Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakeitha Smith.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lakeitha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am originally from Dallas, Texas. I graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1993. After graduation, I moved to Houston, Texas and attended college at the University of Houston.
My Education:
After graduating from the University of Houston with a degree in Accounting, I went to work for a few small accounting firms performing basic accounting duties. It was when I went to work for Shell Trading US Co (STUSCO) that I gained my knowledge and expertise in both accounting and business. My years at Shell prepared me for the business world. I was being groomed and didn’t even realize it. After being employed at Shell for over 12 years, I was laid off in 2011. I left Shell having had the honor of mastering accounting, learning to be a great trainer and having had the opportunity to travel to India and train multiple teams of individuals. After the layoff, I began with a new O/G (oil and gas) company. It was there that I quickly discovered I no longer had the zest for working in the corporate world.
The Makings of L-Design Wërks:
My mindset began to shift, I then began looking at pursuing my passion. The passion that I had always dreamed of and discussed with so many of my peers, friends and family members for so many years. My dream to own my own design firm. I did just that, I began with part-time interior design projects, they gave me the confidence I needed and affirmed for me that this was indeed the path that I was meant to take. My journey was just beginning. The company that I was working for at the time had a toxic environment and things were getting worse for me there. Since my entrepreneurial mindset had come into play, I decided that corporate had nothing more to offer me. That would be my last position in the corporate world, I walked off that job in November 2017. I had no plan of action and no major additional income. However, now I knew it was sink or swim, success or failure.
I opted for success. My goal of owning and operating a successful design firm. I hired two Interior Designers and we began with project after project until I ran across a client who actually wanted a full home renovation and wanted to utilize all of my team. It was then that I found my project manager and we created a new division, the Renovation and Remodeling Division adding to the Interior Design Division.
I began to really love the process of seeing the design come to life on the renovation side and decided to combine the two divisions and offer a turn-key service to my clients. I then created a unique concierge service where my entire team now takes the client from concept to conception. We offer the interior design service on the front end and the remodeling service on the backend. Genius!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My Successes/My Struggles:
My road has been both difficult and beautiful. Yes, I have failed and had to pick myself up several times but in each failure there lies a lesson. Each time, I have learned from my failures. What I learn from my successes are how to create something teachable. I am working to prepare eBooks for many things that I have learned along the way.
My Advice:
Think of what you enjoy doing, put a plan together then execute it. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. Don’t overthink it, you will stumble, you will fall, you will experience many let-downs, people you depend on will disappoint you, love ones may abandon you.
Keep your focus on your dream of achieving your goal and do not allow anyone or anything to STOP you. With just the thought of creating something for yourself, you have already won.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with L-Design Wërks – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Who We Are/What We Do:
L-Design Wërks is the Home of Bespoke Remodeling Designs. We pride ourselves on remodeling with a professional touch. L-Design Wërks is the favored choice in delivering best-in-class remodeling service. Our company brings a new level of enthusiasm to remodeling.
What Separates Us From Others:
We offer a turnkey service with both interior designers and project managers that take your remodeling projects from concept to conception.
Who have you been inspired by?
My Mother has been a major inspiration for me, she gave me the know how to love and appreciate design. It was my Mother that I first learned about design as a child. Through her love for fashion, my design sense was born. I love you and I thank you, you have been and still are an inspiration to me and for me.
My Aunt Mary was another major inspiration in my life as a child. She helped to me to discover my independent nature, she prepared me for the professional world and taught me individualism. Lastly, she helped me discover and nourish my creativity which had already lived within me. I love you and I appreciate you for being instrumental in my growth. Thank you for inspiring me.
Pricing:
- Kitchen Remodels: Pricing from $10,000 to $40,000
- Bath Remodels: Pricing from $5,000 to $15,000
Contact Info:
- Address: L-Design Wërks
800 Town & Country Blvd
Houston, Texas 77024 - Website: www.ldesignwerks.com
- Phone: 832-969-5719
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ldesignwerks
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ldesignwerks
Image Credit:
Lakeitha Smith Photography by: JGH Photography, L-Desigh Wërks Photography by: Attractive Listing
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
