Today we’d like to introduce you to Yulonda Buster.
Hi Yulonda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the owner of Designs by Duchess, Accredited Staging Professional Master and Certified Luxury Home Specialist where I served as President of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP) Greater Houston Regional Chapter from 2018 – 2020.
The majority of my work life was spent in accounting and finance where I thought I’d retire. Unbeknownst to me the thing that ignites my soul could actually be a profitable business and I could have fun while doing what fires me up. I have been an interior stylist for as long as I can remember. I’ve always liked bold colors, beautiful interiors and repositioning furniture to see how they’d work best in a space. Rearranging my mother’s furniture was a normal thing in our house.
I was always told that I had a nice apartment or a nice home and that they were so nicely decorated; everything was so well put together. Well, after hearing from friends and family for so long that, “You should be doing this as a business”, I started creating great spaces for friends and family. Many times, for almost nothing.
In the beginning stages of my business, I continued to work until that moment I realized that I wanted to do more of what I love and that I have a gift that could bless someone else’s style of living. In 2017, I took that leap of faith and decided that the time is now. The love that I have for beautiful interiors help me to transform homes and provide homeowners with the opportunity to live a lifestyle that most only dream of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The question, “Has the road been smooth?” makes me laugh out loud. It’s like beating poundcake batter by hand. It’s hard and you get tired. It takes time, yet it is SO necessary.
One of the greatest challenges I’ve had to face was connecting with the right clientele. When you have a strong passion for helping people and you believe in your heart that EVERYONE deserves luxury that is livable on every level, you want to help everyone. That alone can stifle your business growth if you’re not careful. Learning to apply the correct customer acquisition strategies was a game changer.
Being afraid to make mistakes was the worst. Thinking that everything had to be perfect was definitely a huge obstacle. Challenges are a part of the learning process. Some of life’s most meaningful lessons have come from making mistakes. When you know better, you do better!
So, the answer to your question is no. It has not been a smooth road, but it has been very satisfying and rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Designs by Duchess is an interior design and home staging business that specializes in creating spaces that put smiles on your faces. Whether you’re going to be in your home indefinitely or need help getting your home ready to sell, we add value to your spaces.
We offer an array of services including but not limited to customizing rental properties and homes, sourcing furniture pieces, paint selections, custom art and so much more.
What makes us different is that we pride ourselves in pushing the boundaries of “typical” and “traditional” by delivering exceptional customer service with modern and extraordinary creativity. We are known for staging excellence, client care excellence and for being a leader in the industry. One of my proudest moments was getting the call to stage a house in Pearland, TX for a popular tv show on HGTV.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing the sheer joy and excitement on my clients’ faces when their designs are revealed. I especially love it when they won’t even sleep in their beds.
It also makes me happy to have my mother, Carrie work alongside me. It’s my way of showing her that what she taught me as a kid has paid off but now, I get to be the boss.
When I’m not creating dream spaces, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. In addition to that, I take delight in shopping at unique places, cooking, and fine wine. Did I mention excellent culinary? Often times, this helps to spark my creativity providing the energy and inspiration needed to achieve great things in life.
Contact Info:
- Email: yulonda@designsbyduchess.net
- Website: www.designsbyduchess.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_only_designsbyduchess.net
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theonlydesignsbyduchesstx
- Twitter: @Iamduchesstx
Image Credits:
Cutrer Media
Amiee Cacolice Photography
Photos by Gabriela
