When Melissa Browne launched MDesigns Interior Services, she wasn’t merely “transforming spaces to enhance lives” as her slogan states—she was unwittingly overhauling her entire life. As she braved her entrepreneurial path, she gained new perspectives and values while enduring the unprecedented highs and lows of becoming her own boss. Although her interior design career vastly differed from her previous ‘9-to-5’ job, she found fulfillment in the continuous personal and professional growth demanded by entrepreneurship.
“I began my business in 2014 and I really did not have a clue about the services I would offer. That has evolved. It’s great to try new things to see what your strengths and weaknesses are. You can then be sure of the needs of people and what are the best services to offer. You as a person also evolve. You become more sure and confident. You also learn more about your craft, what works and what does not. It is a continual learning process,” she shared.
Before conceiving her startup, Melissa actively sought her true calling. Certain of one thing—her readiness for greater autonomy, flexibility and personal fulfillment—she immersed herself in the teachings of respected figures, eager to clearly define her lifelong aspirations.
“I wanted to do something that was purposeful and also something that I enjoyed,” she recalled. “I began to read books about how people found their purpose or passion and how much they enjoyed their career. That resonated with me because we (adults) spend the majority of our time at work.
“I began to think of things that came naturally to me and things that brought me joy. It was not clear at first, but my mum and I built a house and that process made things very clear for me. Looking at the design, selecting the colors and finishes etc., I found it extremely enjoyable. After that, I was sure that I wanted to be an interior designer.”
Today, MDesigns Interior Services delivers a comprehensive suite of offerings, from color consultation and interior decorating to renovations and design packages for kitchens and bathrooms. Melissa’s ultimate goal for the business is to become a household name and a one-stop shop for interior design needs. Guided by this vision, she curates services that are valued for excellence and inclusivity.
“I would like my brand to be known for good service and being accessible. In other words, to make interior design accessible to everyone, whether it’s through a service or by providing information. I want people to find something in our offerings that helps them live better and more comfortably,” she explained.
From blueprint to finishing touches, Melissa’s firm pledges to “transform any space into your ideal place.” For the ambitious entrepreneur, it’s especially rewarding to witness clients’ overwhelming satisfaction, often expressing disbelief when their spaces are unrecognizably reimagined and expertly restyled.
Beyond focusing on style, functionality, and value, Melissa’s personal traits heavily influence her service delivery. She prides herself on being highly organized, prioritizing efficiency and providing simple solutions to complex challenges. Her efficient management style ensures she stays on top of business operations, as maintaining high standards is crucial and uncompromisable.
The Reward of Hard Work
Despite now appearing effortless, Melissa’s success required significant time, effort, and sacrifices. After leaving a project coordinator job, she invested in her business with savings and also cut out non-essential expenses. She recalls downsizing in several areas, including her car, wardrobe, and “anything that didn’t feel like a complete necessity.” Her transition to entrepreneurship, therefore, changed her perspective on priorities and what it means to truly value one’s life.
For Melissa, this venture involved acquiring a diploma in interior design, adopting new business management skills, and adapting to a new career field. Initially, she had planned to work in psychology, having studied sociology and even earned an MSc in Psychology. However, her rich educational background offered transferable skills that contributed to her new career success.
Melissa reflected on how her psychology training enhances her business’s performance, helping her understand clients’ needs and deliver highly-rated results:
“Understanding people and human behavior is something I find fascinating. I like finding solutions and creating spaces that are beautiful yet functional… My goal is to continue to positively impact people’s lives through design.
“I believe that the space that you live in or work in has to be functional and it should have a positive psychological impact on the people who occupy the space. Doing that adds value. Making the process of a renovation or a new home simpler adds value. Sourcing products, designing spaces and making design more accessible and convenient for clients adds value.”
Defining Success
Melissa’s personal growth involved learning patience. She admits that before her business gained traction, she found herself frustrated by the gradual progress. This experience taught her to appreciate the “baby steps,” which eventually lead to significant strides. She now defines success in terms of small wins, which could include acquiring a new client, completing a project, providing a new service, or even having the company name mentioned. This mindset inherently strengthened her resilience:
“My perspective definitely keeps me focused. Before I started this journey, I read many articles, books or even watched videos on what makes people successful. They all had similar traits. They were stubborn, they didn’t give up, they learnt from their mistakes, they ignored negativity and they were persistent. So, when I’m not feeling 100%, I will take a break but I won’t give up.”
Melissa’s tenacity has resulted in notable achievements, such as winning the Ashley Furniture Design Challenge in 2018, becoming one of the first members of the Caribbean Colour Authority, and building an impressive portfolio.
“I am very proud of my portfolio. Sometimes you can get caught up in the present and trying to market or complete a project. When I look at my portfolio from time to time, I am reminded of the journey and where I started and how far I have come. That puts things into perspective for me,” she shared.
Starting MDesigns Interior Services was more than a bold career move for Melissa—it was truly a life-altering decision. By realizing her vision, she enhanced her outlook on life and created a more intentional way of living and earning.
As a business owner, Melissa understands the risks and difficulties involved in entrepreneurship. However, she believes that if someone has a passion or a dream that has the potential to improve people’s lives, they should pursue it.
“When you fail, fail forward,” Melissa advises aspiring entrepreneurs, noting that ‘failure’ is merely a learning opportunity and setbacks are a natural part of growth. Although entrepreneurship can be challenging, she affirmed that success awaits those who “never, ever, ever give up.”
For more information about MDesigns Interior Services, visit: https://www.mdesignsbarbados.com/
To enquire about their services, contact: [email protected]
This feature is part of our podcast series, Tagged: Business Tips & Triumphs, which highlights creative women in business.
To watch the full interview on the Glamizine YouTube channel, click here.