Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Rome.
Hi Alyssa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in East Texas and then went on to LSU, where I earned a BS in Animal Science. Another millennial with a useless degree, ha! After working in equine veterinary medicine for several years, I decided I wanted to try something new. My mom is an interior designer and knew that I had a knack for it, so she encouraged me to do a little exploring. Long story short, I ended up getting a job as an office assistant at a design firm here in Austin. I think it was really beneficial for me to start at the bottom and to see all of the hard work that goes into “making things look pretty.” It’s definitely not all rainbows and butterflies over here! I learned so much from the different designers I worked for and got to witness their trial and error, which really helped me to envision how I wanted to run my business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! There have been countless ups and downs, especially in the first couple of years, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t ever think about giving up (all the time). Besides learning how to run a business in general, I would say the biggest obstacle I’ve faced was learning how to command respect as a 27-year-old young woman when I first started, especially in the male-dominated construction industry. In the beginning of my career, I really struggled with this and was willing to put up with a lot of things I shouldn’t have as long as I had work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We do it all here! We work with builders and developers to select finish out materials for new construction projects, but we manage our own remodels from creating the design plan to installing the last light fixture. We also love furnishings and decor projects, especially if we can incorporate a commissioned art piece. We actually feature an artist on our Instagram every Wednesday!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Be a humble sponge and meet everyone. You don’t know everything, you never will know everything, so do your best to learn as much as you can from as many people as you can. Also, just be kind. I have had some really great opportunities come from the most unexpected interactions. The energy you put out into the universe will find its way back to you!
Contact Info:
- Email: alyssa@alyssaromedesign.com
- Website: alyssaromedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaromedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssaromedesign
Image Credits
https://www.averynicolephotography.com/
