Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Mosley.
Cheryl, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story has always been about transformation—of homes, hearts, and lives. For more than 20 years, I’ve served and led in the nonprofit world, walking alongside families through seasons of hardship and transition. I’ve witnessed the power of stability, and how even small moments of beauty can restore hope.
I’ve loved decorating rooms for as long as I can remember. Even as a little girl, I found joy in rearranging furniture, choosing colors, and creating spaces that felt peaceful and inviting. Years later, that creative spark became a refuge for me. I began restyling my own home during a season of rebuilding—learning to create calm and beauty in the midst of uncertainty. What began as personal healing soon evolved into purpose. Friends began asking for help, then paying clients followed.
Personal enjoyment still plays a big part in what I do. Envisioning an idea and bringing it to life—from concept to completion—brings me great joy. But the deeper joy comes from knowing that I’m designing spaces with dignity and personality for families who may not have had that experience otherwise. Transforming the spaces where we live, work, and play has a profound, empowering effect on our brains and emotions. Our environments can inspire us, calm us, and strengthen us—even in the toughest moments of life.
That understanding led me to merge my two callings—serving people and designing spaces. The result is Elsewhere by Design—where transformation of lives and spaces meet. It’s about designing both futures and homes with intention, so families in transition can grow new roots, rediscover hope, and create lives filled with possibility.
Styling a family’s home is just the starting point. Once we’re in their space, my team and I listen, build relationships, and connect them to the resources that support their healing and growth. We walk alongside them—cheering for every breakthrough, celebrating every small win, and witnessing transformation from the inside out.
Every project reminds me that design is more than décor—it’s ministry, restoration, and empowerment. Today, I continue to build spaces and experiences that remind people that hope isn’t lost—it just lives elsewhere, waiting to be rediscovered.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—but every challenge has shaped the heart of what I do. Building something meaningful rarely comes easy, especially when you’re creating from both purpose and experience. There were seasons when I had to rebuild my own life—financially, emotionally, and spiritually—while still pouring into others. Launching Elsewhere by Design meant stepping out on faith, trusting that the vision God gave me was bigger than my fear.
There were times I questioned if I was ready, if I had enough resources, or if the world would understand the “why” behind what I was building. But even in the uncertainty, doors opened—often through community, small miracles, and divine timing.
The hardest part has been balancing vision with capacity. When your heart is wired to serve, it’s easy to give until you’re empty. I’ve had to learn that rest is part of the design process too—that I can’t pour from an empty vessel.
Through it all, I’ve discovered that the same transformation I want for the families we serve is also happening in me. Every setback has deepened my faith, strengthened my purpose, and refined the vision of Elsewhere by Design into something truly sacred.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Elsewhere By Design/The Hidden Gem Decorator’s Show House/The C Suite Social Venue?
At the center of my work is a simple belief: restoration should be tangible.
• Elsewhere by Design (EBD)
We transform homes for families in transition. Our specialty is trauma-informed, relationship-based interior styling that begins with the room and expands to the whole person. Instead of simply decorating, we create environments that speak to each family’s journey. Once we step into a home, we take time to understand the story behind the space—what each family has overcome, what they’re hoping for, and what stability looks like for them. From there, transformation becomes collaborative. My team and I guide families through both the design and the deeper rebuilding process, helping them access the tools, resources, and confidence they need to sustain long-term growth.
What sets us apart is dignity-first design—creating spaces with warmth, personality, and purpose for families who may not have had that experience otherwise. But beyond design, what truly distinguishes us is our vision. We want to strengthen our entire city by helping families design lives of stability—strong enough that they no longer have to depend on safety nets. And once they’re standing firmly, they reach back to walk alongside their neighbors, creating a ripple effect of hope, empowerment, and community transformation.
• The Hidden Gem Decorator’s Show House
A modern-vintage boutique and design showcase where styled vignettes and curated finds fund EBD’s home transformations. It’s retail with a mission—creativity and community under one roof, so every purchase has purpose and impact.
• The C-Suite Social Venue (opening 2026)
An intimate gathering space for soulful events, cultural experiences, and community conversations—another way beauty fuels purpose. Proceeds also benefit Elsewhere by Design.
• Virginia CARES, Inc. (my professional role)
I serve as Executive Administrative & Strategy Coordinator for a statewide re-entry nonprofit helping returning citizens rebuild their lives. My work focuses on strengthening infrastructure, aligning strategy, and elevating outcomes so people have real pathways home—housing, employment, connection, and dignity. This role keeps me grounded in systems-level impact while Elsewhere by Design meets families at the front door.
What I’m known for: merging the transformation of lives and spaces—designing both futures and homes with intention. I’m most proud that our brand doesn’t stop at “pretty.” We measure impact, honor story, and design for healing.
Ultimately, my work is about creating environments where people can breathe again—where they feel seen, valued, and inspired to imagine what’s next. Whether it’s a family rediscovering stability, a guest feeling moved in one of our venues, or a returning citizen finding their footing again, my goal is the same: to remind people that beauty, belonging, and possibility all begin right where they are.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I’ve always loved about Atlanta is its creativity and its heartbeat for reinvention. It’s a city that has mastered the art of honoring its history while still dreaming forward—and that balance speaks to me. Atlanta is filled with innovators, artists, and community builders who lead with both purpose and style. That same energy inspires much of what I’m building in Roanoke—spaces that blend creativity, culture, and community impact.
As for what I like least, I think every growing city wrestles with the same challenge: making sure progress doesn’t leave people behind. Whether in Atlanta, Roanoke, or anywhere else, the real work is ensuring that opportunity, beauty, and access reach every neighborhood—not just the ones that are easy to see. My hope is that through design, connection, and collaboration, we can continue to build cities that feel like home for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Elsewherebydesign.org
- Instagram: Elsewherebydesign
- Facebook: Elsewherebydesign
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cheryl-mosley-27bb9b86
