In The Spotlight

This month Melissa Michaels from the Inspired Room, has stopped by to be my "In The Spotlight" artist. Melissa is an interior design consultant and an accomplished writer. The first time I discovered her blog, I remember thinking I had stumbled onto a new HGTV show. I hope you enjoy learning a little bit about her and her business and that you will stop by her, beautiful and inspiring blog.

I am so humbled that Ruth selected me to be her featured guest this month. I am pleased to be able to share a little bit about what I do, because it is something I am passionate about. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved houses. Not every house had the power to charm me, but the ones that did pulled me in and enchanted me. It didn’t matter if they were large and castle-like, small and cozy, or a seemingly ordinary rambler -- certain homes radiated something special. As I grew up, I started to realize what they all had in common. I was drawn to homes that reflected the joy and life of the people who lived there. Those homes wrapped you up like a big hug when you walked through the door. You wanted to stay awhile in houses like that.

Being an interior design consultant for my own business, The Inspired Room, is a dream come true for me. It has allowed me the opportunity to help other people achieve something in their home that they sense is missing. Whether it is helping someone find a personal decorating style, a comfortable furniture arrangement or giving advice on accessories, it has been really satisfying to be a part of the process of creating homes. I enjoy seeing people start to love their surroundings.

This past summer I started a blog designed to be a place for me to share bits and pieces about my business. I didn’t expect it to end up having a life of its own! It has been a whirlwind of activity and fun I never imagined it could be. My blog is not only another creative outlet for me, but it is a means by which I am able to connect with like-minded people. I have a tremendous group of wonderful readers and blog writers in their own right that never cease to amaze me by their support, talent, inspiration and encouragement. I love getting to know them!

A few months ago I was asked by the editor of Christian Women Online Magazine to write a monthly column. I was taken aback at the thought because I didn’t consider myself a writer! But it has been really exciting to have another avenue to encourage women by using the passion I have for the home. I now write on topics for their magazine covering topics such as decorating, homemaking and lifestyle.

Between my life as a mom to three children, a wife to my husband and my careers in decorating and writing, I am a busy woman! But I feel really fortunate to be where I fit best. It may sound cliché, but getting paid to do what I love makes all the time and effort worthwhile.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to share a little bit about what I do!

I hope you've enjoyed meeting Melissa and getting to know her a little better. Be sure to stop by her website: http://www.theinspiredroom.com/ and visit her blog at: http://www.theinspiredroom.wordpress.com/

All photos are used with permission by and are copyright to, Melissa Michaels, The Inspired Room.