We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisha Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisha, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There are a lot of things that would surprise people, but one thing really sticks out. When I meet someone new, a natural part of the conversation tends to be what we each do for work. When I tell people I own an interior design and styling firm they often reply with “I wish I could do something fun for work.” The truth behind the picture-perfect homes you see on your Instagram feed is they represent a full-blown business in the background that is just as rife with unglamorous tasks as every other job. Do we get to work in a creative field? Yes.
Is it fun exercising your right brain to dream up beautiful spaces? Yes.
Do we feel lucky to be able to do something we love? Yes.
Behind every business in the creative industry is, well, a business. The “creative” and “fun” part of that business only accounts for maybe 10% of the job. The rest includes all of the things your job probably includes:
the lead to the sales funnel, advertising, marketing, client services, proposals, and follow-up. So. Much. Follow. Up. Plus there is accounting, invoicing, billing, PNL reports, tracking KPI’s, software updates and changes, website updates, vendor relations, networking, industry changes, procurement and installation, order management, contractor delays, shipping issues, backorder and out-of-stock issues, damaged shipments, social media and content creation, budget derailment, and deadlines that are often out of our control. We also coach clients throughout the process and make sure they love the home we leave them with. All that and we have not even done any of the actual creative work yet.

Even still, the process of being part of incredible transformations and helping homeowners curate their most intimate spaces outweighs all of the mundane moments. Just remember – it’s not as pretty as it looks.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I truly believe everyone deserves to live in a beautiful and functional space. Unlike many other design firms, we take on projects of all shapes and sizes, regardless of budget. While most of the projects we work on are medium to large scale we have developed a process that allows even the smallest of projects to get a high value out of our expertise. I have a knack for listening to my clients and dissecting their wants and needs to curate unique spaces for them. This is why when you look at my portfolio the designs range from modern to traditional to eclectic.

I have had to learn progress is better than perfection and have had to do things way outside of my comfort zone. The more I step out of that zone the more comfortable I am doing it. I guess you get comfortable with being uncomfortable after a while.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Cleveland is a largely underappreciated and always under-estimated city. There is so much to do here. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, lover of the arts, sports, museums, or great food – we have it all. I could honestly write an entire month’s itinerary! Sign up for my newsletter at https://www.sweetheartsdesign.com/ for more Cleveland updates!

Here is my foolproof plan for an incredible few days in the city.

Day 1: Start your morning with a pastry and espresso at Prestis in Little Italy. Then head over to the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art. You can easily spend an entire day at this FREE museum featuring ancient artifacts, original Monet paintings, and amazing modern art. Plus if you are a fan of The Avengers you may recognize a lot of the movie scenes were shot there! When you are done walk over to L’albatros for a late lunch or early dinner.

Day 2: Head to Chagrin Falls – a charming town centered around a waterfall. Grab breakfast to-go at Lemon Falls and walk over the lower falls to have a picnic and hike. Then walk around the shops on the main street for everything from fashionable clothing to collectible toys to home goods. Go to Bell and Flower or River 17 for lunch then head to the bookstore afterwards to find a new read. Sit by the upper falls in one of the shaded gardens while sipping on coffee from Heartland Roasters. For dinner take a 5-minute drive to Sapphire Creek Winery – a stunning place full of serene views, walking trails, gardens, fantastic food, and wine.

Day 3: Head to West 25th on an empty stomach and eat your way through the West Side Market. This Market was built in 1840 and has amazing architecture along with fantastic vendors. Next, go for a neighborhood stroll because you need to make room for some more food. Your next step will be to Nate’s Deli for seriously delicious Lebanese food just a few buildings away from the Market. Now jog because you have to make way for the best ice cream in the Land from Cleveland’s own Mitchells Ice Cream. Sit on the 2nd-floor observation deck and watch the ice cream factory in motion.

Day 4: Start the morning with a walk through the Cleveland Public Library where you will be awestruck by the old-world architecture. Next, take a walk across the street for more jaw-dropping at The Arcade as you make your way to East 4th Street which is full of fantastic restaurants. Stop at Saigon for a quick bite.
Then take a sunset walk along the East 9th Street pier before heading to an upscale dinner at The Marble Room (plan those reservations in advance.)

Honestly, I could write a 30-day itinerary, but I will stop there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
100% my husband, son, and family are my biggest fans. Owning my own business has grown my faith like never before. Somehow God always provides even when I can’t see what it is going to look like.

Website: https://www.sweetheartsdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetheartsdesignstudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetheartsdesign

Image Credits
All images are my own.

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