Meet Chermanda Frazier | Interior Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chermanda Frazier and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chermanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my company (formally known as Rooms by Mandy) in 2016. At the time, I was a teacher and wanted to spend my summer break doing something I enjoyed. Initially, my business was nothing but a hobby. I made very little profit, but my goal was to perfect my crafting skills and practice designing spaces to fit the needs and functionality in homes. I wanted to take away the overwhelming concept of decorating an entire space by chunking it into bite size pieces that were more manageable for homeowners.

I found an application that targeted neighbors who were within a 5-mile radius of my home and simply advertised my own decor. I literally posted a “Porch Decoration Package” that included a custom front door wreath, outdoor chair, pillow, doormat, sign, and plants for $175. Needless to say, my margins were negative, but the clients who gave me a chance 5 years ago are repeat customers and long term friends.

Starting a business is about learning, growing, and making mistakes. Once I let go of the excuses and put my faith to the test, I was more than ready to execute. In the past two months, I have spent every waken hour outside of work completing meaningful tasks to escalate my vision, purpose, and dream. My thought process is simply to pray, plan, and execute. Below are a few things I have accomplished recently through this process:

+Rebranded company name, logo, colors, and media presence
+Scheduled and participated in a rebranding photoshoot
+Re-evaluated pricing, services, and profit margins
+Designed my own website: legendarylookinteriors.com
+Hired a Social Media Specialist (New Tik Tok account: @legendarylookinteriors)
+Engrossed myself in a spiritual fast for 40 days
+Created an automated invoice account
+Contacted a realtor to look for commercial properties (and research city ordinances)

Because of this determination, my revenue has boosted more than 250% and keeps climbing. My mindset has shifted…sometimes, that’s truly what holds you back.

If you doubt yourself, just know it only takes one person to give you a chance, but more importantly, you need enough courage to believe you can do anything with focus and determination. Always bet on yourself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The past eleven years, I have poured into educating others. At the age of 30, I became an elementary school principal serving PK-5th grade. I’ve made it my mission to lead with love and leave each school better than before. Many find it hard to pinpoint one passion, let alone two, so I don’t take this opportunity for granted. I knew early on I wanted to be an educator, thanks to my Aunt Eva and Aunt Maxine, and I am truly thankful to enjoy coming to work each day -building my career- while also laying the foundation to establish a family empire. Who says women can’t do both?

Believe it or not, being an educator and an interior designer are transferable. Think about it. Leaders design every day. We design the layout of a space or building, create systematic structures, and build protocol to help an operation run smoothly. The two also produce emotion, and emotion drives and motivates people. Leaders and designers can either help or hurt the overall climate of a space. In any case, I aim to bring the feeling of joy and positive energy in the environments I design.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, home is where the heart (and entertainment) is! Especially during the season of COVID, more people reach out to me now to create an intimate and comforting space that they can enjoy daily with family and close friends.

The Legendary Look Brand has also partnered to establish The HideOut at Cedar Hill: The Legendary Experience. We saw a need for a local luxury get away in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, so our company is in the process of renovating a nearly 9,000 square foot property sitting on 8-acres of land for short term leasing and small gatherings. This property features a guest house, entertainment space, pool, as well as comfortably sleeping 24 people.

We can’t wait to release dates for bookings for the HideOut in 2022! Stay tuned…

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a child, I remembered seeing my mom, Marcella Johnson, decorate and host the best events at our home. The jungle theme in the upstairs niche was unforgettable. I always admired her for creating a space that was welcoming to all, and I hope I can replicate that same feeling and emotion in the homes I design.

I also can picture my dad, the late Sherman R. Johnson, selling houses, insurance, and cars in the same day. In elementary school, my dad would let me skip class so I could help him sell a house because I was his “good luck charm.” Despite how comical (and ironic) some of the memories I have, my father engraved in me very impactful life lessons that I will cherish forever. Hustle, work hard, love on your family, and have fun doing it. I strive every day to make him proud.

Funny enough, I married someone who reminds me a lot of my dad. Marlon, you inspire me daily to think outside of the box, push the envelope, and take calculated risks. Thank you for growing with me and loving me through it all. The best is yet to come.

My son, Camden, is the motivation to keep pushing. The sight of his smile brings an internal glow to my heart. At the end of the day, it’s our mission to build a legacy for him and future generations so they too can find joy, purpose, and succeed in life.

There aren’t many people in the world who exclusively pray for you daily, but I have been blessed to be covered by those with strong faith and take the work of the Lord seriously. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Website: legendarylookinteriors.com

Instagram: legendarylookinteriors

Facebook: @legendarylookinteriors

Other: Legendary Look Interiors just launched an account with Tik Tok! Follow @legendarylookinteriors on our Social Media platforms for new content and recent how-to guides for DIY holiday projects for a chance to win a custom front door wreath. Also, visit the Legendary Look Barber Lounge website for servicing, memberships, and booking in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex at www.thelegendarylook.com.

Image Credits
Fototastic DFW