Today With Alison Melnick:

Today with Alison Melnick, we're diving into a story of bold pivots, transferable skills, and the power of building your business with intention. Alison is the founder of Catherine Rose Design & CO., a New Jersey-based interior design firm known for creating beautiful, functional homes for modern families. But before launching her business, Alison was living a very different dream — working in PR and marketing at Madison Square Garden.

In this episode, Alison shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how she used her background to her advantage, and why she treated her design firm like a real business from day one. You’ll hear how she built her portfolio with strategy, invested in branding and systems, and developed trade relationships that now support her growth.

LuAnn Nigara and Alison Melnick’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“If I'm going to start this business, I'm going to do it the right way. I'm going to get a brand. I'm going to get a logo. I'm going to get a website. I'm going to build a social media platform. I'm going to make content.” - Alison

“If you're going to do something, do it like a grown-up business. Because a grown-up business starts faster if you do it faster.” - LuAnn

More About Alison Melnick

A mother of two with a passion for designing beautiful and inviting spaces, Alison Melnick founded Catherine Rose Design & CO. to help others turn their houses into homes. An expert in construction consulting and design, Alison is trusted by her clients as someone who can ease the remodeling process and curate a beautiful and functional family home.

With years of experience working with local contractors, Alison earned her design certificate at Berkeley College in 2020 and has since worked on dozens of interior projects. Previously a publicist and marketing professional at Madison Square Garden, Alison's background in project management, event logistics, and creative solutions translate perfectly into her day to day at CRD&CO.

Connect with Alison Melnick

Website

Blog

Instagram

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AHD and Co. Trade

Demystifying Interior Design Fees: Clarity, Confidence, and Client Conversations - Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Anastasia Harrison

Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Nicole Heymer

Nicole Heymer’s Website

Design Trade Service

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AWDB #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

AWDB #958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso

1094: NEW SHOW: Alison Melnick: Systems, Support & Strategy: A Designer’s First Year 01:20:22 Share

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Shownotes Transcript

1094: NEW SHOW: Alison Melnick: Systems, Support & Strategy: A Designer’s First Year