Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonja Zelen.
Hi Sonja, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always enjoyed painting and when I had my first child I painted baby clothes and furniture for a local shop. That led to customers asking if I could paint other items and that led into some interior design and I became my own business.
Over the years I have done interior design and love using items people already have and updating them with paint , customizing walls with paint and murals, painting their pets portraits, sewing appliqué pillows for something a little different and personal for their decor. My focus has always been on custom work to provide the client a special piece or pieces for their home. Today I am doing paintings for a shop in Cashiers, Nc and one in Marin County, California. I still do a bit of design work and the painted finishes including repairing frames, furniture and whatever else the client needs changing. I also work with several designers in the Atlanta area helping them give their clients some custom details.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t know of anyone having a smooth road as life is bumpy and the road goes different directions. I started with children’s furniture and am now painting paintings, decorating and painting custom work on furniture and walls.
There are slow times when one wonders if anyone will call again and other times where there is too much work to do. I work by myself primarily so I can only do so much at a time. I flourish when I am busier.
There are times when wealthier clients can be quite demanding and they can be impatient.
Mostly I have had the pleasure of lovely clients who use my services frequently over the years and I have established some great relationships. I love what I am doing as it is so varied.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Painting. I love to paint whether it’s walls, furniture, canvases, fabric, whatever can be painted. Commissions are my favorite as it creates a challenge to create the vision the client is hoping for. I like the coffines of making something I never would have thought of doing.
Texture is important and color. I can paint something in the colors the client wants for their decor.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
my family always encourages me when I get frustrated as they have confidence I will always figure out how to complete the assignment. Many of my clients tell their friends and almost all of my work is word of mouth so I know my community. several designers support my work and we’ve developed a great working relationship. I love seeing what they’re doing and helping them fulfill their vision for their client. They are always helpful.
Pricing:
- I charge $100.00 an hour for painting almost everything.
- the interior design fee is $150.00 pr hour plus 20% mark up on what I pay for the fabrics or what ever I am purchasing.
- Paintings vary as they take quite a bit of time but I have to consider the stores have to double the price for their sales so I try to be fair so we can both make a sale
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sonjazelendesign
Image Credits
sonja zelen
