10 Years in Business…

This April marks 10 years since I started my design business. Ten years. That feels wild to even type. To celebrate, I pulled up photos from my very first kitchen project… and compared them to one of my most recent kitchens.

What started as a maybe dream has become my career. April of 2016 I created a logo and a business card with no business plan. I was winging it, with no boundaries and not charging my clients enough. But it was worth it to create the business I have today.

Below is my first business card and todays. :)

My First Kitchen

I still remember how I felt taking on that first kitchen. Excited. Grateful. Determined. And if I’m honest… a little unsure. I cared so much. I wanted it to be beautiful. I wanted my client to love it. I wanted the contractor to be impressed. I double-checked everything.

I was still learning how to lead with confidence, make quick and clear decisions, and balance a budget with a vision. But I showed up. And that first kitchen represents something really important to me — starting before I felt completely ready.

This particular client wanted cabinetry to match her trim so we went with a darker stain. It was such a fun first reno project.

A Kitchen 10 Years Later

Now, when I design a kitchen, I see it differently. Yes, I think about finishes and lighting and cabinetry. But I’m also thinking about where backpacks will land, how the island will feel during busy mornings, and how the traffic flows when you get home from work. Ten years of experience changes the way you see a room. It’s less about what’s trending and more about what lasts. Less about impressing and more about supporting real life.

This homeowner did a full kitchen and dining room renovation and addition. The renovation took over a year to fully get right.

What 10 Years Have Taught Me

If I could sum up this decade in a few lessons, it would be this. Good design takes time. Confidence grows quietly. Details matter more than people think and creating boundaries is important. I’ve grown. My style has evolved. My processes are stronger. My eye is sharper. But the heart behind it hasn’t changed. I still care deeply. I still feel the weight of responsibility when someone trusts me with their home. And I still pause at the end of a project and think, “Wow. I can’t believe I get to do this.”

Ten years of projects. Ten years of clients. Ten years of learning while raising a family and building something meaningful. And I’m just really grateful. Grateful for the early days. Grateful for the messy middle. Grateful for the clients who trusted me before I had a decade of experience to stand on.

If You’re Thinking About Your Own Project…

If you’ve been dreaming about updating your kitchen — or starting a renovation but feeling unsure where to begin — this is your reminder that you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’d love to help you create a space that works beautifully for your real life.

Reach out here or send me a message, and let’s talk about what’s possible. And truly — thank you for being part of these 10 years. 🤍