Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Russell.
Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Memphis in 2001 and then went on to get my certification as a Certified Kitchen Designer from the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Later in 2020, I achieved the highest level of certification as a Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer.
After working in cabinet showrooms for almost ten years, the showroom I was working for was going out of business. The recession was just beginning and there weren’t many other stable options. I knew I wanted to continue to build the relationships I had established. Out of necessity, I opened my business in February of 2008. By opening my own business, I could also offer additional services to my clients to help them with material selections and walk them through the construction process.
This allowed me to focus on complete projects and to be a trusted resource to my clients to guide them through every step of the process. While opening my own business wasn’t planned, I am thankful for where the journey has led me.
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?
Starting a business as a young single female during a recession was not easy. I often wondered if I was doing the right thing. But I truly felt if I could get through this, I could make it through anything.
I worked hard to slowly build my customer base through word of mouth only. Even today, some of those same clients have asked me to work on additional projects or their next home and continue to refer me.
As you know, we’re big fans of LM. Designs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a cabinet dealer; therefore, I focus on projects where I can provide all new cabinetry. We offer customized designs tailored to the way you live to reimagine spaces that involve cabinetry.
We walk our clients through the construction process; providing drawings, meeting with contractors/builders, and helping our clients compare estimates. We also assist our clients with selecting materials and obtaining bids for those materials, when needed. Alternately, we often work collaboratively with the client’s interior designer.
Once the construction process begins, we check in on-site to help ensure the design is executed as we have planned. I am proud that I provide so much more value to my clients than just cabinetry!
What matters most to you? Why?
It really gives me the joy to know that what I do impacts people’s daily lives! My goal is to make the design and construction process smoother and more enjoyable.
In the end, if my client smiles every time they walk into their newly renovated or built space or if it can make their busy lives function easier, then I have done my job.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lmdesignsmemphis.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/lmdesignsmemphis
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lmdesignsmemphis
Image Credits:
Stefanie Rawlinson
