Today we welcome Ronniesha Rivera, owner of Alder & Stone Interiors — a full-service Washington-based interior design studio specializing in mountain homes for active families. In this episode, we discuss how a CAD class in high school inspired her to pursue a formal college education in design and launch her own design studio. We also explore the importance of developing an intentional business model that honors design, relationships, and family. Ronniesha is also the founder of Vetted by Design, and we talk about how a pain point in her own business journey prompted the creation of a vital resource that supports design professionals across the country.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
- How early exposure to drafting and CAD set Ronniesha on the path to design
- Her transition from working in firms to launching her own business
- Rebranding from Studio 8 to Alder & Stone to reflect a refined design niche
- Building a business model around family, flexibility, and intentionality
- The financial and emotional toll of a bookkeeping mistake — and the lesson learned
- The creation and purpose of Vetted by Design as a trusted outsourcing resource
- Ronniesha's personal definition of success rooted in legacy and family support
- Her candid insight on resilience and learning through entrepreneurial missteps
NOTABLE QUOTES
- "Owning an interior design business is one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I've learned that I can do hard things."
- "I wanted to work with people who got it — CEOs and business owners who understand the value of what we bring to the table."
- "Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Don't ignore it."
- "My idea of success is building something that allows me to step away and support my family in the future — that's the dream."
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