Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Dumont.
Hi Rachel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
We got started in the middle of covid when homes were flying off the Dallas market. My husband’s corporate job moved to Dallas, and requested us to relocate with the role. We spent a whole summer looking at homes, submitting offers, and getting rejected. Our realtor sent us a home that fit our wishlist and price range, so we just submitted an offer without really looking into it, and somehow, it got accepted! Unfortunately, after closing on the home, packing up our whole lives, and driving through the night from Chicago to Dallas, we learned the house was not everything we thought it was. The previous owners did not take good care of the home and had hid a lot of its defects from the listing photos. However, Devin and I spent the next year renovating the house from top to bottom all on our own as we had barely any money. From that year, though, we absolutely loved the work. It was so exciting seeing the end product of our work, and knowing that we did it together made it even better. Devin and I realized that our corporate roles were draining our cups, and the renovations were what filled it. Fast-forward a few months, one lay-off, and lots of bottles of wine, and we started Renovation Sells in Grapevine, TX. Devin and I have truly risked it all to bring data-backed renovations to the Grapevine market. We’ve sold nearly everything we have, moved into a one-bedroom apartment, found a tenant for our home, all in pursuit of our dream – to bring beautiful interiors to our clients together.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been a smooth road. From pulling together the initial funding to accomplishing jobs for our clients. Being young (22 and 24 years old) it was really difficult for us to get our start-up fund to a healthy level. We made lots of mistakes along the way – including applying for 11 different loans that all came with a hard pull *facepalm*, but we kept our faith in God at the center of it and knew he would provide a path forward if it was meant to be. In December, my corporate job offered a voluntary layoff that provided 5 months’ salary as a severance package, and that was honestly the turning point for us. It turned this dream into a living reality. Even now, with the growing pains of a start-up business, we keep God at the center of our worries and know that he would not have brought us this far to watch us fail.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Renovation Sells specializes in data-backed interior design. We are so different from your average remodeler. Before we’ve stepped a foot into our client’s home, we’ve researched their market/neighborhood and know what wall colors, countertops, hardware, lighting, and flooring are going to bring that client top dollar for their home. Once we settle on the designs and scope of the project, our team of licensed and insured contractors come in and bring it to life. When we aren’t bringing our clients the secret sauce to unlock their equity, we’re serving those who want to stay in their homes and love them but also don’t want to put together the designs, materials, and team! We pride ourselves on the white glove service we bring to our clients. It’s what sets us apart from the competition!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Take time for yourself. We even struggle to put down the laptops, silence the phones, and enjoy the life we are building. As young entrepreneurs, it’s so easy to get caught up in the constant “grind” and feel like you don’t deserve a break because someone is always working harder. That could not be more false. Take the break, enjoy each other’s company, don’t sweat the small stuff, and never forget to celebrate – even if it’s a little win! Make it fun!
Pricing:
- Consultation – $0.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.renovationsells.com/grapevine
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rs.grapevine?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
