Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandy Christensen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I never thought I would be an entrepreneur, but life took an interesting route. I was doing human rights work in Iraq when the organization I was working for decided to close down its office in Iraq. I made the decision at that point to come back to Chicago, which I had missed almost more than my family! While I was looking for a new position I stumbled upon a group of women entrepreneurs and meeting them made me start my own business. Initially I was sewing and creating clothes out of upcycled materials. Until I gave a talk about my love of Ray and Charles Eames at an event and someone asked me if I was an interior designer.
Ironically, I had named my business Meandering Design because I love wandering. I was especially inspired by a trip to Spain where I constantly got lost in the old city, but found beautiful and exciting things. I didn’t even have to change my business’s name when I switched from sewing to interiors. Although, some of my core principles carried over, and that was a focus on sustainability and using local and handcrafted goods.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been challenging. The first year there was a pretty steep learning curve. Plus, I have a strong streak of independence and I wanted to figure it all out on my own. I also am very DIY and I’ve had to learn that sometimes DIY is not the way to go!
Completely switching from sewing to interiors was really hard, but I was feeling held back by sewing. Once I made the choice to focus on interior design things started moving forward. Except, at the same time I had invested in materials and equipment for the other business. Donating those items was difficult, but clearing everything out made me feel much better. Sewing was something I was passionate about, but passion isn’t the only thing you have to think about. I adore design, and it was a better business model for me.
Quitting is not an option and I can’t even conceive of leaving this business behind. Even as I think of the challenges, it has brought so many wonderful things into my life.
Now I’m past that first few years and I am looking to grow.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Meandering Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a certified interior decorator. My goal is for my clients to have a home that reflects their history and their life’s passions. I believe that design can be sustainable and transformative.
I am really intuitive and empathetic and that has helped me so much in my business. When someone is trying to tell me what they want their space to look and feel like, most of the time I just get it.
I try to make design accessible. I teach an Interior Design 101 class so people can get the tips and tricks they need to design their own space. I do a hybrid of DIY (I give people the floor plan and ideas, which they then implement themselves) to the full shebang where I design and install everything.
I help people that are stuck. I’ve worked with many clients who have had clutter and things they hang onto because it has history take over their home. I work with them to let things go and create a space that they love. I also work really well with couples who are creating a home together. There is an art to compromise! I’ve started to work with creative entrepreneurs on creating a functional and beautiful office space for them to work out of.
On top of that, I sell vintage home goods through Etsy. That satisfies my vintage shopping needs and keeps my home clutter free!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I seriously love Chicago. I’ll admit that a few of the really cold and snowy winters along with the increasingly difficult to navigate traffic kind of made me want to leave. I even started visiting smaller cities to get a feel for them, but Chicago is in my blood. When I first came to the city over 15 years ago, I lived in Ukrainian Village just down the street from the apartment my grandparents lived in when they got married in the 50s.
Plus, the community here is incredible. I have met many fellow entrepreneurs and they are always kind and generous with their time and expertise.
My favorite part are all of the makers and the shops selling handcrafted and local goods. Ravenswood, especially has some really great places where I can find whatever I need, or want.
Pricing:
- Moodboard Creation (DIY version) $250
- The Full Room (design, source materials and style) $650
- Paint Color $125
- In Home Consultation (hang art, move furniture or style the space) $250
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meanderingdesign.com
- Email: meanderingdesign@gmail.com
- Instagram: @meanderingdesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeanderingDesign/
Image Credit:
Dorey Kronick and Kandy Christensen
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
