To-The-Trade S2E38 From Corporate to Creative: How Shelly Hudson Launched Her Interior Design Studio

Show Summary:

In this heartfelt episode of To-The-Trade, hosts Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson sit down with interior designer Shelly Hudson, founder of Hudson Home. Shelly shares her professional journey from working in the corporate retail design world to building her own successful design firm focused on intentional, emotionally resonant spaces. Her move to entrepreneurship was motivated by a desire to create more personalized, life-enhancing environments for her clients.

The conversation deeply explores the challenges and rewards of running a small business, including setting boundaries, communicating value, and staying authentic in every project. Shelly talks about how her process focuses on listening, empathy, and storytelling to create meaningful homes. She also shares the importance of mental wellness in a demanding industry and how she’s built a supportive network to stay grounded.

Shelly reflects on the pressure to be perfect in an Instagram-driven world, offering honest advice for designers about pricing confidently, saying no when needed, and building a business model that emphasizes both creativity and sustainability. Her passion for community, mentorship, and collaborative growth shines throughout the episode.