Meet Iyonna Shannon of Iyonna Shannon, Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iyonna Shannon.

Hi Iyonna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been drawn to design. I actually started out studying Fashion Marketing & Management at SCAD, where I learned that great design is about more than aesthetics. Design is about how people experience the world around them. From there, every part of my life naturally became rooted in creativity.

At 23, I purchased my first condo and slowly transformed it into a home that reflected who I was. Friends, family, and even strangers constantly complimented the space and asked for advice. Later, I bought my first single-family home and began documenting the renovation and design process as a single mom restoring a mid-century modern home. I shared affordable design tips, renovation updates, and the belief that everyone deserves a home that feels beautiful, regardless of their budget.

What surprised me most was what happened next. People didn’t just enjoy following along, they started asking me to design their homes. Interior design wasn’t something I set out to pursue; it truly found me. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. I’ve always had a creative eye, and design has been the common thread throughout my life.

As a single mom, I worked jobs that provided stability, even if they weren’t where my heart was. Along the way, I also gained valuable experience working in the industry as a project manager, which gave me a deeper understanding of construction, renovations, budgets, and the many moving parts behind bringing a vision to life.

Today, I get to combine everything I’ve learned. With my creativity, my love of storytelling, and my project management experience, I create soulful, timeless interiors that reflect the people who live in them. My goal is to design homes that feel deeply personal, timeless, and full of character.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Building this business has stretched me in ways I never expected.

One of my biggest challenges has been learning to use my voice. Whether advocating for my clients, collaborating with contractors, or protecting the integrity of a design, I’ve had to become comfortable speaking up with confidence. Early on, I realized there was no room for imposter syndrome. Every project reminded me that I was hired because someone trusted my vision, and it’s my responsibility to honor both that trust and my clients’ investment.

People often assume interior design is all about selecting beautiful furniture and finishes, but that’s only a small part of the job. Behind every finished space are countless hours of project management, budgeting, problem-solving, vendor coordination, communication, and business strategy. There are also seasons that are slower than others, and those moments have taught me the importance of consistency, discipline, and continuing to show up even when the results aren’t immediate.

I’m grateful for every challenge because each one has made me a stronger designer, a better business owner, and a more confident leader. It’s taught me to trust my instincts, stand firmly in my gifts, and remember that creating beautiful spaces is only one part of what I do. But, building trust is the foundation of all of it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I believe a home should tell your story and not someone else’s. I specialize in creating soulful, timeless interiors that feel collected, deeply personal, and rooted in the people who live there. While I love blending vintage and modern influences, my work isn’t about fitting into one design style. It’s about creating spaces that evoke comfort, nostalgia, joy, and a true sense of belonging.
I offer both virtual and full-service interior design, renovation planning, project management, and styling. Whether we’re furnishing a single room or renovating an entire home, I help clients make thoughtful decisions that balance beauty, function, and long-term value.
What sets my brand apart is my belief that meaningful design should never be driven by trends. Through my design work and the content I create online, I encourage people to embrace what they genuinely love instead of chasing what’s popular. I often say that the purpose of a home was never perfection, but design curated through comfort, peace and love. Those values guide every project I take on.
What I’m most excited about is making great design feel tangible and accessible. I know that every client has different goals, budgets, and levels of support they need, which is why I intentionally offer multiple tiers of design services. Whether someone is looking for a digital design plan, guidance during a renovation, or a full-service experience, I want them to feel like beautiful, thoughtful design is within reach. Everyone deserves a home they love, and I believe there should be a path to get there that fits their needs.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my community. Many of my clients first found me by following my own home renovation journey online, and today they invite me into one of the most personal parts of their lives, their homes. That trust is something I never take for granted, and my goal is to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but truly feel like home.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t necessarily believe that success comes down to good luck or bad luck. I believe in trusting the journey, even when it doesn’t make sense at the time. Looking back, every opportunity, challenge, and detour has led me closer to the work I’m meant to be doing.
More than luck, I believe in consistency. Showing up for yourself, especially on the days you don’t feel like it, creates opportunities you can’t always predict. When you consistently put your work into the world, you place yourself in the path of people who believe in your vision, advocate for you, and connect you with opportunities that align with your purpose.
My interior design career is a perfect example of that. I wasn’t chasing this profession; I was only sharing something I genuinely loved. By continuing to create, document my journey, and stay consistent, the right people found me. That’s why I believe purpose, preparation, and persistence create opportunities that many people might call “luck.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @iyonnashannon