Karen Hattan shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Karen, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My business, Home by Hattan Design! Because many people knew me before I had this business, or they knew me when this was just a small part-time gig and I was just starting out doing a lot of small jobs, many folks view Home by Hattan as just my “hobby.” I don’t think many realize that Home by Hattan has become a true business, with two branches, employees, and many independent contractors. We are legit, and we are running successful renovations and remodels, design projects, and behind-the-scenes business operations. It’s a lot of work and late nights, and is definitely more than a cute hobby! I am so proud of the work we do, and the business I have built from literally nothing. And I know the product I put out is life-changing for many people’s daily lives, creating functional and beautiful home environments, and I am so proud of that!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Karen Hattan, and I am the Founder and Principal Designer of Home by Hattan Interior Design & Remodeling Firm. I grew from a home staging business, to providing color consultations and design consultations, to now providing full concierge service interior design and renovation services. We specialize in remodels that are designed for the way you (our clients) want to live, to renew your love of home. We believe HOME is important, and so are the people who live there, and that is why we do what we do!
One unique aspect of Home by Hattan is that we have added a partner company, Home by Hattan Build, to handle all our construction and installation needs. The Build side of Home by Hattan is led by our General Contractor, and my dear husband, Mark Hattan. He is a Licensed General Contractor, and leads the installations and implementation of our designs!
This is a win-win for all, as communication between Client, Designer, Contractor, and Trades are all in-house and so much easier than when you are dealing with lots of separate entities.
Both my husband and I hold the belief that HOME is sacred and important, and that we are designing and building for YOU (our clients), to elevate the way you live in your home. We both follow the same Guiding Principals in our work: Thoughtful, Tailored, Trustworthy.
Having a team of Design and Build – in one house, quite literally – is so advantageous to both our clients, and to us! Coordination and communication is key in any large project, and we have that down pat!
We love what we do, and we love working together for our clients in the Nashville area!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
There are two parts of my past, two pieces of my life, that have served their purpose and now must be released.
One is the role of “mother of small children.” Though I will always be a mother, and I will always be “Mom” to my sons, they are no longer living at home and are not as dependent on me for their day-to-day living. I am embracing this new phase of life. It is wonderful and sad, strange and freeing and bittersweet, all at the same time. I am free to shape my days, what I do with my time and energy, but I do miss their activity and their laughter and their hugs!
The other is the piece of me that has lived in a mindset of worry and scarcity. I am leaning into the mindset of abundance. I think because I am the daughter of social workers, grandchild of farmers and teachers, money has always been more on the “scarce” side than the “abundant” side. And when money is scarce, peace of mind is fragile, and there seems to be a lot of anxiety. This scarcity mindset is helpful when one really does need to live frugally, and it is certainly good to be wise with money … but I am learning that I don’t have to live life worried or anxious about the future. While I am definitely not rich, I am trusting that I will be okay and that worry does not help me!
This helps me in my business, as I have had to realize that other people do not carry my same “money story” or same mindset. I have learned it is never a good idea to assume anything about other people, especially when it comes to their money, their worries, or their home life! I am letting go of scarcity and embracing abundance … for all!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I think if I could encourage my younger self, I would tell her “Don’t be afraid to try. You may fail, you may land hard, but you may just succeed! And you won’t ever know until you try. So do your best, and give it a try!”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely.
I am very transparent, even in my business!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
LOVE. Love remains. I have lost loved ones, possessions, status, even health at times, but no matter what leaves, love remains. So I say, love each other well and don’t hold back!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homebyhattan.com
- Instagram: @homebyhattan
- Linkedin: Home by Hattan
- Facebook: Home by Hattan
Image Credits
Jodi Totten
