Meet Macy Jo Kooima | Bespoke Residential Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Macy Jo Kooima and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Macy Jo, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe “risk taking” is this special gift that is there for each and everyone one of us. Unfortunately, only some acknowledge it, lean into, and got for it. It means you are willing to go off the beaten path and listen to your soul’s calling. That itch, that dream that won’t stop calling you. Are you gonna pick up that phone and answer or are you going to letting it keep ringing and regret years down the road you never did? I think there are different levels of taking risks…. sometimes more calculated risks and sometimes it’s putting all your chips on the table, knowing damn well you could lose it all in a second. For me, I am the second version. I have always been this all or nothing kind of gal. Go big or go home. I believe it’s a gift because I think there are people out there who don’t take that risk because they are scared and taking risks is very scary. Some feel they might end in failure and its easier to play it safe. Taking risks is another level of courage and confidence that is such a beautiful thing. It makes you come alive. It’s empowering especially reading another person’s story of the all the risks they took to get where they are now. From entrepreneurs to refugees. There is this willingness to risk it all for something that serves them a better and more fulfilling life that they were meant to live.

I think I’ve always been a bit of a risk taker. But to pick one effective chapter in my life that embellishes risk taking, it’s where I’m at right now in this very moment. Having my own business has always been my number one goal. I think it has taken time to figure out how I was going to do that. Here I am running my own interior design business. I never went to school for it, I never worked for another interior design firm. I have had the opportunity to work with my dad who is residential general contractor. He’s really talented and he’s the one who gave me lift, the knowledge of construction and opportunity to work with his clients when I started developing this love for interior design. I also think I was born with this talent or as my clients call this “eye for design”. However, talent can only get you so far. What are you doing to do with this talent? Let it just sit there? No. I had to teach myself everything. From rendering programs to the design process to knocking down doors to get the new clients I want to work with to hire me. In the last year, I stepped away from working under my my dad’s business as he’s getting ready to slow down a bit ( we previously offered a design-build service) and started my own business. But I don’t want to do basic interior design… I’m not bashing on any designer’s style because I am not above anyone but I know I want to roll with the big girls. The badass boss ladies who are incredibly talented designers and run their own successful business. High-end design. With this said and being self taught, I feel you have to work twice as hard to get there because my only mentor has been my dad in construction. It’s major growing pains. At times there is that little “head snake” crawling around saying you could walk away when it gets challenging. When I started this business, I had to hit pause on working to figure it out how I was going to run a solid business to reach my ideal clients. So hitting pause on working while bills are still coming in is the scariest thing. Not to mention, my husband was laid off right when the pandemic started and then he started his own business. Dane Good Wood. Shout out to him who does custom commissioned wood art. Incredible work. So yeah I sure it sounds crazy and it truly is to make these moves. And I’m not saying it’s best move but that’s where the “all or nothing” comes in. If I have to scrap pennies to make this happen, damnit I going to do it. Big risk comes big rewards. I believe it. I feel it. I welcome it. Sleepless nights not knowing if it’s going to work. But I keep on watering my risks, my business, and it’s growing. I am so excited where my “uncalculated risks” are going to take me. I know it’s going to take me places because I decided to pick that phone up.

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?
The Dutch Design & Co. is a full service residential interior design studio based in Denver, Colorado and beyond. We focus on creating high-end bespoke designs and execute it to reflect our clients’ taste and  lifestyle.

What sets us apart from others it that we strive to create timeless design yet push the boundaries so we aren’t gonna do what you’re next door neighbor is doing. This is where bespoke comes into play. This truly gives you your own unique home and lets the next homeowner enjoy it if you should choose to sell.

Our mission is to create beautiful homes that are inspired by nature, travel, and driven by old European architectural soul that gives emotion and comfort. As a result, we deliver visually stunning and timeless homes curated specially for our client’s taste, function, and lifestyle mixed with our style and experience.

I guess my previous answer for “taking risks” question would answer how I got here. Taking a big risk. lol. I would definitely say it was not easy. There are alot of ups and downs. Running your own business is a rollercoaster ride and you have to be strapped in for the good, the bad, the great, and the ugly. Biggest lessons I’ve had to learn is to stand in my own space to create boundaries with clients, subcontractors, my pricing, etc. It’s about owning it! Biggest lesson I have learned to date… you are interviewing your clients as much as they are interviewing you. There are some interesting people out there who will take advantage of you, your design, and your time if you don’t stand you ground.

The Dutch Design & Co. is an ever evolving brand. Design & Co. was selected to display it’s limitless capability to perhaps design furniture, or a paint line, etc. You never know where life will take you and I am excited to build a brand beyond my wildest dreams!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honey, we’re going to Golden! It’s one of my favorite spots.

Summer is coming up and that means float trips down Clear Creek. Sunny days, a cold beverage, and music is the best way to unwind and enjoy the foothills.

After that maybe grab some beers a GBC (Golden City Brewery) or New Terrain Brewery. Great place to take your dog, watch all the mountain bikers, and just appreciate the beauty Golden foothills has to offer.

Next we would hit up some streams to fly fish or go for a hike in the mountains. Perhaps around Bailey…. make it a camping trip. Some of the best memories are create around a camp fire!

Then I would end it with a little Denver city vibe with Rockies game, Cherry Cricket for their delicious nachos, and a concert whether it be the Blue Bird or Red Rocks. Nothing like finishing out a trip rocking out!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my husband, Jeff Brunette! He keeps me going, keeps me reaching, and keeps me hungry for my dreams. We have become a great team and when we feel like our backs are up against the wall, we choose to fight instead of flight. I couldn’t ask for a better partner in life. I believe success has to do with who you surround yourself with. I’m lucky to have a supporting family who keeps rooting me on. Especially my sister, Ann! Obviously, my dad who has be a huge leader to my dreams. A big outshout to my tribe of friends. You know who you are! We are all outspoken, confident, empowering ladies. And I love it. We pick up each other up when life gets hard and anyone’s success is another success.

Website: www.thedutchdesignandco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedutchdesignandco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thedutchdesignandco

Image Credits
The Dutch Design & Co.