WOMEN TO WATCH

Kelley Kolettis

Owner & Interior Designer
Kelley Kolettis Designs

I received a degree in interior design from UCA in 2009. After years of learning from different aspects of design, I started my own company, Kelley Kolettis Designs, in 2019. Now, I work with clients in all sized projects (and all sized budgets) to create spaces that work best for their families.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I was raised by creative women. They taught me to find inspiration anywhere (and that almost anything can be improved with paint). I love using my creative gifts to help others.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

The magic is in the details. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes and over-thinking. I love creating the magic for my clients, but it takes many steps to get there.

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Networking. Learning to network has made me a better designer and business owner. I have made many local connections that have turned into fantastic business relationships that cheer us on.

Best advice I ever received

Never stop moving forward. No matter how slow or how difficult it may be, set your course to your goal and make tiny steps.

What I learned from my first job

Managing separate projects that are in different stages of progress, to split focus on projects that take months to complete while also being able to finish smaller projects in between.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Leave my desk. If I’m mentally stuck, then taking a quick walk or refilling my cup allows me to come back to the project with fresh eyes.

Biggest challenges in my career

Finding balance between life and work. I can get consumed in creative ideas when I’m excited about a project, even when I’m off the clock. Isn’t that every mother’s challenge?

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

Women & Children First

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

I love my job. Everyday is different and it never gets boring. Our team is always learning, laughing or growing in some way that makes us happy to be there.

Best career moment so far

I love decorating for Christmas, and our KKD team gets to decorate the Clinton Airport for the holidays each year. We are so honored to spread that magic to everyone.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Laughing. Whether it’s watching comedy shows with my family, scheduled girls' nights with my friends or my husband sending me funny videos, laughing until my face hurts is my favorite.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Helena

I can’t start my day until

I’ve finished my coffee

Hobbies

Painting, reading, gardening

Binge watch

“Moana” over and over (toddler mom)

Last good read

“Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown (again, toddler mom)

Favorite meal in town

A “Kelley K” sandwich from Terri Lynn’s BBQ

Best recent local discovery

Reloved Relic owned by Kacee Reed, she gives old furniture new life

Latest splurge

A tile painting class on our trip to Portugal

Most-used app

Canva

Dream vacation

European river cruise for art and architecture

SPONSORS