wall paint on the rooster.
I'll buy it from you, butremember I was talking about
that?
Shavonne (21:56):
Yes, I do remember that.
Yes, I definitely think that,and that would go right in the
kitchen mat.
Look by your table.
Charlie Shaw (22:02):
Right, that would look really good, that dining
table, yep.
Shavonne (22:04):
That's going to look really good there.
Charlie Shaw (22:06):
But I'm trying, yeah, I'm trying to broaden it
out a little bit, but it's hard.
Shavonne (22:12):
It is harder, especially because neutral is
easy.
Like I, even I love designingwith neutrals and I add pops of
color through your pillows, youraccessories.
So pillows, blankets.
Charlie Shaw (22:27):
I was just going to ask you how, how can you get
somebody like me that's stubbornin that, in that category, to
change it up?
And you said that you would.
What accessories?
What accents?
Shavonne (22:36):
I definitely, I definitely recommend accents
because that is it will make itwhere you're not stuck to that
one color.
So if you are, oh, you want redthis season and the next year
you're like I don't even likered anymore.
You could change out thatpillow.
They have pillows where youdon't even need to buy the full
pillow.
You could just get a insert.
Change the insert out, get anew thing, keep it moving.
(22:59):
You don't have to be going byall new Everything, just replace
the few.
Charlie Shaw (23:04):
So you're based on Atlanta?
Yes, but you will take clientsanywhere.
Yes, I have.
How do you do that?
Shavonne (23:12):
So it really just depends on a lot of the clients
that are out of Atlanta.
They are, I do digital, so I dowhere I can do, digital renders
where you can see the space.
I'll give you your layouts, theitems that you need to purchase
(23:32):
all all those things, and thenI'll explain to you exactly
where they go so you can installit yourself.
Charlie Shaw (23:40):
Right.
Shavonne (23:40):
So that's the easiest way for my out of towners.
But then there are.
I do if I do travel.
So if they want me to come andtravel I will get on a flight.
It is an extra expense but Iwill get on that flight here and
make that move.
Charlie Shaw (23:58):
Yeah, definitely not.
It sounds like you really lovewhat you're doing, I do, I
absolutely enjoy it, and I'mhappy that you're in a field
that you love.
So many, so many people haveworked a lifetime and and, like
I was telling the agent, youguys really stepped out and made
made, made yourselves happy inthe industry that you want to
(24:18):
work in.
And that that's courageous.
Shavonne (24:22):
It is.
It's very scary to it.
It's.
It's scary.
I, when I decided to, becauseI've I grew up always working, I
always knowing, okay, you workthis nine to five, get your your
check.
Charlie Shaw (24:35):
You're going to be okay.
Shavonne (24:36):
And you'll be okay.
So to to um leave that securityit was.
It was very stressful for me.
Without Adrian's um support, Ithink I would.
I don't.
I don't think I would ever evenhave thought like
entrepreneurship was never in myhead as as a possibility.
It was always get a good job,work that job and be the best at
(24:57):
what you do.
Yes, and and um to see howsuccessful he was in it and to
to uh get the support that hegave me to be like I, I, you,
you uh helps me through this.
Now I'm going to do the sameLike you can now um step back
and I will.
I'll let you uh not lead but I'mgoing to support you, yeah,
(25:20):
support you, um, in this processit's it's been amazing and um,
it's it's really been uh helped,um, because of that, uh, I
don't.
I don't think that, like, likeI said, I don't know if I would
have had the courage to uh,because I it took me a long time
to get the confidence that Icould do it on my own.
Charlie Shaw (25:41):
People come in their lives for different
reasons.
Shavonne (25:43):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (25:43):
You know, as they do not only was your, your
husband, he was your biggestsupporter in here and what you
needed to do for you Exactly,that is true.
So what would you tell thelisteners that are out there
that want to not not just aninterior design, but want to get
into a feel that they all havealways wanted to do?
What would be your advice tosomeone that wants to try
(26:06):
something?
New or being an entrepreneur.
Shavonne (26:09):
It's it.
It's easier said than done, butI say try it, just go for it,
it's it's.
I know it's like I said it'seasier said than done.
Um, but I feel so much reliefafter just trying it.
I jumped out on that faith andit's really helped.
(26:33):
And I won't say go and quityour job and go full in, like I
would say yeah, easy into it.
So that my first few years likeI said, 2020 once that pandemic
hit I did leave my full time job, but I had to go back.
I had to go.
When I moved to Atlanta, I hadto get a job at FedEx.
I worked for FedEx for a yearuntil I felt comfortable to be
(26:57):
like, ok, I could do this andI'm still.
Right now I'm freelancing.
I have that graphic designbackground, so I freelance and
do graphic design on the side,so they also gives income.
Charlie Shaw (27:11):
Yeah that that helps me with that piece of mind
.
Shavonne (27:14):
Yes, because, knowing me, I stress, I stress, if I
don't have that money in myaccount, so that helps, that
helps me through the process.
So I would say, just just jumpout there, try it, make sure
that you, that you have thatsupport, because without that
support it's it's.
(27:34):
It's going to be hard, it's iteverybody's trying to to to do
this entrepreneur thing, butwithout the support it's hard.
Charlie Shaw (27:42):
Would it be fair for me to tell listeners that
that it's OK to contact you?
Shavonne (27:48):
Oh, of course definitely mentor.
Definitely you up for that I am.
Charlie Shaw (27:52):
You might get a thousand people that much.
Hey, come on I got you.
Shavonne (27:56):
I'm an open book.
I definitely I get some peoplethat DM me a lot on Instagram.
I just asking, given tips.
I've had a younger lady.
She reached out.
She wanted to get into interiordesign field.
I helped her through it and shewas very grateful.
She got in to her courses andshe's been enjoying it so far.
(28:20):
So I've been definitely tryingto help, because you can't we're
not gatekeeping around here.
We want we want all of us togrow.
Charlie Shaw (28:28):
I've always said it's enough pile.
Shavonne (28:29):
It is, it is you don't need all this.
Charlie Shaw (28:33):
We can share some of it.
Shavonne (28:34):
Yeah, and that's, and that's another thing.
Like once I left Nashville andmoved to Atlanta, I feel like
the doors open, like it feltlike it was a different type,
like people are there and theywant to help.
Charlie Shaw (28:45):
Right, they want to just hoard it.
Shavonne (28:47):
No, and it seemed harder in Nashville.
It was harder for us to get ourfoot in the door.
Try to find ways and just bythe grace, I was able to get
that job that I was working for.
Charlie Shaw (28:59):
And you mentioned by the grace, grace of what?
Shavonne (29:01):
In the grace of God.
Charlie Shaw (29:02):
Yes, it's OK to say that.
Shavonne (29:04):
Yes, all right.
Yes, he definitely.
He put me in the right place.
This guided me this whole waythrough.
There you go, definitely.
Charlie Shaw (29:12):
So where can we find you?
Shavonne (29:13):
You can find me on all social media platforms on
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, atRestyle Living.
Charlie Shaw (29:20):
Restyle Living.
Shavonne (29:21):
Yes, and on my website is restylelivingcom.
Charlie Shaw (29:24):
Spell it out for them.
Shavonne (29:25):
It's R E R E S T L Y, no, I'm starting.
Yes, let me try it again, it'sR E S T Y L E L I V I N G.
There you go.
Charlie Shaw (29:41):
Restyle Living.
Shavonne (29:42):
Restyle Living.
Charlie Shaw (29:44):
Shefaan Weston.
Shavonne (29:45):
Yes.
Charlie Shaw (29:45):
Thank you for coming on the show.
Shavonne (29:46):
Thank you so much for having me.
Charlie Shaw (29:48):
I hope to have you again.
Yes, and matter of fact, wemight have to set up something
so you can do one of the roomsin my.
I want you to do thatDefinitely.
Shavonne (29:57):
And I need to do upcycle that piece that was at
Armour there.
Charlie Shaw (30:02):
Yeah, the Armour.
Yeah, you really want to messwith that.
That's a lot of moving parts inthere.
Shavonne (30:07):
You know, I like, I like Dilla with all that stuff.
Charlie Shaw (30:10):
All right, I'll throw it in the back and pick up
and bring it up.
Shavonne (30:12):
Yeah, definitely would love to.
You got room in the garage.
I do, but Adrian might saysomething different.
Charlie Shaw (30:17):
I have some room.
You let me know when you readyfor it, okay.
Shavonne (30:21):
He's still trying to slide his car in there and I
don't think there's there's nohope for that one.
Charlie Shaw (30:26):
Thank you again.
Shavonne (30:27):
Thank you.
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