Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Matthews.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got my start in home staging in 2018, just a couple of months before my wedding. At the time, my husband invited me to help out with staging in his family’s business, and what was supposed to be a short-term favor quickly became something much more. His mother is one of the early pioneers in the world of home staging, with a thriving and respected company. I was lucky to learn in that environment—to see firsthand what it looked like to build something creative, intentional, and lasting.
For several years, I worked in an assistant role, supporting others, learning the ropes, and exploring different career paths along the way. But it wasn’t until I gave myself full permission to design and stage from my own creative center that everything shifted. I’ve come to believe that art transforms when you stop trying to replicate what’s been done before and instead start creating from a deeper, more authentic place. Taking ownership of my work, my vision, and my voice was when I truly began to thrive. I started taking on my own jobs and clients, and the momentum grew naturally.
Becoming a mother was a turning point. I have twin two-year-olds, and that experience brought a deeper sense of clarity and urgency. It emboldened me. I realized that if I wanted my children to grow up believing they can live life on their own terms and make a meaningful difference in the world, then I had to be willing to do the same. I needed to step into the kind of life I hoped they’d one day claim for themselves.
That clarity was a catalyst. Eventually, my husband and I made the decisions to step away and build something of our own, something that reflected our shared values, creative freedom, and desire to make real impact in our community. That’s how Crest + Cove Designs was born.
At first, we were full of doubt. Could we really do this on our own? But almost immediately, the momentum was undeniable. Opportunities started flowing in, and it felt like the right people were showing up at the right time. From the start, we booked several high-end projects, and we’ve consistently exceeded our goals month after month. That early wave of support confirmed what we felt in our hearts: there was space for something new, something deeply intentional.
Our team is small but deeply aligned. My husband, Taylor, is a true visionary. He sees the world not just as it is, but as it could be. His creative lens shapes the way we dream and build together, and it continues to inspire me every day. Our business partner, Anna, brought something we hadn’t even realized we were missing. Her calm steadiness, shared passion, and her belief in what we were capable of gave us a new level of confidence. She’s also wildly creative in her own right, with an insane work ethic that keeps us all moving forward. Together, we each bring something essential to the table, and it’s that blend of perspective, heart, and trust that allows us to pull this off, not just as a business, but as a shared purpose.
From the beginning, we knew we wanted to create something with real meaning. Thats why we launched The Cove Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming spaces for individuals and families facing challenging life circumstances. We believe everyone deserves to feel peace, comfort, and possibility in the place they call home.
For me, this journey has been as spiritual as it has been professional, one that continues to evolve with every client, every project, and every leap of faith.
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?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road—far from it, actually! We’ve had to navigate all kinds of challenges, both internal and external. Some were logistical, some emotional, and some deeply personal. One of the biggest ongoing lessons has been learning how to work with my husband—not just as life partners, but as business partners. That dynamic takes real intention and communication, and it hasn’t always been easy.
In the beginning, I also faced a lot of doubt—not just from others, but from myself. I remember being told I just didn’t have that “it factor,” which stung more than I wanted to admit. I’m naturally a quiet person; I’ve never needed a lot of praise or attention, and I used to believe that if you worked hard, people would notice. But when my contributions weren’t being acknowledged, I reached a point where I had to speak up and say, “Hey, look what I can do.” That moment of advocating for myself was a turning point.
I had to find my voice, creatively and personally, and truly learn to back myself. Putting any kind of art into the world is vulnerable; it opens you up to criticism. One of the areas where I have grown the most has been learning how not to take that personally, to separate my worth from someone else’s opinion.
And doing all of this while being a mother to twin toddlers has brought its own set of challenges, and a whole new level of purpose. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship forces you to get clear on what really matters. It’s not always easy, but its deeply worth it. I have so much respect for every mother: whether she’s working, staying at home, or somewhere in between. Being a mother is an ever-evolving, often invisible balancing act, and the hardest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever done.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Crest + Cove Designs ?
At Crest + Cove Designs, we specialize in home staging and interior design, but more than that, we specialize in creating spaces that feel good. What sets us apart is our deep intention to make each home feel soulful and lived-in, rather than perfectly staged or overly polished. We want people to walk into a space and feel something—whether they’re considering buying it or living in it every day. It’s not just about what a home looks like; it’s about what it feels like.
We’re especially known for our organic, warm, elevated aesthetics and our ability to layer textures, materials, and pieces in a way that tells a story without saying a word. Our work ranges from ultra-luxury listings to intimate family homes, but our approach is always the same: thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in how people truly live.
One of the most meaningful aspects of our business is our commitment to giving back. For every staging or design project we do, we dedicate a portion of our resources to redesigning spaces for families in need, at no cost to them. Through our nonprofit arm, The Cove Foundation, we’re able to extend the power of design to those navigating difficult life circumstances. We truly believe that everyone deserves to live in a space that supports and inspires them, no matter what they’re walking through.
I’m a very heart-led person, and when we started this company, we were intentional about building a heart-led brand. That means we’re not just focused on aesthetics—we’re deeply invested in improving the lives of the people we work with, both inside our company and out in the community. That’s what I’m most proud of: creating a business that’s rooted in care, creativity, and purpose.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as the ability to live a purpose-driven life—to wake up each day and choose how you’re going to contribute to the world on your own terms. It’s not about titles or numbers; it’s about alignment. For me, success means building something that reflects who I am, what I believe in, and the kind of impact I want to make.
I want this business to be living proof that you can be successful without compromising your values. You can treat people well, lead with heart, and still thrive. Creating a brand that’s rooted in integrity, kindness, and creativity—while also cultivating a healthy, supportive work environment—is the kind of success I’d be most proud of.
Success looks different for everyone, and I think that’s a beautiful thing. For me, it’s about living your version of success, whatever it may be, with intention, purpose, and courage. If what we’re doing helps someone feel a little more inspired or confident in their own path, then that feels really meaningful to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crestandcovedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestandcove.sd/
Image Credits
Photography by Natalie Warr Korn
