Hi Melissa! Where are you from and how long have you lived in town?
I have always been a Bergen County girl. Raised in Franklin Lakes and then started my family with my husband in Ramsey and currently live in Upper Saddle River, where we have been living for 4 years now!
Do you have kids? If so, how old?
I have four kids, my daughter is 10 and then I have 3 sons who are 8, 3 and 1. Very busy, but it feels so right, and I feel very lucky!
What is your favorite thing to do with them?
One of the things we love about Bergen County, especially in our town, is the larger property sizes. We are lucky to live here, and our kids love spending a lot of time outside at our house and playing with our neighbors and friends, we have a great neighborhood. We also love visits to Ernie’s Ice Cream in Mahwah, lots of time spent at Finch Park in Ramsey and hiking at Campgaw. You can also find us at soccer and baseball fields throughout the fall and spring.
Are you involved in a business venture? Please share!
My story started, believe it or not, when I was a kid. For much of my childhood I spent a lot of time with my late Grandfather, affectionally known as Papa. He helped take care of us, but more noticeably (to me) he was an Interior Designer. I spent a lot of time with him, helping with his personal projects as well as projects for clients. Over the years, I found myself doing the same for friends and family. After having my first son I was looking for a career that would allow me some flexibility so I could care for my then two children. Papa was instrumental in making me realize my passion for Interior Design and encouraged me to pursue it. I took classes to round out my experience and my business was quickly born from there. In recent years I took a little break and gave birth to my 2nd and 3rd sons and have recently re-launched as Melissa’s Designs & Co, with a friend and fellow Mom.
I love that! Why is this so important?
Interior Design is so much more than just a pretty finished product. It is personal, it sets a space for a person, a family, a couple, to live in, dream in, and create memories in. As an Interior Designer you have to really listen to your client and design to their needs. Creating a home for someone is such an important job — it’s extremely challenging but by far the most rewarding.
What sets you apart?
At Melissa’s Designs & Co. we really strive to design for you. We don’t have a specific ‘look’ because, like our spaces, clients are unique – their needs are different and therefore the spaces we create should not follow a ‘template’ but rather a successful approach for that specific client. We also have cultivated a process that makes our process enjoyable and takes a lot of the stress off our clients.
If you could give one tip to fellow moms, what would it be?
The early years of motherhood is so challenging, prioritize yourself and your needs. It’s okay to leave the kids and go have a day for yourself. It will make you a better mother, wife, and friend if you have time for yourself.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People always tell me that I make having 4 kids and a business look easy, but the truth is that I have amazing support from my husband and help from my mom and my family nearby. I am also a big mental health advocate. I’ve spent years finding the right plan for myself through therapy, great doctors and support from my family & friends.
Thank you for sharing that! How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The moms! When I started my business the moms I came across were my biggest fans, always telling their friends who told their friends about my business. Even today they still recommend me and I am beyond thankful for that support.