Hidden Gems: Meet Melissa Cross of Melissa Cross Interiors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Cross

Melissa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2018 I began working for a real estate developer in Washington, DC. What started as administrative work eventually led to designing and overseeing whole projects. As friends began to ask me to help them with their personal projects, I took the opportunity to pivot and started my own residential design studio. Initially launching in Washington, DC, the business’s primary location moved (along with my family) in 2020 to Durham, NC. I expanded my services to include full service furnishing and styling. I’ve learned so much every step of the way!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! The first big challenge was simply launching in early 2020- when Covid was right around the corner. I quickly went from working quietly at home to three children and a husband also all at home – figuring out zoom school and work-from-home life together.

Covid also brought about transitioning from DC to NC. Moving a baby business was not easy and for the first couple years, most of my work was still in the DC area. I was traveling back and forth a lot as I figured out my new market and could build business here in NC.

Outside of covid, the biggest challenges have been learning to run the business side of a creative career. The creative side of things is a much smaller percentage of my time than I would have guessed it would be. I’ve enjoyed the challenge, and feel pretty confident about it now, but there was so much to figure out along the way that often felt overwhelming.

There will always be bumps along the way in designs and executing projects- but I consider those the best opportunities I have to become an expert in my field. I used to get really frustrated when those sorts of set backs occur, but I’ve done this for long enough at this point to know you can always find a solution to a problem…and learn how to better avoid it next time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Melissa Cross Interiors is a full service interior design firm. We specialize in home renovations and full furnishing projects.

Our super power is our ability to really connect with and get to know our clients. This 1) builds a foundation of trust- clients feel at ease during their projects and 2) creates an end result where clients can really see themselves reflected back in the designs, often brought out in a way they wouldn’t have thought to do on their own.

We design spaces so our clients can experience connection, belonging, and peace. Our key studio values are trust, flexibility, and creativity. I don’t believe you can have one without the others- and when all three ARE present, something very special can happen.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
People. People are magical and surprising and complex. The greatest moments of joy in my life have been when you experience true connection with another person. It can be laughing together, experiencing some great work of art at the same time, dancing to your favorite music, grieving a loss. All of life holds more value because of the people around you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melissacrossinteriors.com
• Instagram: @melissacrossinteriors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561211366918
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/MelissaCrossInteriorss/

Image Credits
Cat Wilborne Photography