Meet Melissa Means | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Means and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I first began my virtual interior design business due to two main reasons, the recent shut down of almost all things due to the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and the birth of my first child. While running my own business out of my home with a newborn, I had to quickly come up with a healthy work/life balance. Also due to the recent shut downs, my husband had also recently transitioned to remote work. Being able to find the perfect balance between life and work was quite simple to be honest, with the support of each other.

Although, I won’t sugar coat it. As my daughter grew bigger, I had to consistently alter how I would balance my work/life schedule. It isn’t always easy working from home, especially when your toddler is running amuck in the background.

Setting boundaries was the biggest key in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle between my work and family.

I chose to set boundaries such as to not work on weekends or holidays, I work until 3pm (or as soon as my daughter wakes from her nap), and I prefer to communicate through email only, so I am not answering to phone calls during family time. I am very transparent with my clients on these details and I am grateful that they all respect my boundaries.

As I just welcomed my second child this July, I am grateful to have already had these boundaries set for myself. Now that I am balancing two little ones, my balance may change as they grow.

Work is my passion but family is my priority. I believe that without maintaining a healthy relationship with my family first, I cannot sustain a healthy work life for myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
I started my Virtual Design Assisting (VDA) business during the very beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and with my 1 month old daughter beside my desk. I cater toward interior designers who need assistance within their businesses but aren’t quite ready for the commitment of hiring an in-house employee. The very talented interior designers that I work for hire me for services such as large projects that are from start to finish or even a la carte/one-off tasks such as construction drafting packages, 3d modeling and renderings, product sourcing, concept development and more.

Just recently, I brought on a subcontractor to take on clients with me. It’s been a huge learning curve as I had never hired anyone before. It has really made me grow by forcing me to restructure my business and ensure that I have a strong business model and business plan behind me. I have had to learn a lot recently and have now set myself up to make hiring new contractors (or future employees) simple and training to be clear.

This coming Fall 2022, I plan to launch an expansion of my business by extending my services to the public, versus only serving interior designers. I will be taking on virtual and in-person (local only) interior design projects.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start in either of my hometowns, Point Loma or Ocean Beach.

If the trip started off in Point Loma, I’d recommend them to start their day off with a little hike around the Point Loma Lighthouse, especially if it was on a nice and clear day. After, I’d recommend parking near the San Diego Yacht Club, take the beautiful stroll of Bessemer Beach and land at Kellogg Beach for a nice beach day. For lunch, I’d tell them to head over to Mitch’s for some fish tacos overlooking the fishing docks. Post fish taco food-coma, I would send them over to the Bali Hai to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the San Diego bay and their famously (strong as you-know-what) Mai Tais (provided with 2 limit Mai Tai warning or face the consequences). If the Humphrey’s Concert Series was in session, I would recommend finding some kayaks and paddle over to the side stage for a free concert on the water. If not, I would tell them to park their car at the top of Harbor View Drive and take in the night-lit sky of downtown San Diego (with of course, a designated driver after those Bali Hai Mai Tais, of course).

Once they venture off to Ocean Beach, I’d show them around the cliffs from the south side near that Nazarene up to the North side (but of course, be mindful of the local spots we like to try to keep for ourselves). For lunch, I’d suggest either a fat “Turkey Toasted with Cheese” from Pomas or literally anything from Nicos. After, they’d probably have to take a snoozer after stuffing their faces with the best food ever until they’re ready for another round. That’s when OB Noodlehouse comes into play. From their, the night is theirs to roam free…

The remainder of the week, I’d suggest checking out La Jolla – Little nooks just north of Marine Street, the Cove, the Aquarium and stopping by for lunch at Carolines overlooking the Scripps pier.

Other hiking spots I’d suggest would be Torrey Pines or even venturing out to Mount Laguna for the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to shoutout my husband for his consistent encouragement. He’s always there for me in times of work advice, holding a baby while I send an email, or venting. We both work together from home and sit side by side at the same desk. I’m grateful that he hasn’t gotten sick of me yet as a co-worker. Well, maybe he has and he just hasn’t admitted it yet…

Website: www.melissameansinteriors.com

Instagram: @melissameans_interiors