Seriously Happy Homes
About the Company
Seriously Happy Homes, based in Seattle, Washington, is an interior design firm founded by Rebecca West. The company focuses on helping homeowners navigate the complexities of remodels and redesigns, offering services that range from answering specific design questions to creating comprehensive A-Z design plans. The firm's efficient design process and emphasis on client happiness have led to an average monthly revenue of $40K.
The company provides two main services: a single-session service for specific design questions, available both in-person and virtually, and a comprehensive service called "The Works," which includes a detailed design plan for clients to implement. This approach ensures momentum in projects and profitability, targeting a broader audience rather than just the ultra-rich.
Rebecca West’s Seriously Happy Homes distinguishes itself through its efficient design process, strong client relationships, and practical, buildable designs. The firm’s commitment to keeping clients and projects happy and profitable is a cornerstone of its success.
Idea Behind Company
Rebecca West never envisioned a career in interior design. Initially viewing it as a luxury for the wealthy, her perspective shifted following her divorce in 2007. Living in a home filled with memories of her failed marriage, she decided to transform her space on a limited budget, selling old items, repainting walls, and buying new furniture. This personal project made her realize the power of interior design in transforming lives and spaces.
Inspired by her own experience, Rebecca wanted to make interior design accessible to more people. Using her talent for color and design, and drawing on skills learned from frequent moves with her military family, she decided to start her own interior design business. The goal was to help others create spaces that reflected their futures, not their pasts.
Her journey from personal transformation to business creation emphasized the impact of design on emotional well-being, driving her to provide others with the tools and knowledge to transform their own homes.
Creating the Company
Rebecca faced the challenge of starting an interior design business without a portfolio. She began by offering low-cost services, focusing on color consulting and small redesigns, and documenting every project with before-and-after photos. These visual records helped build her credibility and attract clients, gradually allowing her to expand her services and increase her prices.
Her approach to building the business involved starting small and practical, which helped her gain the trust of clients and contractors. By asking questions and learning from experienced tradespeople, she developed a network of supportive vendors and contractors. This collaborative approach was crucial in growing her business and ensuring high-quality results.
Rebecca’s commitment to continuous improvement and learning from her early experiences allowed her to refine her services and build a successful interior design business. Her practical, hands-on approach helped her overcome initial challenges and establish a strong foundation for Seriously Happy Homes.
Launching the Business
Rebecca officially started her business in November 2007, with her first major milestone being a booth at a local home fair in January 2008. Despite not gaining any clients from that event, the preparation and networking opportunities proved valuable. She built relationships with vendors and contractors, which became a significant source of referrals.
Her early business efforts included giving presentations, attending networking events, and offering free color consultations. She even provided painting services to make ends meet. These diverse activities helped her build a client base and gradually transition to focusing solely on interior design.
Within two years, Rebecca had enough design clients to discontinue her painting services, marking a significant milestone. Her ability to adapt and take on various roles in the early stages of her business was key to its initial survival and growth.
Earnings
Seriously Happy Homes generates between $20K and $40K per month, with revenue fluctuating based on the size of the design team. Rebecca’s business model, which includes a high-volume of clients and a 70% conversion rate, has resulted in a consistent 8% profit margin. The firm’s efficient design process and decision-guiding methodology have been instrumental in maintaining profitability.
Despite its success, the company is undergoing a transition. Rebecca plans to focus entirely on virtual services and business coaching for interior designers starting in 2024. This shift is driven by personal and professional aspirations, including Rebecca’s desire to help more DIYers and her team members’ evolving career goals.
The future of Seriously Happy Homes involves leveraging its established systems and expanding its reach through virtual services. Rebecca’s commitment to helping others, both clients and fellow designers, remains central to the company’s mission as it adapts to new opportunities and challenges.
