August Edition: Meet Shades of Gray Design Studio Founder
August Edition: Meet Shades of Gray Design Studio Founder
Marketing Tips with Ericka Saurit: It’s time to get your story straight.
By Ericka Saurit
Why narrative is the most powerful (and underused) tool in your brand toolbox.
Last month, we explored how marketing is a lot like dating and how defining your ideal client helps you know how and when to show up.
This month, we’re talking about something just as essential, but often overlooked: your story.
Because if your brand message is the first thing people see… your story is what makes them stay.
Narrative is one of the most powerful tools you have as a creative business owner. But most designers either skip over it or get stuck trying to make it sound too polished.
Your story doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be true. And it needs to be told with purpose.
Melissa Fields’ Shift From Military Service to Interior Design
“Talent is good. Practice is better. Passion is best.” – Frank Lloyd Wright, American Architect, Writer, Educator and Designer
Many—well most—of us have a natural talent for the work we do in the interior design industry. We remember rearranging and redesigning our childhood bedrooms over and over again. And we practiced that skill in more ways than we can probably count. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty of what makes each of us successful, and aspires us to be successful for those just starting in the industry, it comes down to passion.
And that’s what designer Melissa Fields discovered was driving her love for interior design at the end of a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force.
“Toward the later part of my career is when I really started thinking seriously about getting into design,” says Fields, who is Founder, CEO and Principle Designer at Shades of Gray Design Studio in San Antonio, Texas. “I enjoyed my career [in the Air Force] and it was an amazing experience, but I was ready to do what I was absolutely passionate about doing.”
She opened her firm in 2018 and has been able to utilize a lot of her military experiences and lessons in her work. Scroll to learn more about Fields, the passion that drives her successful business today and the insight she shares if someone in the military is considering a switch to interior design in the future, and be sure to check out the full interview.
AI in Design: Episode 7 — Build Tools That Work for You (and Your Clients) with AI
Hosted by Jenna Gaidusek
In this month's episode of AI in Design, Jenna dives into platforms like Base 44 and how its app-building capabilities are transforming the way designers work.
Spoiler alert: this isn’t about replacing assistants — it’s about giving them (and you!) the ultimate toolkit to work smarter, not harder. From creating a client intake prompt that uncovers their style and needs, to building a budget tracker you and your clients can both follow, the possibilities are endless.
If you’ve ever wished for a way to streamline your workflow, get better client insights, and make data-driven decisions without the overwhelm, you won’t want to miss this one.
Get 30% off a subscription to The DAIly—a premier AI training program designed for creative professionals. Gain access to bite-sized daily lessons, expert insights, and live events to help you integrate AI into your business with confidence. No coupon needed—just sign up and start transforming the way you work with AI today!
DSA Insider: Contracts Tips, Events and Fresh Reads
Design Contract Tip From Attorney Wendy Estela:
Tip No. 4: Safeguard Your Creative Work
"Protect your intellectual property by including language about ownership of designs, mood boards, and other deliverables in your contracts. Make sure that you have the legal right to what your employees and contractors create in the course of their work for your business. You can't always protect the look of the final design, but there are creative ways to safeguard your creativity."
Your designs, mood boards, and other creative deliverables are valuable—make sure your contract says who owns them. It’s also important to spell out that anything your team or contractors create for your business belongs to you. You might not be able to protect the finished look of a space, but there are smart ways to protect your ideas and original work. A little legal clarity goes a long way in safeguarding your creativity.
Décor Tours, a travel experience company created by interior designers for interior designers, has announced its fall 2025 lineup of international design tours AND DSA members are eligible for exclusive discounts.
These curated trips offer participants the opportunity to explore celebrated and emerging design destinations through a professional lens, combining education, cultural immersion and elevated travel experiences.
2025 tour highlights include:
Paris (September): A longtime favorite, the Paris tour includes access to lesser-known ateliers, flea markets and design landmarks.
Provence (September): Explore charming towns, regional markets and authentic French countryside design, all set against a scenic backdrop.
New York City (November): Discover some of the best design resourcing, inspiration and build-your-business information the city has to offer.
Décor Tours is extending a 10% discount on any 2025 tour package to current DSA members. To redeem the offer, members can use the code DSA25 during registration.
Founded over a decade ago by designers Deb Barrett and Susan Schultz, Décor Tours was established with the goal of “showing, not telling” fellow professionals the depth and breadth of design inspiration available beyond traditional showrooms and sample books. Since then, the company has led small-group tours to Paris, London, Venice, Provence, and Portugal, consistently prioritizing meaningful connections, hands-on exploration, and unexpected inspiration. Learn more.
High Point Market:
Fall High Point Market is just around the corner! From live music by The Coral Reefer Band to artisan pop-ups and a behind-the-scenes documentary project, this year’s Market promises unforgettable experiences—register now and start planning your trip.
Fresh Reads:
The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood
In his debut book, The World of Peter Dunham: Global Style from Paris to Hollywood, acclaimed designer Peter Dunham showcases a dozen richly layered, never-before-seen interiors. Known for his bold use of color, pattern, and relaxed sophistication, Dunham’s work spans New York penthouses, California retreats, and his own Paris pied-à-terre. Each chapter explores a pillar of his design ethos—Color, Rhythm, Togetherness, and Nature—brought to life through stunning photography. A must-read for anyone who loves timeless style with a worldly point of view.
High Point Market:
In his debut book, 
