We’re looking forward to introducing you to Blake Mendenhall . Check out our conversation below.
Blake , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
For sure my kids!! I am so blessed to have 3 amazing kids. Kallie my oldest daughter now 21. My son Kade 16 and my youngest daughter Kyelah 7. They give me such purpose and joy in our daily routine. I’m so proud of them all especially my oldest two. They have stepped up and have been a great blessing as we have navigated the lost of their Mom, my wife Rachel 7yrs ago. It literally changed our lives completely. I know she would be so proud of her kids and the accomplishments they all have achieved and the young Women and young Men they are today.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Blake Mendenhall owner and designer of Space2improve. 7 years ago my life and career changed overnight. I had spent the past 10yrs as a retail store manager and store concept designer. Building teams and stores throughout the southern states. I had to pivot to care for my two older children and my 5 week old daughter after the passing of my wife Rachel. I couldn’t travel and design or build teams and still care for my kids in the way I knew needed to be done. Space2improve was born. I built a website and started building relationships in my local community. Becoming certified building relationships with vendors and customers one project at a time.
After a few projects I realize that there’s not a designer in my area who specializes in creating value in each space. It’s one thing to decorate. But to truly reimagine the overall functionality and value of a space is priceless. Building a relationship of trust between you and your clients is fundamentally the most important part of design. The proper use of materials, color palette.always creates value in a space. Helping my clients select furniture, materials, flooring, lighting, reimagining the scope of the space and layout we are working with,? removing walls, adding walls or simply updating the façade, landscaping of a space is my specialty. Whether it’s residential or commercial I have done it all.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’’d have to say there has been three moments in my life. The day I married my wife, the day my kids were born. And the day I had to sit with my kids to say goodbye at my wife’s bedside.. Each a pivotable moment in shaping my perspective on the life that we are given, and what we choose to do with it. Here’s what I’ve learned. When we do everything with intentionality placing value on people and the spaces we are in we create a legacy. Of hope, purpose and value. I’m blessed to serve a GOD who as not only sustained me in my children and provided for our family, But along the way giving me purpose hope and a drive to be an impact to everyone and every space I enter.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
For sure… the design world has so many different styles and different approaches to revamping a home or commercial space. And everyone’s perspective of value for a designer can look different as well. Here’s what I had to make a decision on. My time is valuable and my ability to transform a space and create functionality and profitability should it need to be sold or needing to go on the market. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been called back out to a project where they thought they could get it done for less while ending up, spending more money, unused materials, and pushed back timelines. And even uncompleted projects years later..
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Definitely my kids. But they would also say my business. I will drop what I’m doing to be sure my clients have what they need and we are all comfortable with each step of the process. I will always support them and always do what I can to make things happen.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I certainly hope that I was a GOD fearing man who loved his family and loved people. And certainly created beautiful memories and spaces for people to enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.space2improve.com/
- Instagram: @space2improve
