Michelle Lynne 0:02
Welcome to design for the creative mind, a podcast for interior designers and creative entrepreneurs to run their business with purpose, efficiency and passion. Because, well, every design is different, the process should remain the same. Prepare yourself for some good conversations with amazing guests, a dash of Jesus and a touch of the woowoo and probably a swear word or two. If you're ready to stop trading your time for money and enjoy your interior design business. You are in the right place. I'm your host, Michelle Lynn.
Well, hello, hello. Welcome back to the podcast everyone. I'm so excited to have you here because I have some or Medak with me. She is a creative entrepreneur. I mean like a creative entrepreneur. She's the founder and owner of residential and commercial design firm Medoc interiors, and storehouse a brick and mortar specializing in artisan made home furnishings and lifestyle products, which are all really cool. She also co owns sessions West Coast Deli. It's a multiple location fast casual restaurant alongside her husband, Matt mattock, and co founders and partners. Beckham, Max and Christopher so this woman's busy but she's also raising three little beach bums Marley McKenna and che also known as Bamm Bamm, which is by far her greatest joy and role in life. So with a mindset of simplifying the daily processes and heart for hospitality, this gentle powerhouse provides her clients and customers with an intentional organized an elevated experience. So can we please welcome some are Medoc so excited that you're here?
Summer Meddock 1:59
Thank you, Michelle. I am so excited to be here with you and your design for the creative mind. People and I'm I'm just really looking forward to having this conversation with you. You
Michelle Lynne 2:12
guys. I'm honored. I had no idea that you were such the entrepreneurial spirit. Like I know, you're creative. And I knew that you had that badass talent. But holy cow, I'm exhausted just reading your introduction. Yeah,
Summer Meddock 2:26
it's it's a lot. It's a lot. But you know what? God paired me up with someone who likes to go for trimming up ideas and bringing them to life. And we just we really try to stay true to those those things that we feel called to. Well,
Michelle Lynne 2:44
and what a what a neat experience to show your children. Yes,
Summer Meddock 2:48
yeah, they asked often, um, can we go you got sessions for lunch today? Or Mommy, can we come buy some stuff in your store?
Michelle Lynne 2:57
It's pretty cute. That is very fun. And tell our listeners, where are you located?
Summer Meddock 3:01
Yep. So we're located in Costa Mesa, right? Of New Port Boulevard. So we're right in the mix of the new port system is the area.
Michelle Lynne 3:11
So any listeners who are out in the Southern California area needs to make sure that they cruise by and pick up some fun stuff. And then we'll also have all of your contact information and so forth in the show notes. So that'll be a lot of fun. Yeah, I'm thinking about my next vacation because I still have a bunch of family out in California. Like, oh, what a nice little extra excuse.
Summer Meddock 3:35
Yeah, it's a good place to vacation. And that's for sure.
Michelle Lynne 3:39
Amen to that. So what I want to talk about, you know, how did you get started in the business? Did you start with your design? Business? Or did you start with the retail business first? Or did you start them at the same time?
Summer Meddock 3:54
I started with the interior design business first. And I launched that almost five years ago. And that became my baby. I was I was building this, this design business not having any previous experience. And the business grew rapidly and at a pace where I wasn't able to actually keep up with it. And ended up having to put it aside for about a year because it took our family to a point of just utter exhaustion.
Michelle Lynne 4:26
Yes, I think we can relate to that.
Summer Meddock 4:29
Yeah, it was you. Whenever you start something new, you never really know what's involved in it. So you kind of lead into it blindly, which is a little bit of the beauty of it, because if we all knew what was involved to do anything,
Michelle Lynne 4:42
would we have the courage to do it? Probably.
Summer Meddock 4:45
It's very rewarding. So yeah, I hit that pivotal moment of okay, my family is either going to just fall apart and or I need to I need to make my priorities clear and So I put that business down for a good year, I was raising my babies, all hands on deck for me. And I loved it. I, I've always wanted to be a mom. So for me, it was just that year was really special. And simultaneously, I was supporting my husband while we were growing the restaurants. And that took a big a big time chunk. Yeah. Nice. So really wanted to allow him to pour into that business. Yeah. And then later, yeah.
Michelle Lynne 5:36
A year later, you came back to interior design? And then how did the shop evolved from there? Yeah,
Summer Meddock 5:43
so it came back a year later, we launched the business. And then I am really, I've always had this heart in his vision for creating a space where people could come and enjoy all of the treasures in the beautiful pieces and have the experience that I have when I'm actually pulling these products and ideas together for a client. And so that's where the store house was born. And the storehouse is a place where you store treasure. And so I began looking for spaces, because I knew I couldn't have a retail space out of my living room. And so well began looking for space and came across this cute little spot over here on Newport Boulevard. And the following week was signing a lease after I found it. So
Michelle Lynne 6:37
it's kind of a God thing. The way it all just came back together.
Summer Meddock 6:40
Yeah, absolutely both feet in just went for it not not knowing really what to expect.
Michelle Lynne 6:48
So what has been your biggest hurdle in in business ownership? Yeah, in
Summer Meddock 6:52
business ownership, I would say that as a creative. I really had to be intentional about switching gears into the business mindset and operations mindset. And I do it really well when I'm in that zone. But it's not where I don't think that's where my business needs me full time. So I think finding that balance finding the right people to come alongside me to help implement in those operational areas. That's been a big growth challenge. For me, definitely I can,
Michelle Lynne 7:30
I can appreciate that. I literally just hired a Chief Operations. Director, manager, I don't know what title we gave her. But it's the it's like all those little details they can they can eat you up and keep you awake at night. Yes. And it's it's true that good for you for recognizing that. Because as business owners, we have to wear so many different hats. And you have to literally take one hat off your creative hat and put it aside and focus on being the CEO. And as a small business, you need to be the CEO, and not necessarily the CEO. Oh. So recognizing that good for you. Thank you. That's awesome. So I want to dig into what it's like to own a shop. What would you say is the biggest benefit to your interior design business? By owning the shop?
Summer Meddock 8:29
Yeah, definitely the biggest benefit is having access to product right away. When we're if if we're working on a job where it's just accessorizing and not doing any construction type of work, it's nice having access to these products to pull in. And it's also really nice space for my clients to come and meet with me. So it's I think it's just really creates a special ambiance or the design part of the business. But yeah, having access to the product, and I'm looking at a table right now. And I'm just envisioning envisioning it in a client space. And I'm like, Oh my gosh, it would be so beautiful there.
Michelle Lynne 9:10
You manifest that project.
Summer Meddock 9:14
It gets it gets inspired. And yeah, I would say that's definitely the biggest the biggest
Michelle Lynne 9:21
benefit. Do you find that many people who walked through the doors of the shop want to hire you as a designer? Or are they just there to get some treasures?
Summer Meddock 9:31
Yeah, 5050 some walk in and they say, Oh, I've never heard of manok interiors before and I didn't realize you had this door. This is so beautiful. We're in the middle of a remodel. It's either and I wish it would have known or you know, and had contacted you sooner or found you sooner or if he can I call you when it gets to that phase where any furnishings or you know, maybe you can come on and help with pulling some of these finished materials together because we've already Got the main design plan down or you know, the structural plan down? And so I'd say it's about 5050. That's
Michelle Lynne 10:07
good to know. Because I think that it's a lot of responsibility to have it's a separate business. So you have your design business, and you have the store the retail business. So you technically own two businesses. It combined, they're just like cut sisters. Yep. Which
Summer Meddock 10:25
could be a whole nother conversation. I feel like two because they can operate under their under one umbrella right now. But in theory, they are they're two separate businesses, that two different revenue stream, sometimes they criss cross, depending on if I'm pulling a product out of retail for a design client. Um, so So yeah, there's there's definitely that process that has to happen in terms of how do I set these businesses up? And, you know, you can even how's the money? How's the revenue getting put through into the system, you know, your POS systems and your square swipes or online and there's so many different? lots of moving parts? Yeah, definitely.
Michelle Lynne 11:14
Y'all, this podcast episode was made possible in part by foyer, a lightning fast interior design software that creates photorealistic renderings. I'm not kidding, you can barely tell that it's not a real room. So why leave your beautiful designs up to the imagination of your client, when you can show them what their space is going to look like? You will sign more clients and get more approvals with the software. It's powered by artificial intelligence, and a whole vouch for its ease. Because if I can do it, anybody can. Because you all know that my design team are the ones who do all the work, find [email protected], as well as in the show notes. So that's the good side is that you're surrounded in beauty. You get new clients from having a shop, what was what would you say is some of the downside of the business other than all the moving parts? Yes, love
Summer Meddock 12:16
so many moving. You know, one thing that I'm I am recognizing now having had this space for, it's only been a little over a year since I opened up the retail side. And the one thing that I wish I would have thought through in more detail and done more research on is the the traffic the foot traffic, the you know, how many people do I think are actually going to see this face and walk into this space? Are we in a destination? You know, retail location? Are we in? Is this more industrial type of space? How long? How long are people going to see me and find me and come in. And they didn't give that a lot of thought. Because I still have the design business on the back end that I was thinking of, you know, it's both it doesn't have to be retail heavy. But I would say that's that's probably one of the biggest challenges is
Michelle Lynne 13:20
when your location, location, location. Yeah,
Summer Meddock 13:22
location for sure. Because you're carrying this inventory. Right. So you come out of pocket for the inventory unless you set up a net, net 30 or net 60 term where you can pay back over time. That's
Michelle Lynne 13:37
a lot of investment.
Summer Meddock 13:39
It is Yep. So that's figuring out. Really the challenge is figuring out the right location, that type of business.
Michelle Lynne 13:49
Interesting. That's, that is definitely something that as creatives that's such a cute little shop, I can make it. But if nobody's walking through the door, it doesn't matter. Now, what about staff? Do you have like a manager for your shop? Do you have salespeople and then other designers that work alongside you? What does it look like to own and run a shop as well as owning and running your interior design business?
Summer Meddock 14:17
Yeah, right now I have one employee and she was hired specifically for the design side. So she handles all of the the the back end of organizing each product helping with procurement. She'll work on CAD drawings for us. So she she's in here with me though in in the studio and the store house. So we're here together throughout the week. And I've realized that based on my location because I don't have that constant flow of foot traffic. I haven't needed to hire someone as a store manager. or someone here all day or during my my hours, my hours of operation to manage that flow of traffic? So would you
Michelle Lynne 15:09
venture when the time comes to renew your lease? Would you keep it that way? So it's kind of easily manageable? Or would you want more foot traffic?
Summer Meddock 15:20
Yeah, you know, that's actually one of the biggest questions that I'm working through at this moment. Is, I'm so passionate about the retail I believe in it. I think brick and mortar is still alive. I don't think it's going anywhere. And I think people need it. So what does that look like to make this part of the business successful? Where do I need to go? What can I chew off with? Uh, with overhead expenses, right? So utilities, all of that? And then who do I need to hire? And how many people? And how much do I pay them? So I'm really working through all of them. Right now. And it's been a bit overwhelming, to say the least. But um, yeah, it's, there's, there's those I think those are the core questions that have to be asked if I'm opening a retail, where am I going? Who's kind of see me? Do I think it's gonna come in? Are there businesses around me that are also helping to provide that traffic? Because really, I haven't built up a big enough name. I'm not a target. So people aren't coming just to see storehouse. Right. Right. So how are the people around me happy with NASA traffic? Absolutely.
Michelle Lynne 16:33
And especially, like you said, being able to manage the overhead that comes with the other destinations? So that's interesting. That's very interesting that you're running it with just one other person. Yeah.
Summer Meddock 16:47
Yeah. And also, you know, when it when it comes to the retail side, and think it's, when you open a retail space, you can always build it out. So there's designs. So there's flexibility in that, right. Yeah. Really, the businesses are two separate entities, they're sharing rent, you know, it's all under one big umbrella. It's all coming out of the same pocket. So that's yeah,
Michelle Lynne 17:11
that makes sense. It's basically it's your showroom. Yeah. But you can just happen to happen to purchase some really cute stuff there.
So some, or do you think you will always be an interior designer? Or, or a shop, you know, store house owner? Like, what? What do you think you're gonna go next? Yeah,
Summer Meddock 17:38
I think that interior design has been a stepping stone, for me, legislates all of the other endeavors in in my past, I think that there will be a time when the pivot happens. And I'm creating beautiful spaces and places from my own vision, whether it's a Boutique Resort, or maybe it's show homes. I don't know what that looks like. I think it's always going to be a part of me. But I think there's a bigger picture. I think there's, there's more I think this is just a branch that's extending out to you. No, no, I,
Michelle Lynne 18:21
I love that. That's your that's just that as a true entrepreneur. So there's so many of us who are in business for ourselves that are entrepreneurs. But it's that spirit that leads you like, what's next? What's next? What next? What else can I do? Who else can I serve? And that just, that just tickles me? It makes me so so giddy. I'm excited. I can't wait to I can't wait to watch your I can't wait to watch it unfold. I can't wait for it to come on any day. Yeah. And that's also I think, when you're in business, you have so many ideas, but you have to trust your instinct to know which ones are the right ones. And not over analyze. Sometimes you just have to say that's the right one. I'm not going to I'm not going to overthink this, because that moment could pass.
Summer Meddock 19:05
Oh, yes, overthinking is a real thing. Yes.
Michelle Lynne 19:09
So speaking of which, how do you clear your mind?
Summer Meddock 19:12
Yeah, and there's a few ways mornings. So I'm not a morning person.
Michelle Lynne 19:20
With three kids, I can't imagine. I'm not
Summer Meddock 19:22
a morning person, if Luckily, they have to be at school at a certain time. So that gets me out of bed. But I love to spend time with a cup of coffee with my journal and my Bible. Quiet around me no distractions. And that's just my time to decompress. Have time with God and just talk and write and kind of let it all out. Like a really I had one of these days this week. It's a really heavy day and I just can't even manage that. I call a friend and I just let it out and they just hold space for For me, and this, sometimes I need that. Yeah, we all do. And
Michelle Lynne 20:06
I think it's really important because as business owners, and moms, and individuals that are in a service based business, sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. So I think that that's really, really wise for all of us to find our way. And I share a very similar routine. And it's interesting how just journaling and you know, mates sometimes writing a letter to God just gets things out so easily. And a lot of times, I have found that it takes away from that stress that you're feeling once it's out on paper. Yeah, and you know, as believers, it's just a matter of turning it over. Because we don't have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Just our world, like our worlds heavy enough, like my little itty bitty circle can be overwhelming. So when I can let go and let God it's amazing how much more clear my path is? Absolutely. In fact, I used to have I don't know if I still have it here. Now, I used to have a verse that was talking about, it's Proverbs, but it talks about and don't don't DM me or email me, y'all because I'm gonna butcher this. But it's the A man may determine his path, but the Lord determines his steps. I think it's proverbs 13, four or something like that. But a friend of mine gave that to me when I started my business. And it was just like, I always have to lean on the Lord, to tell me which way I'm gonna go. Yeah, because we can create
Summer Meddock 21:37
our own we can say, this is my destiny. This is where I'm going. But
Michelle Lynne 21:41
yeah, thanks. I did that in my dating life when I was younger.
Summer Meddock 21:48
That didn't work out very well. I'm a control freak, too. So I'm like, Okay, let's control summer more. I can appreciate that.
Michelle Lynne 22:02
Let me interrupt myself to take a quick moment to thank satin off Insurance Agency for sponsoring this episode of The designed for the creative mind podcast. Their support and understanding of the interior design, decorating and home staging industries is unrivaled. Satin off understands what our businesses do. And they provide insurance that lets me sleep at night. Yep, this is the firm that I use. And they will do the same for your sleep habits and your business too. They're more than an insurance agency. They're an extension of my business. They take care of the worry, because they are the experts, which allows me and my team breathing room to do what we do best design beautiful spaces. You can find their contact information below in the show notes. Give him a call today. So you had mentioned coffee, and then that'll be my question. And then we're gonna go into this fun little I don't know if I told you about it. It's a rapid fire q&a, so Okay, yeah, but um, you had mentioned coffee like how do you drink your coffee? Yes.
Summer Meddock 22:59
Strong. sweet and creamy by almond milk. Creamy not not dairy there. Yeah.
Michelle Lynne 23:09
Yep. And I call my coffee or my husband. No, my dad started it mud. Because I like it so strong with this bonus.
Right. We'll get me started. Actually, it's yeah, it's kind of funny. I can drink coffee when I'm out to dinner at night and sleep just fine. I just, yeah, I just love the taste of it. And the stronger the better.
Summer Meddock 23:33
It's an experience holding it in your hand. It's an experience it you
Michelle Lynne 23:38
know what? I think that's such a great way because I don't need coffee in the morning. But it's that ritual. Mm hmm. Oh, it's just so yummy. I'm starting to crave it even though it's afternoon. All right. So. So the next segment is what we do with every guest. It's called Rapid Fire. It's just a q&a format so that the audience can get to know you a little bit better. Now. Nothing's off the table. First thing that comes to your head. All right. Beat your mountains. Goofy's kind of obvious since you live there. I could have found a different one.
Summer Meddock 24:16
We're probably going to be moving to Utah soon. That's a whole nother conversation but yeah,
Michelle Lynne 24:20
oh fine. I'll have to catch up on you with that. favorite ice cream flavor?
Summer Meddock 24:25
Oh cookies and cream.
Michelle Lynne 24:28
That sounds good. Any or outie belly button. Oh any What is your favorite book summer?
Summer Meddock 24:38
Oh my goodness. Okay. Just got one. Recently it's I believe I know that the name she started it cosmetics and sold it to I think L'Oreal she wrote a book and she's a believer in Jesus and I just started it. So oh, I'll have
Michelle Lynne 25:01
to look that one up. Very fun. And tell me about your dream vacation.
Summer Meddock 25:06
Oh, the Mediterranean I have never been. I want to go there and explore and see all the things and absorb the culture, South America because they just do color so good. Their culture is so neat. And I feel like there's this very strong family togetherness dynamic. I could be making it up. But I feel like that's what I see from pictures and videos of people traveling there. And then my friend, she lives in Greece, and she was just messaging me about Crete. Is that how you say it?
Michelle Lynne 25:41
I believe so. Yeah. Ah, oh, yeah. That'd be fun. My, my in laws would have been talking about renting a villa in Italy for a month, and just being able to come and go from there. What can we wait to my daughter's just a little bit older?
Summer Meddock 25:58
And they put me in your suitcase? Yes, exactly.
Michelle Lynne 26:01
Either, that it will meet up in Crete. There you go. What did you want to be when you were growing up? Um,
Summer Meddock 26:08
I think a lot of things. I wanted to be a vet, because I loved animals.
Michelle Lynne 26:14
I wanted to do that too. But they can't tell me where it hurts. So it broke my heart. I was like, oh, we can't do that.
Summer Meddock 26:20
I can't fix you. I don't know how that and then I always admired my cousin who? Dance Fellay her whole life and I always thought I would be a ballet dancer wasn't in the cards, but you know,
Michelle Lynne 26:36
a different form of creativity. Red or white wine?
Summer Meddock 26:39
Oh, gosh, red.
Michelle Lynne 26:43
strong coffee. It goes with a strong coffee.
Summer Meddock 26:48
That's right. Like it's
Michelle Lynne 26:51
exactly. All right. Um, we talked about your consistent morning routine. We've covered a lot today. What was the last time you took a nap?
Summer Meddock 26:59
Oh, loves I can't even remember. But I did do a mom's day a solo mom's day in Palm Desert. I didn't get a massage. And all by myself was awesome.
Michelle Lynne 27:15
That sounds divine. That sounds absolutely divine. So to wrap this up, is there any piece of wisdom or advice you would want to leave with our listeners about owning a retail location?
Summer Meddock 27:30
Yes, definitely. If you're wanting to open a retail space, jot down jot down your ideal ideal deal shopper. Get to know them understand them. Know your vision, your why. Because on those days that nothing makes sense. The business isn't generating revenue, nobody's coming in, you want to have that wide to fall back on and get really clear on you know, this is this is why I'm doing this, whatever the reason might be, um, talk with people have people come alongside you hear advice, hear feedback from people that have been there and have done it. And don't be afraid to ask the question. I'm learning that firsthand, because I'm usually afraid to ask for help or ask the question. Um, and, and just, gosh, I would say ya know, you're a demographic where you're going to research it and have a realistic picture. What's it? What's it going to cost? What am I getting myself into? Right, like dream big, but also like, do the research and, and educate? And? Yeah, don't be afraid to ask for help.
Michelle Lynne 28:55
I think that that's key. And asking for help isn't easy. For a lot of us. I think. One piece of advice that one of my former bosses. It's stuck with me, and it has driven me in my current business. And that's the numbers. If you need to make a decision. The numbers will tell you. Yeah, so if you're running the numbers, and it doesn't make sense, it doesn't matter how much you want something. And remembering that. No, might just mean not now. Absolutely. So it's no Would you say it's important to have your design business systems solidified before you bid off the chunk of retail or GE or would you could you do them at the same time?
Summer Meddock 29:46
I didn't. But it would certainly be helpful to have a really good grasp on the design side before you jump into retail. Because ultimately the design side might be floating money over to the retail side to cover overhead as you adjust and figure out you know realistically what what that's going to look like the out and begin. Oh, and yeah having a good accountant or bookkeeper? I mean for anybody who's not a numbers person, please do that from the get go because it just will save your butt on so many things and it will bring you peace of mind please hire somebody.
Michelle Lynne 30:27
It's so true. I mean like I don't I don't color my own hair. No, this is not my this is not my real color. I know you're all shocked don't color my own hair. I don't feel my own cavities like hire the professional.
Summer Meddock 30:44
It will it will be a game changer. I'm doing it now. After years of going I can do it. Nope. Just hire the professional save your time.
Michelle Lynne 30:53
Oh, girl. Yes. Amen to that you preach. I'm a big fan of outsourcing. In fact, I think I had a podcast. I don't know what episode it was on outsourcing. Like, shit. You should outsource? Yes, accounting is at the top of the list. Yeah. All right, girl. Well, Samar, thank you so much for being here. It was so nice to catch up, catch up with you to get to know you a little bit better to share your wisdom with the listeners about a question that I'm asked so often is, is it a good idea to open up a retail shop? So I know that our audience is loved everything you've shared? Will you tell our audience how and where they can connect with you? And then of course, I'll have all of that information in the show notes as well.
Summer Meddock 31:38
Absolutely. Well, Michelle, thank you for having me. Also, I'm so honored to be able to chat with you and just to share with your audience. I'm so appreciative. And I hope that the things that I've shared will will help somebody I'm sure they will. And if anyone wants to connect, I am an open book. My Instagram handle is med doc me di D o c k underscore interiors. and my website is Medoc interiors.com, and emails the same summer at Medoc interiors, EPA
Michelle Lynne 32:18
will be able to find you you can run but you can't hide. Right, there is no hiding. Especially when you're in business for yourself. That's the last thing you want to know. All right. So I will make sure that all of those details are listed in the show notes, like I mentioned. And for those of you who can benefit from even more resources surrounding the business of running your interior design business, join the growing community on my Facebook private group. It's called the interior designers business Launchpad. Oh, and don't forget, wherever you're listening to this podcast, I would really, really appreciate if you would just drop a review in there, it helps keep us relevant. So until next time, thank you summer. And thank you, listeners. Hey, y'all. If you love the show and find it useful, I would really appreciate it if you would share with your friends and followers. And if you like what you're hearing, want to put a face with the name and get even more business advice. Then join me in my Facebook group, the interior designers business launch pack. Yeah, I know it's Facebook, but just come on in for the training and then leave without scrolling your feet. It's fine. I promise you'll enjoy it. And finally, I hear it's good for business to get ratings on your podcast. So please drop yours on whatever platform you use to listen to this. We're all about community over competition. So let's work on elevating our industry, one designer at a time. See you next time.
Transcribed by https://otter.ai
