Kalyn Nelson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Kalyn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think there are a few misconceptions about interior designers. Generally, the most prevalent idea is that an interior design service adds an exorbitant expense to the project, but I tell my clients that quite the opposite is true. When you hire me, you’re gaining years of connections with contractors who will actually show up and do the job right the first time. I’ve built relationships over many years and I know who to trust. Many people hire contractors based on a Google search, and end up spending twice as much money and time on their project, or worse – they’re left with an incomplete job and end up scrambling to have the work redone. I also have many trade resources that are not accessible to the public, and I love to find the best products at the best price for my clients. My clients save money when they work with me!
Another true misconception is that a client can easily handle their own selections, ordering, spreadsheets, design intent drawings, and schedule all contractor work on their own, oversee the work and handle remediations on top of their day to day life. It’s truly a full time job and that’s why my business specializes in project management as well as interior design.
I aim to provide an stress-free and responsibility-free service to you – So we can dream up your beautiful home together, and then you sit back and relax while I make it happen!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a first generation business owner. I have a bachelor of science degree in interior design from an accredited university and I have been a Nashville resident since 1994. I have seen middle Tennessee grow and change, and I have made lasting relationships with my industry colleagues that go back decades. I truly love what I do, and most days it doesn’t even feel like work for me. I also fully understand what it’s like to have a family, children, a business and also be the CEO of all household activities and extracurricular functions. Many of my clients also do all of these things while simultaneously beginning the process of building a new home or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, and I am a valuable resource to those people because I truly get it. I specialize in project management because I want my busy clients to feel comfortable to rely on me to create a beautiful space for them, and also handle all the responsibilities – It is vital for them to be able to focus on the important parts of day to day life. I am not just an interior designer, I am a full service, one-stop shop for anyone looking to begin their project – from labor estimates to demolition, from tile installation to new cabinets, I have you covered.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I was raised by two hardworking parents and I always knew I would follow suit. My dad grew up in the 1950s and 60s where he began working on his grandparents’ dairy farm in a small town called Martin, Tennessee. Into his teenage and young adult years, he was always working to pay his own way. He did many different types of work – including boat restoration in Destin, Florida, many different construction related jobs, home inspecting, and then eventually director of telecommunications for Vanderbilt University here in Nashville.
My mom worked as a nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner until she retired. She worked full time and also managed the children and household – much like I do now!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I was raising my new baby and 3 year old in 2020, and my business had slowed down greatly the first half of the year when Covid shut down the world. I remember questioning if my business, in its infancy, was going to ever succeed. I questioned if I should just let it go and focus on being a mom, maybe even pursuing work for an already established company who had resources and clients to keep going. But eventually people were getting bored while trapped in their houses, and remodel work did in fact pick up speed! I was able to build a bigger revenue going into 2021 than I ever had in the past. And this allowed me to make some invaluable connections with several contractors that have helped me achieve a higher level of service for my clients. A year that wiped out many small businesses ended up changing the trajectory of my career for the better, and that is something I will forever be thankful for.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
I believe an important truth that perhaps few people would agree on is that work isn’t your real life. Your work can go on without you, but your family cannot – your children cannot, your mental health cannot. This industry demands that you are “on” 24/7. I love my job and I truly don’t consider it work most days, but I do tell my amazing clients that I will be with my family past 6pm and on weekends rather than on my phone because it allows me to prioritize my “real life” during that time.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people will tell when I’m gone is one of generosity. I strive to be a person who gives more than receives. I hope that I exhibit an attitude of grace and kindness at all times, even when it isn’t reciprocated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalyn.nelson.interiors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kalyn.nelson.interiors
Image Credits
TN Home Tour Photography
Mayker
Legacy Custom Homes
