Meet Shelby Marie Blocker | Interior Design, Wedding Coordinator, and Event Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Marie Blocker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby Marie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business in the midst of the pandemic- I had been looking for a way to make additional revenue aside from the salary job I had prior to the pandemic anyhow, and when they were no longer able to support me I figured the best person to look out for my back was myself. I also found it really appealing to be in a position where I could employ other artisans who I knew were on hard times, create a collaborative environment, and have more control over my schedule.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Since I’ve dabbled in a little of everything, I think a Creative Collaborator may be the title that suits me best. The thing that makes me stand apart from other designers and wedding coordinators is that in addition to having hands-on experience under my belt, when it comes to anything related to design, I fire on all cylinders. I am passionate and empathetic, so when a client tells me that they have a tight budget, they are very passionate about particular colors or styles, or tell me that they don’t know what they should do, I am able to bring a lot of ideas to the table while being considerate of their needs. I worked at a high-end furniture store for a while, and another wedding coordination company would come in there to host their meetings. I would overhear them tell their clients what they should and shouldn’t do, and though some of it was good advice, a lot of the time it seems like the wedding coordinator was putting her thumb print on the event instead of the couples’. I don’t think that’s right. Some people have come to me and said, “just do your thing.” And it is great, but one of the things that sets me apart is I really want to talk to the client. I want to know their limits, their dog’s name, where they met, why they’re choosing a particular venue or a particular color scheme. Getting to truly know your client is the only way to be sure that the art you create for them is something that they are going to be happy with. Pretty things are pretty, but thoughtful things that are also pretty have a lot more weight to them

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 would say that they would have to go to Segundo coffee lab in the ironworks building. The whole East End has an authentic Houstonian vibe with a beautiful mix of independent shops, like Kismet boutique and some of the vintage stores inside of the ironworks building. They should also definitely go to Café Brazil, Empire Café, and Sunday Press if they’re big coffee drinkers like me. If they are looking for something to do at night, Eighth Row Flint is one of my favorite drinking spots, but I am a whiskey girl. Monkey’s Tail is also a wonderful spot that has delicious Mexican inspired cocktails and really good food. For entertainment, there are countless theaters in Houston. Catastrophic being one of the best in town in my opinion. Stages is wonderful as well. Last, but not least, I tell them they need to go on the websites for White Oak Music Hall and Post Music Venue for some live music- both spots host everything from well known artists to local bands.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A strong shout out to Drew Hoovler. He was the shop forman at U of H and fresh out of college he took me under his wing teaching me how to design, build, and paint. He was a huge vote of confidence and when I started to explore design he gave me a ton of support .

It wouldn’t be fair not to also give a shout out to my mom, Denise Blocker. She was studying interior design when she was pregnant with me and I grew up watching HGTV. When I was a kid I found it boring, but by the time I was in middle school I realized it was in the blood lol She instilled in me a dedicated work ethic, taught me how to be flexible while also looking out for myself as a woman in the workforce, and will forever indulge discussing color pallets, design styles, and finishes with me. It’s amazing to have a mom who is not only supportive of what I’m doing, but excited to talk about both my personal life and my work life.
The final shout out would have to be to my new employer, Macey Hampton. I provide wedding and event coordination and styling through my own business, but earlier this year, Macey employed me as her first Houston-based designer for her interior design company, Sensible Redesign ( we also have a location in Austin). They provide staging, remodeling, and redesign services. She has taught me so much about how to run a business, marketing myself, when to reel it in, and when to go all out. She has allowed me to collaborate with her and take on my own projects for Sensible Redesign and the trust she has given me in allowing me to sign on, quote, and design for clients without micromanagement has brought a lot of success for both our work relationship and for the company..

Website: www.blossomstagingadesign.com

Other: Since I signed on with Sensible Redesign, I have had to revamp my website and redirect to marketing on my Instagram. I have a ton of portfolio content and if somebody is interested in working with me I am more than happy to send it over to them. The best way to get in touch with me is either to email me at Blossom Staging htx@gmail.com or to give me a call or text at 832-253-3394

Image Credits
I got all of my photos taken by the marvelous Tasha coral. She provides head shots, social media marketing services, and photographs events such as weddings. She is highly personable, a delight to be around, and I’m proud to say a friend of mine. https://natashanivanproductions.com https://instagram.com/tashagorel?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=