Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Young.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Melissa. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve always known I wanted to be a designer since I was a little girl. I was inspired at a young age by my aunt who designed hotels in Paris. I remember visiting her showroom in fifth grade thinking that I wanted to do what she was doing. Fast forward a few years and I am a sales rep in the action sports industry. At one point I had two options, I could continue to climb the corporate ranks from behind a desk or follow my dream of being an interior designer.
The thought of analyzing spreadsheets was dreadful so I made a choice and shortly after was enrolled in design school. During one of the early courses, we had to identify a species of wood by smelling it blindfolded. Funny enough it was right then I realized I was on the right path. I started my professional interior design career working for smaller firms and it was during that time when I was asked to design a side project by a local restaurant owner. That restaurant turned out to be Burger Lounge and the rest is history.
Has it been a smooth road?
Anyone who knows the state of the building industry in 2009 will tell you that it was the worst time to open an interior design firm. No one was building during the recession. I didn’t let that didn’t stop me from opening MY Studio ID. I had a vision and nothing was going to stop me from living my dream… not even one of history’s worse economic crashes.
It was difficult in those early years as I was a one-woman show but it turned out to be an invaluable learning experience. Because I had to be the owner, accountant, designer, project manager and a million other roles, I learned a ton about the business early. It was late nights and endless hustle. But it was worth it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with MY Studio ID – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
MY Studio ID is a full-service boutique hospitality design firm located in the heart of North Park. We provide all services of a commercial design from concept development to construction documents and post-construction site visits. Up until recently, we’ve mainly specialized in restaurant design and dabbled in some retail but we’re now excited to be expanding into the hotel and travel sector.
One key element that sets us apart is our ability to take a nationally acclaimed concept and provide a thoughtful design for each individual locale while staying true to the brand identity. Not an easy feat when you have 70+ locations as some of our clients have. We have designed over 200 projects. For most, that number would be what defines their success but, for me, what I’m most proud of is my talented team.
I’m proud to say that I’ve cultivated a team of some of the most creative designers and project managers who have become family to me. We go on vacations together and genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’m authentic and always stay true to my vision. This makes me relatable and able to connect with my clients and my team. I’m not afraid to call it how I see it – I think my clients have always appreciated that, especially when it comes to designing beautiful spaces.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3712 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
- Website: www.mystudioid.com
- Phone: (760) 519-4446
- Email: info@mystudioid.com
- Instagram: @my_studio_id
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mystudioid/
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