To celebrate Black Business Month, Capital B Atlanta is profiling innovative entrepreneurs during the month of August.
With a passion for all things beautiful and a background in sales and business development, Melody Vaughn has built a stellar reputation for interior design.
As the principal designer and owner at the eponymous design and renovation firm she launched in 2017, the 59-year-old juggles many hats as she creates unforgettable homes and commercial spaces for her clients around the country.
“I wanted to create a company where creativity meets purpose and practicality, bringing transformative design solutions to life while honoring the emotional and energetic needs of each space,” Vaughn told Capital B Atlanta.
She also layers into her projects moments of healing and restoration.
“Our mission is to harmonize environments by aligning design with energy, balance, and beauty,” Vaughn said. “Each home has a unique rhythm, and through intentional space planning, the proper use of color, principles of feng shui, and conscientious budgeting, we help our clients live in spaces that feel like sanctuaries so they may live in peace and in beauty.”
A winner of several design awards, including Baldwin Hardware Design Council and HOUZZ Designer, Vaughn enjoys building her thriving company thanks to role models like legendary designer Sheila Bridges and HGTV’s Egypt Sherrod.
It was a surprise layoff from her work as a project manager at General Electric that led Vaughn to her true calling.
“I decided to switch gears and returned to school to study art and interior design, which eventually led to me founding MVI.”
Read More: Publisher Creates Joy with Books for Black Children.
Some of her greatest successes have come from designing for three large builders (BRP properties, Propp-Tahl, and Farrell Building) throughout Florida, New York City, and the Hamptons.
She’s also successfully completed commercial projects, including a day care center, hair salons, and a restaurant.
Here, Vaughn shares her best advice for budding entrepreneurs. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Capital B Atlanta: Why is Atlanta a great place to run your business?
Melody Vaughn: Atlanta’s growing real estate market and diverse population create strong demand for interior design and home renovations. With over 176,000 small businesses in the area, the city offers a supportive environment for building and growing a design company.
Where did you get the funding to launch your business?
I received the initial funding for my business from personal investors and a small grant from SBA.
What’s been one of your biggest challenges?
One of my biggest challenges was establishing my brand. As an interior designer, there are so many different directions one could go. Once I understood who I was as a designer and who my targeted clients were, I was able to focus on being true to my brand. Once I stopped following trends and the social aspect of the industry and focused on my purpose, I was able to ask for my worth and expect to get it. I was also able to define my goals much clearer.
Read More: Gym Owner Cultivates Workouts and Wellness in South Fulton
What’s your advice to other Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta?
My advice to Black entrepreneurs in Atlanta would be — do the work. Take the course. Study the best in your field and learn from their mistakes and successes. But, most importantly, know your “why” and be willing to fail and not be afraid of your success.
What are you most proud of in your career?
Having the financial freedom I’ve obtained from my business and the connections I’ve made.
What other goals do you hope to accomplish?
In the next one to two years, I will obtain my general contractor license, which will allow me to build luxury homes. I will complete my coffee table book and have an assortment of products from candles, journals, and MVI tote bags being sold on my websites and in brick and mortar stores.
Click here to read more about Atlanta’s game-changing entrepreneurs and learn their secrets to success.
