Meet Kristen Stockham | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Stockham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started working as an Interior Designer with a high-end company at the beginning of my career. While working with that company, friends, family and neighbors started telling me that they would love to hire an Interior Designer to come help them with their homes but that they couldn’t afford one. I then noticed that there was a need for Interior Designers at all budget levels so I decided to open my own business to provide a high end look for everyone, even those with lower budgets, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In interior design, I think it is important to really understand your client on a very personal level. This personal connection creates a successful project where the client is really pleased with the outcome. I think what sets me apart from other designers is that I understand people well. When I take on a new client, I like to listen more than I talk for the first couple of meetings. That allows me to sit back and fully hear and understand my client and their needs. I find this helps me gear their design decisions towards what I have heard that they would be happy with. These skills create a truly successful project that the client is thrilled with and I’m proud to say that I have a really great relationship with my clients.
My business has grown with hard work and determination. Building my client base has not been easy. In attempting to create lasting relationships with partners and increase my referral base, I have had to break out of my comfort zone and market myself by cold calling and attending events. These strong connections are the back bone of interior design and I have learned that it is difficult to grow your business without them.
Every client has provided me with new learning opportunities. I am excited that I can continue to learn and grow with each project. I think that this is how you grow as a person and make sure your business stays successful. I have learned to ask more questions than you think you need answers to and to set clear expectations with your clients. It’s also very important to have open lines of communication with your client and contractor throughout the entire project.
The definition of my business name, Definitive Interiors, means to identify as distinct from others. This, along with my passion for bringing space to life is the defining meaning behind the business and how I design. I want my designs to stand out from the crowd and create meaning to my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is a beautiful state. I wouldn’t live anywhere else. I think the beauty of the state and what makes it stand out from other states is the amazing mountains and beautiful forests we have here. We also have some really neat history and culture. For the week, I would take my friend to the most well known places like Garden of the Gods and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, along with Red Rocks. Then, we would spend time hiking on Colorado’s trails in our amazing National parks and 14’ers. Lastly, we would visit Dinosaur Ridge and Mesa Verde. Luckily, Colorado has no shortage of amazing restaurants, even some Michelin star rated ones. Guard and Grace is my favorite steak restaurant so that visit for dinner would be a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband is my biggest cheerleader. He has encouraged me to strive for more with my career and to push my limits with my business in order to be successful. I could not have done this without his continued support.

Website: https://www.definitiveinteriors.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/definitiveinteriorsllc/about/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/definitive-interiors-aurora