Life and Work with Somer Barnhart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Somer Barnhart.

Somer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a home with two very talented parents. My mother owned her own clothing design business and she taught me how to sew, use textures and colors, be creative with what you have, and be unique. My father was always in the garage building furniture, fixing the house, or building houses and often had my sister and I assist him. We were always building, sewing, painting, and creating in our house growing up. It was at this early stage in my life that I found a true love for design and have been able to use what I learned growing up to help me be proficient in all areas of my field. In my early twenties I decided to make my dream of being an Interior Designer come true and started Rasls Designs, LLC. I truly love what I do and I couldn’t be happier that I get to live my dream each and everyday! The people I’ve met, the clients I’ve worked for and the vendors I’ve worked with along the way have proven to be the most rewarding aspect of chasing my dream.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Having my own business is tremendously rewarding but it has also been far from easy. Being an entrepreneur requires countless sacrifices as you build up clientele and solidify your reputation in the field which often requires long work days and overcoming unforeseen obstacles. However, as long as you keep an open mind, each obstacle can be seen as learning experience that can teach you a lesson allow you to continue to grow. If you are true to yourself, honest with your clients, and put your all into your work you will succeed. I’m also a strong believer that we are only as good as our support team and for me, with my business, I couldn’t do what I do without all of the wonderful people who help me along the way.  From the builders to my clients and everyone in between each person is a critical aspect to accomplishing the overall goal which is to deliver a product that everyone can be proud of. Each team member is vital to the success of each and every project and I strive to ensure each team member is recognized for their efforts and what they bring to the table.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Rasls Designs – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I am most proud of my ability to keep my costs low which allows me to help a large range clients regardless of their budget. Interior design help shouldn’t be for just the wealthy. Rasls Designs, LLC can assist with both commercial and private residences offering services that range from something as simple as choosing the correct paint color to facilitating a new build from start to finish.  One of my specialties is acting as a project manager on new home builds for both individual homeowner’s and speculative builders. As a project manager I work with the builder and/or homeowner to perfect the design before construction starts. I help the pick everything from paint to furniture and everything in between if needed as the new home build gets underway. This up front investment in time helps minimize changes later on which ultimately saves the homeowner time and money.

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Yes, I think there are still areas we need to work on but we have come a long way and should be very proud of what we have and will accomplish. I truly believe all women are capable of doing any job we set our minds too and put our all into. For any female out there, if you truly want something, put in the effort and never back down your efforts and persistence will shine!

Pricing:

• First hour with an hour minimum is $100.00 and $60.00 per hour after when away from the office
• $60.00 per hour flat fee when working from the office

Contact Info:

• Website: www.raslsdesgins.com
• Phone: 480-993-8261
• Email: RaslsD@cox.net
• Instagram: Rasls_designs
• Facebook: Rasls Designs, LLC

Image Credit:
All photos provided are by myself with the exception of my professional photo done by Monika Montana Photography IG monikamontanaphotography31

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