Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Thowe

Hi Erica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

My story starts in a small, humble town just outside of Wichita, Kansas, where I was raised in a family that loved DIY projects. From an early age, I knew I wanted to pursue Interior Design. Looking back, I’m not exactly sure what sparked the idea, but being surrounded by those hands-on projects definitely inspired me. In high school, I excelled in sports and earned a college basketball scholarship, which allowed me to study Interior Design while playing ball.

I graduated at the height of the Great Recession, which meant opportunities were limited. My first job out of school was selling Thomasville Furniture—a memorable role but not the career-builder I hoped for. Still, I kept searching for something that aligned with my passion, and that’s when I found myself at Portfolio Kitchen & Home. This is where I truly fell in love with kitchen and bathroom remodeling. It felt like the perfect fit for me—far more exciting than selecting furniture or decorating bookshelves.

After gaining some invaluable experience there, I took the leap and started my own business under my name, without any formal business training. My husband, Chris, has been my rock through it all—supporting me even before he started working alongside me full-time in 2023.

As the business grew, I scaled up with a team of designers and project managers. But after having our first child in 2017, I realized I wanted to take a different approach to my work-life balance. So, I shifted to becoming a solopreneur, focusing solely on kitchen and bathroom design while partnering with exceptional contractors and cabinet makers. That’s when my business really started to take off.

The pandemic brought its challenges, but Chris and I found ways to scale up and meet the rising demand by running more projects simultaneously. In January 2023, Chris officially joined the team full-time, and it’s been such a joy having him by my side on this journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Definitely not a smooth road! There have been plenty of bumps along the way. Without any formal business training, I ended up stepping into more than a few financial potholes—things like accounting, taxes, and insurance were all new and overwhelming at the start. On top of that, I never really had great managers or mentors to guide me, so managing employees was another big learning curve.

When I first started in the industry, it was tough to find contractors willing to work with a young designer. I often had to work with challenging individuals because, frankly, not many people took me seriously. Construction is a very male-dominated field, and respect wasn’t something that was handed to me—I had to earn it. It took time, persistence, and proving myself over and over again.

Another steep lesson was learning how to run projects without losing margin and holding people accountable for mistakes. Balancing the creative side of design with the practicalities of running a business—especially in an industry as complex as remodeling—was a challenge. But each struggle taught me so much, and here I am, over 13 years later, running a successful business. The road may have been bumpy, but those challenges have shaped me and my business into what it is today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Our business specializes in kitchen, mudroom, pantry, basement, and bathroom remodels, though we also take on multi-room and whole-home renovation projects. We’ve found our niche in these spaces, and our clients come to us because we truly listen. We take their needs, budget, and personal style into account—we don’t push our own look or budget onto anyone. We’re known for creating spaces that feel authentic to the homeowner, while also delivering on our promises and staying true to our word.

What sets us apart is the personal relationship we build with our clients. Every project is created, designed, and managed by myself and my husband, Chris. We don’t have junior designers who take over projects—our clients work directly with us throughout the entire process. This level of involvement allows us to ensure quality and maintain strong communication, which is something our clients really appreciate.

I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with our clients over the years. Our brand stands for integrity, creativity, and a personal touch that’s hard to find elsewhere. We want readers to know that when they work with us, they’re not just getting a design—they’re getting a partner in the remodeling process who will bring their vision to life in a way that feels both functional and uniquely theirs.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

Something that might surprise people is that I actually had a college basketball scholarship! Sports were a huge part of my life growing up, and I think the discipline and teamwork I learned on the court have really helped me in business. My family and I always enjoy watching our KC sports teams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ericakaydesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericakaydesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericakayinteriordesign