Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathy Anderson.
Kathy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I began my journey by taking an interior design class with a friend of mine while in college at Brigham Young University, in order to fulfill a humanity requirement. Growing up on a 200 acre farm in East Texas, I was not aware that there was such a thing as in ‘interior designer’. I live at the end of a dirt road where we milked cows and raised 14K chickens…needless to say, an interior designer was certainly not in our ‘wheelhouse’,
I loved it…was hooked. Looking back at my life I was always rearranging the four twin beds in the single room that I shared with my 2 sisters and a foster sister. Four girls in one room left space at a premium and always looking for a better lay out.
My mom always tried to make our simple home nice. I remember she painted the entire house pink one time….even our old upright piano. I love that memory. She was always thinking outside the box.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
If anyone says it is all smooth sailing….I’d like to meet them. There are always struggles but none that took away my passion for what I do. I think the biggest struggle for me is balancing work life and home life. I am still not good at it. Ask my family. I tend to be a workaholic. I honestly don’t perceive it that way. I am obsessed with what I get to do.
Other struggles are finding quality people to not only work with you but also great subcontractors who perceive their craft the way I perceive mine.
Creating such a personal space that functions properly and is also beautiful can be life changing for those that live there. I never underestimate the trust that is given us to create better lives for those we are blessed to work with.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Eklektik Interiors – what should we know?
Eklektik Interiors was started in 1997. I had worked out of my home for 15 years while raising my children and decided to open a retail store and showroom. Located in the north side of town in the Champions area we grew pretty quickly and expanded and/or moved my showroom 4 times in 16 years in that location. Moving my showroom in 2013 to its current location, 1300 Shepherd Dr.
We specialize in creating ‘beautiful environments for exceptional living’, and pretty much all that that entails. We specify for new construction and work with builders and homeowners to create their dream. We used to do our own design/build in remodeling but I prefer the design part and love leaving the building to great builders, which Houston has a lot of. I love the collaboration with a great builder/homeowner who likes to explore new ideas and stretch their minds to build/design FABULOUS!!!!
I think the most thing I am proud of in my company is the staff that I have. They are amazing and fun and creative. We work really hard and we play hard to. I believe the design process should be an enjoyable one and FUN. Not everyone gets to build their own dream, recreate a room, or remodel their home. I know it can be stressful when you are spending that kind of money but I prefer to educate along the way and help them make wise choices that will work for them both financially and functionally. I tell them we need to enjoy the process and not stress over it. At the end of the day, it is a home…not life or death…enjoy the process.
I think what sets me apart is my good ol’ East Texas Roots. I am practical, down to earth, honest and I love a good laugh. What I do is not rocket science but it does greatly affect the way people live, grow, and thrive. I do not take that lightly.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would have to say my biggest supporters/cheerleaders have been my children. They have put up with a lot. Two years into my business my husband had a massive stroke at 42 and never worked a day again. That was life changing for all of us. I was never home and worked long hours to support our family. My children became the caregiver of their dad and pretty much themselves. They were 16, 14, and 12. They are amazing adults now and 2 of the 3 are entrepreneurs. I am very proud of the people they are. They aren’t afraid of an honest day’s work. I love that!
I have been blessed along my journey to come into contact with some amazing people. Those that have taught me thru example of what I should and should not do.
I have learned from some great builders and clients along the way. But along with my family, my core group would be my staff. They make me a better designer every day!!
Life is good at Eklektik Interiors.!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eklektikinteriors.com
- Phone: 832-804-6300
- Email: eklektik@eklektikinteriors.com
- Instagram: eklektik_interiors
Image Credit:
Chuck Williams
Jeffrey Djayasaputra
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