Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Haywood.
Kelsey, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came into design through osmosis. I thought that living in a constant state of remodel was what everyone did. I thought everyone had a third and fourth full iteration of their childhood bedroom. I realize now, that’s what happens when you are the granddaughter of a highly skilled builder and the daughter of a meticulous handyman. Some of my favorite memories are of going with my mom to get carpet, paint and wallpaper samples for yet another renovation of my childhood home. Imagining and envisioning the possibilities of a space came very naturally to me and it wasn’t until the purchase of my own home that I realized, I could do so much more than that.
We purchased a 1924 Chicago bungalow in October of 2016 when I was 20+ weeks pregnant. Thankfully, my husband trusted me and my vision for the house, even though, he was adamant that he couldn’t see it. I was giddy, I was excited and I was in my element. About half way through the two weeks, we had between closing and move-in, I sat alone in the empty living room on a lawn chair and took in the transformation that had already happened around me. I felt this familiar tug that I’ve gotten at other significant moments in my life. I was working full-time, pregnant and managing an aggressive two week interiors project. Not only did I love doing it but I wanted to do this for others.
Fast forward to almost exactly a year later, after many late night brainstorming sessions, I had a name for my business and haywoodmade interiors was born.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting my own business has absolutely been a challenge and I’m still in the weeds, doing so many things for the first time and embracing the unknown. However, when things do test my resolve, I remember years ago when my husband referred to me as a “trail blazer.” That was and still is the best compliment I have ever received. All of that being said, I don’t think the things that have been difficult have felt like obstacles. I feel like I am finally exactly where I should be and doing what I was meant to do. Without a doubt there will be challenging times in the future but I know my deep passion for design is at the center of this and will continue to be what drives me.
haywoodmade interiors – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
haywoodmade interiors is a full-service design studio where our mission is to provide thoughtful design and create meaningful spaces. Whether big or small, home or office, each project is special and an opportunity to manifest the essence of our clients.
At haywoodmade, we treat our clients like a guest in our home and together we reimagine the possibilities of their space.
What sets haywoodmade apart is that design, construction, and entrepreneurship are in my blood. I also have a professional background that is rooted in creating relationships and building a start-up business. That’s a powerful combination. Whether it’s designing for home or office, people are at the heart of my designs and the way spaces are lived in matters the most to me.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Starting haywoodmade after having a baby and my entire world being different. Starting fresh after changing gears in my career. Starting something that I knew in my heart was what I’ve always wanted to do and finally having the guts to do it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.haywoodmade.com
- Phone: 574-265-9693
- Email: kelsey@haywoodmade.com
- Instagram: haywoodmade
- Facebook: haywoodmade
Image Credit:
Stephanie Bassos Photography
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