Today we’d like to introduce you to Angi Fischelli
Hi Angi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with your viewers! While being a stay-at-home mom of two, my love for creativity led me to seek opportunities in decorating and planning. I always seemed to have a project going on and it became a family joke. My family would say, “Mom has another project.” Those projects usually entailed decorating my home, planning events, sprucing up family members’ homes, and even transforming friends’ porches. As my children grew older, I had more chances to volunteer at their school. I had the privilege of planning and designing two proms, organizing a fundraiser gala, and styling several weddings through community contacts. I had the honor of planning and styling my best friend’s wedding, which was my first all-inclusive project (meaning I was the wedding planner and stylist).
My journey took a significant turn when I started working as a designer’s assistant for a 15-month project with a local designer on a large-scale luxury condo project in downtown Dallas. This opportunity revealed a whole new level of design and décor to me. It was during this project that I began to see how all the different elements of design came together seamlessly. From creating design boards for client presentations, custom bedding and drapes, and working with multiple vendors to source unique pieces for the homeowner, I was fully engaged in the creative process. I was also tasked with designing fabric templates for multi-fabric custom furniture pieces, including a double-sided couch. Additionally, I had the privilege of utilizing my event planning and styling experience to organize the reveal party and open house for this completely updated six-bedroom, five bath condo. Contributing to a project that went on to win awards further affirmed my passion for all things interior.
As empty nesters, my husband and I decided to downsize and sell our home. I decided to stage the property myself, which resulted in securing a contract within two weeks, compared to other homes that were on the market for several months. This success marked the beginning of my home staging journey. My first occupied home stage came a few months later. As I walked through the home and made suggestions, I realized how natural and fulfilling this work felt. The realtor was amazed when the house sold in nine days despite the market trend of three months. This success reinforced my confidence in my skills.
With prayer and encouragement from friends, family, and especially my husband, I pursued formal training in home staging through Staging Studio and earned my Home Staging and Design Professional certification and launched Merriment by Design, LLC. I became a member of RESA (Real Estate Association) providing ongoing training and professional development. Joining my local RESA Dallas Chapter has provided invaluable support from like-minded entrepreneurs. Every step of the way, I received confirmation that I was on the right path, and my journey has been and is filled with amazing clients and rewarding experiences. At the age of 49 I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The challenge for me initially was trying to figure out how I can incorporate all the things I loved; event styling, home staging, and interior styling and design all into one business. I realized what I loved most about event planning was the actual styling/décor creating an ambiance tailored for the attending guests to experience merriment. My pivotal moment was realizing that home staging and interior design are the exact same thing (promoting a feeling of merriment for both buyers and homeowners).
Every space can be designed to achieve a purpose. The purpose of home staging is to stage a home, so buyers fall in love with the home and picture themselves living there (which equals a sale!). The purpose of interior design is to add a personalized touch to client’s homes creating a functional, inviting and joyful space for friends and family to gather. From then on, I was able to streamline my passion into home staging, design, and décor, and hit the ground running. The heart of my business is home staging and interior design, but I continue to style events occasionally by request.
Additional challenges for me were handling all the administrative business setup myself, including building a website, managing expenses while on a startup budget and having patience during this process all while my brain was dreaming of staging and design. I wouldn’t change any of the challenges, though. They have helped me to grow as a business owner and person.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Merriment by Design, LLC?
My passion is to create merry spaces for heart & home. MBD offers both vacant and occupied home staging with a variety of consultation options including on-site or virtual. After the home is staged and listed, I love to provide ongoing support for my clients throughout the process of selling their home and moving on to their next chapter in life. Selling a home can be very stressful and I aim to stage and sell in the least amount of time with less stress on the client. Beyond staging, I offer interior design consultations from a simple room refresh to complete home makeover including color selection, furniture and lighting sourcing, customized bedding and drapes and more. I LOVE going to the Dallas Market Center to see the latest trends. Being familiar with the showrooms at Dallas Market Center allows me to recommend vendors that match my clients’ style and budget.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
In my experience, both personally and professionally, taking risks is an essential part of growth. I’ve found that the greatest achievements often come from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and pushing past the what ifs and the fear of failing. Launching Merriment by Design was a bold move rooted in my passions and skills, guided by a solid plan and continually prayed about. This combination has helped me face challenges and enjoy the rewards.
Encouraging others to embrace risk is something I strongly believe in. By pushing past fears and daring to take bold actions, we open ourselves to new opportunities and the possibility of achieving our ultimate goals. While not every risk will result in success, each attempt provides valuable lessons and insights that contribute to our overall growth and resilience. When I decided to start Merriment by Design, I told myself I’d rather try and fail than not try at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.merrimentbydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/merrimentbydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrimentbydesign/
- Twitter: 469-233-3549
- Youtube: angi@merrimentbydesign.com
