Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Shemo.
Hi Summer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been curating a home design Instagram page since November or December 2018. In response to Hurricane Michael, our home build was in shambles and it was a way for me to share updates from our build but also an outlet for me to share the devastation of my hometown. I quickly started sharing coastal homes nearby that I was using as inspiration and those shares became very popular. I have loved home design since I was a teenager. My mom started taking me to Parade of Homes every year on Mother’s Day and I immediately fell in love with the world of design and construction. I owner-built my first home in 2007 when I was a 24-year-old single mom. In 2018, we got the chance to owner build my second home, which is our coastal farmhouse that I often share on my Instagram page.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Building an Instagram page has been an interesting ride. I never set out to have a large following and never even imagined it, actually. I was sharing homes because I realized that there were other people out there who were interested in seeing them, too. I wasn’t the only home design nerd, after all. I don’t know if I would categorize my social media journey as having any real struggles, per se, but I would say that there’s a lot of factors out of your control and that can be challenging. But the community and conversations are generally so positive and make it so much fun and worthwhile.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
By day I am a seasoned physical therapist and have 17 years experience. By night, I devour home design and decor. I love the creativity and ingenuity involved in construction and renovation and that is what draws me to the industry. I love the process of watching studs become someone’s sanctuary and refuge.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
There are way more wonderful people on social media than I realized at first. It can sometimes feel really negative, but the reality is that most folks in the space are incredibly friendly. It’s amazing how much we can learn from each other and I love that aspect of insta.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.summeronthecoastblog.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/summer_onthecoast
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/summeronthecoast
Image Credits
Kelly Creamer Photography
