Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizz Luckhart Schleifer.
Hi Lizz, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, I’ve never been someone who has a “normal job.” I’ve owned my own business since I was 23 years old! Although I am from Winston-Salem, NC, I have lived full-time in Charleston since 2002. I am the mom to her three amazing children, Jack, Charlie, and Lola, and my 5 cocker spaniels, Cash, Hank, June, Woods, and Boss, and married to my best friend, Brett. I have been creative my entire life- my family’s favorite story of me growing up is how often I used to move my furniture around and repaint my room. One night, I jumped into bed- except I had just moved the bed and hit a wall and gave myself a concussion.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There are always going to be obstacles- its all in how you handle them! I think some of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced have been learning to balance motherhood while owning a business; earlier in my career, I turned down some big career opportunities, but my children came first, and I was able to have the foresight that I would still be in my 40’s and my kiddos would be out of the house. I could have a whole “second” career phase. It was scary to essentially “shut down” my business to focus on my kids and then be like, “Hey! I’m back. Please still use me.” There is a lot of vulnerability that comes with that. I’m trying to tell all the other parents who step back from their businesses to focus on their families- you can always come back! I’m busier than ever, and taking on some of my favorite projects I’ve ever done!
Thanks for sharing that. You could tell us more about your business.
I began my career by founding Southern Protocol in December 2003. As an award-winning event designer, I have been quoted in Martha Stewart Weddings, Charleston Weddings, Southern Bride, and Glamour Magazine. Featured in every print magazine and design blog nationwide and having designed hundreds of events, I then opened a successful boutique in 2014. Presented with an opportunity to sell the boutique in late 2016, I seized the oppotunity to return to my true passion of {just} home design.
Re-branded as Lizz Luckhart Designs, I pride myself on helping clients cultivate their own individual home style. I subscribe to the “dopamine design” theory that creating spaces that fill you with joy is the key to good design. Be inspired by trends but not led by them, and use color, patterns, textures, and accessories in your home so that you are drawn to- not what the magazines tell you to use!
During COVID-19, I had 2 kids in high school and one in middle school- I shut down my website and focused on keeping them going; it was a challenging time to have teenagers! We are four years post-COVID- and I am an almost empty nester! I knew once my kiddos were older, I would amp my design business back up. The very talented Jennifer Buddin revamped my website; I reopened all my trade accounts and found that I was busier than ever. I’m beyond lucky to have amazing clients who let me spread my “Dopamine Design” message on residential and commecial projects! I love making people feel joy about their spaces.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
From a life perspective, what matters most is waking up with a clear mind and showing gratitude to everyone I encounter, my children, husband and clients. From a work perspective, I love showing my clients that they can love their homes and that using items they already have can be so impactful.
Contact Info:
- Website: lizzluckhartdesigns.com
- Instagram: @lizzluckhartschleifer
- Facebook: Lizz Luckhart Schleifer
Image Credits
Lauren Jonas Photography
