We recently had the chance to connect with Melanie Zaelich and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Melanie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I love this question, because my “normal” day is anything but normal.
Right now, my business has split into two exciting paths, and most days I’m bouncing between them.
On one side, I’m an interior designer working with homeowners to create a home they absolutely love.
On one side, I’m an interior designer working with homeowners to create a home they absolutely love.
On the other side, I run a website SEO business where I’m an SEO Consultant and the creator of the SEO STAR™ Framework and the online course SEO STAR™: Shine Online in the AI Era. Through this work, I teach small business owners how to get their websites to show up in Google search results and AI answers by implementing smart, simple SEO.
So one minute I’m meeting a client in their home, choosing paint colors, fabrics, and the perfect layout… and the next minute I’m back in my office, switching gears to market the SEO STAR™ course or consult with a business owner about their website visibility.
The variety is incredibly energizing. I love both so much.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Melanie Zaelich, an interior designer and the owner of Happy Place Interiors—and the owner of My SEO Friend.
I’ve been in business for myself for 10 years, and I love every part of it. Prior to starting Happy Place Interiors, I spent 20 years in advertising, marketing, and branding. So when I launched my design business, I put all of that experience to work. I invested time leaning website SEO, and that’s what helped my company become wildly successful.
Any business owner knows that marketing is one of the hardest parts of running a business, and I’ve watched small business owners all around me struggle with it. So in 2024, I realized I could share my SEO and branding knowledge with other small business owners so they can enjoy the same kind of success I have. Now, I’m on a mission to help small business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs grow their businesses to their full potential.
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?
In my mid-20s, I worked at an award-winning graphic design firm, Little & Co. My boss, Monica Little, the owner, was only in her mid-40s at the time. She was an incredible person, boss, and business owner. She made a huge impact on me as a young designer building my career, and she indirectly taught me so much about business, leadership, and female empowerment.
When I was approaching 40 and working at a large advertising agency, I realized I could start my own business. More importantly, I realized I could design the life I wanted to live: set my own rules, create my own schedule, and help the people I wanted to help. Monica was my inspiration and role model as she opened my eyes to what was possible. I’ll forever be grateful for my time working with her.
She was also simply the best boss. She truly cared about her employees. And even though I don’t have employees of my own, she taught me how to treat my clients, and now my students, with that same level of care, respect, and generosity.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As an entrepreneur, second-guessing can become second nature. The idea of “giving up” can float into your mind more often than you’d like to admit.
It’s hard to keep pushing when you’re creating something that may or may not go anywhere, especially when you’re pouring in so much time and energy, or feeling overwhelmed by everything it can take to bring your idea to life.
I’m lucky to have a group of seven entrepreneurial women, my business besties, who help me stay focused and positive. Surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, support you, and share similar goals is key. Having a community that lifts you up is incredibly important.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, I am very much an open book. I’m not afraid to voice my struggles or fears or my successes. We all have them. Being relatable is very important to me as I value the relationship that it brings.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me for helping them live better— whether that is through a home they love (Happy Place Interiors) or with their business reaching its full potential (My SEO Friend). Both of these things can enhance another persons life— and when it comes down to it, I hope that is what I am remembered for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myseofriend.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mel_my_seo_friend/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-mel-zaelich-194656/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mel.My.SEO.Friend
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-seo-friend-minneapolis?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Portrait credit Leslie Parker
https://www.leslieparkerphotography.com
Rooms:
SpaceCrafting Photography
https://www.spacecrafting.com
