Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisha Clark.
Hi Alisha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, which is known as a progressive, diverse, gem of a city. Walking around its old neighborhoods you will be in awe of the architecture and details of each home. They all have their own personality. I grew up studying them. In school, I always elected to take fine art courses and spent a lot of time at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Fast forward to adulthood – I spent nearly 2
decades helping build a business: developing sales campaigns, processes, and strategies, and rising to different challenges. Meanwhile, I spent all of my free time designing my home, working on DIY and art projects, event decor, and basically doing anything I could to exercise my creative muscle. This is where I really fell in love with the thoughtful intersection of function and design and developed my own style.
I got married in 2010 and had so much fun making all of the decor, floral arrangements, paper goods, and all the details.
Everyone said “Oh my gosh you should do this on the side!” Using inspiration from one of our wedding photos, I choose the name Sweethearts Design and started an LLC thinking it could be a fun weekend side hustle. Before it even started, I realized I did not want a weekend hustle. I wanted to actually enjoy my weekends and decided to pour myself into my full-time job.
Meanwhile at work, I was lucky enough to be able to run multiple projects where I designed new locations from top to bottom. From floor plans to material selections to working with trades to getting the location up and running. I absolutely loved the challenge and watching a plan become reality.
In 2020 I, like millions of others, stepped back from my job. It was then that I learned just how much of our identity is tied to our profession. I was completely overwhelmed with figuring out who I wanted to be.
At that point, I was remote schooling a kindergartener, had just moved into a new house, and most businesses were still working remotely. I was about to turn 40 and if I was ever going to make a big switch and leave my comfort zone now was the time. I decided to revive my decade-old LLC, turning it into an Interior Design and Styling Firm.
I think behind every success story you will find a bit of luck. I definitely fell into a lucky period of time. People were spending more time at home than ever and were willing to invest in their homes.
I learned so many amazing transferable skills in my previous career that I was able to apply to my business to help it grow. I accepted progress is better than perfection and am thankful every day for my previous career and everything I learned there. I tell you this to say – nothing is time wasted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I have faced is the current state of the world. For the past three years, there have been so many supplies chain and manufacturing delays. I have finally come to appreciate just how long a real after-shot takes to produce. When you’re scrolling those perfectly curated Instagram feeds of these gorgeous rooms just know that room might’ve taken one or two years to get there.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sweethearts Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
While my signature style is modern, minimalistic, and joyful, with a focus on biophilic design, I have found I love the challenge of designing for clients with different styles. I really want my designs to feel authentic to every client so I take time to listen to them and learn about them so what I’m delivering resonates with them.
Contact Info:
- Email: Hi@sweetheartsdesign..com
- Website: https://www.sweetheartsdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetheartsdesignstudio/
