If you’ve ever walked into a home store and thought, “Beautiful, but not for my budget,” meet Susan Bott—the NYC-actor-turned-designer behind Room Tonic in Marblehead—who proves that great design can be both distinctive and affordable. From staging in New York to launching her own shop, Susan shares how craft, courage, and community built a brand with a clear point of view and accessible pricing. Her approach to high–low design teaches where to invest for impact and where to save without sacrificing style. Even when COVID hit just five months after opening, she pivoted with grit—turning Instagram into a storefront, offering doorstep delivery, and building a loyal clientele through personal service.

What makes Room Tonic special is its blend of Marblehead charm and a global eye. Susan curates chinoiserie and vintage pieces that create homes with soul—collected, not copied. Drawing on her stage background, she helps clients tell their stories through their spaces while keeping the design approachable and personal. Her honesty about small business challenges and community support makes her story both inspiring and relatable. Explore Room Tonic for design that balances beauty, meaning, and budget—and discover how storytelling can transform the spaces we call home.