Meet Devon Salisbury | Custom Builder & Finishing Work

We had the good fortune of connecting with Devon Salisbury and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Devon, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I ran my own Etsy shop for 9 years when my kids were young, so I would have a creative outlet and something of my own besides just being “mom”, which is of course an awesome job as well. Then both my kids went to school and were out of the house more often, so I got a little bored and lonely working at home in my basement by myself all the time. I started transforming walls in my own home one at a time to make it more my own and to learn new tools and skills. Then I learned more and more how to build things on my own that I wanted in my home and realized I loved the creative and logistical challenge of making something that didn’t exist before that fit my needs and style best. The more I built for myself, the more I realized other people could want their homes transformed in a unique, custom way without having the tools and experience to do it. I also realized as a woman, many women feel more comfortable with another woman discussing ideas and having me come into their home to build something for them since being a woman is such a minority in the building industry. I didn’t just want to fill my time or make my own money anymore, I wanted to help empower other women to change their own homes or businesses in a way they felt comfortable with, so now I do that for lots of people all across Denver.

What should our readers know about your business?
Like most people’s, my story has gone in very different directions that led me to where I am now. I started in a very detail oriented admin assistant career path to being a mom running my own handlettered sign Etsy business to combining both to do the build work I do now. I started using a saw to cut my wood signs for years until I realized I could cut more wood in different ways to build bigger things. I love combining design with building because I have always been a creative, so I can see things before building them. I’m not afraid to try all kinds of new things in new ways because I’m learning more and more as I do. I love working with clients to come up with something totally custom and unique that someone else might not be able to see the way I do. I also love working with women and families that I have gotten to know and done lots of different projects for because they feel most comfortable with me. I have learned that everyone might have different ways of doing the same thing, but listening to clients and doing a project together with them so they love the end result is the most rewarding thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love when people visit us in Denver because there is so much to do! A drive to a mountain town like Estes or Brek is always a good idea, especially in the Fall. Going to Boulder to see the lookout and having a beer at Avery Brewing is always fun. Or just staying local to where I live near Olde Town Arvada is my favorite because there are so many places to see and eat like Bluegrass Lounge and Stone Cellar Bistro. Just seeing all the people out enjoying the city and everywhere around it is so contagious because people here love where they live so much.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to shoutout all the amazing women and men too across Denver who have trusted me to make such fun, unique and amazing builds for them. I have worked with so many great clients and business owners who have not just seen me as a short woman, but a capable builder as well and that has made me feel so supported in this industry.

Website: https://salisburydesigns.com

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/salisbury_designs

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SalisburyDesigns