"What's My Story?"

Since I began this whole interior decorating venture, I’ve wrestled with how I could somehow make it into more of a ministry and not just a business.  I’m currently reading this great book a friend recommended called Start Something that Matters

by Blake Mycoskie, the guy who started TOMS’ shoes and it’s a totally inspiring read.  In the book he talks about telling your story.  He insists that people connect much more to a story than a product (or service).  I totally agree.  So, I’ve been trying to figure out, “What’s my story?”

Well, since I was a little girl I’ve always been a bargain shopper (ok, and a bit of a princess). 

I can remember the family making regular visits to what used to be Hudson’s Salvage Center and what we now know as Treasure Hunt/Dirt Cheap. To this very day, my all time favorite place to score deals. I’d comb the disorganized aisles searching through the smoke-filled merchandise for buried treasures to spend my allowance on.  We’ll decades later, not much has changed.  I’m still obsessed with bargain hunting.

It’s rare that I spend more than $30 on anything, and I do mean anything, a skill that totally translates to my decorating.   (Quite frankly, I consider it a gift and a curse.) 

With that in mind, I think part of my story has to be the fact that I’m trained and skilled in stretching a dollar so far that you’d think it was elastic.  I mean in this economy that’s got to be a niche’, right?  Who doesn’t want to save some money?  The other part is that I believe that EVERYONE deserves to live in a beautiful space, no matter how big or small their budget or if there is no budget at all.  I also feel as if I’ve been given this gift and I know that it wasn’t given to me for the sole benefit of me.  So, I’m itching to somehow use what God has given me to help others. 

I love the mission behind interior design charities like Dallas based Dwell with Dignity, whose goal is creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. 

Dwell with Dignity

I was thinking, although I haven’t been at this very long, I do know that when I have an install there are always perfectly good items that I’m replacing that no longer have a home.  I’m thinking that maybe I can somehow partner with a charitable organization that could use those items.  But I’d like to do more than just donate them.  I’m thinking offer my services.  Anyway, that's the direction I think I'm going to move, but I’m also open to ideas.  Leave a comment if you have any.  Have a great day!