Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Hurliman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started in fashion and worked as a personal stylist to Oprah Winfrey for 10 years. When it was time to move on I knew I wanted to do interiors and styling. I had casually known Nate Berkus throughout my time with Oprah so I reached out to him to get his thoughts on what my next steps should be. The best thing about Nate is that he’s as kind as he is cute and we talked on the phone for over 40 minutes. He said he would be happy to set up an interview with his Chicago Design firm but they operate separately and it was up to them where it went thrown there.
It was my first interview in almost 20 years and it was only for an internship but I was nervous! I got the position and from the minute I walked in I loved being around these super talented women and of course all the fabric! Fast forward and though I often have wished to continue working with a firm or even go back to school I decided at this point I just need to go for it.
I now do a little bit of everything and I like that is always different. I’m finishing a classic home in Evanston and working on a super modern remodel. I’ve assisted other designers in styling their projects, new construction design consulting and I’ll still do some staging for realtors on the side- it’s so quick and requires no client approval! I also do art for clients and while I’m not a trained artist in any way I love being to provide a needed service by being able to choose the size, color and style to fit the room- as long as it’s abstract!
My goal since I can remember is to do something creative and find a way to be paid for it. I feel very fortunate that I’ve found a way to do that. There’s is still so much to learn but I love that aspect of it too- most days! Chicago has such a great design community and I’m grateful for the chance to reinvent myself and become a small part of it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The struggle for me has been getting such a late start! I would never change anything about my path or my time with Oprah but in a perfect world I would have gone to school for design, worked for a great firm, paid my dues… I just don’t have those luxuries starting a second career. I may always be a bit insecure about that but I had to trust myself and just go for it!
Please tell us about Kelly Hurliman Design.
I wear many different design hats. When you hire a designer you’re hiring their unique vision and that’s what I have to offer. I love styling a good bookshelf but I can also help with the re-design of your kitchen working in tandem with kitchen experts who do the drawings but might not have the creative chops to give you the polished end result you want. Why design a kitchen that looks like everyone else’s? I style, design, consult, do custom art and mostly collaborator. I believe the best rooms are achieved when voices are heard and real collaboration takes place.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Gosh, that’s so hard. I uniquely had this amazing experience working with Oprah and my first love, high-end fashion. I couldn’t change it! If I had to name something it would be to get a business partner!
Pricing:
- Styling & consulting $85/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kellyhurliman.com
- Phone: 312.593.7836
- Email: kelly@kellyhurliman.com
- Instagram: @khurliman1
Image Credit:
Erin Konrath
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