Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Dawson.

Hi Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Ok, put on your seatbelt, cuz my story is like a wild ride through Creativity Town with stops at every artsy station! From the get-go, my life has been all about creating. For a cool 11 years, I was deep in the theatre world, acting and singing my heart out. I absolutely adored the spotlight, but sometimes, those roles just didn’t quench my creative thirst—some were zesty and thrilling, others, well, not so much.

Craving more from my creative diet, I jumped into writing. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, I discovered I had a story itching to come out. Fast forward through nine months of blood, sweat, and tears, and voila! My one-woman show, “The A**hole in My Head” was born—yep, it’s as bold as it sounds! It was all about wrestling with that pesky inner critic, a mix of talking, singing, laughing, and, yes, a bit of cursing, with peace finally found through the magic of music and storytelling.

As life threw its curveballs, I found myself on the brink of motherhood, thinking of my cousin Jill, who we lost too soon to breast cancer. Wanting to honor her and bond with my soon-to-be little one, I co-created “OVER THE MOON: The Broadway Lullaby Project.” Picture this: Broadway’s finest crooning lullabies from a double CD or an illustrated book—totally dreamy, right?

Juggling a day job as an Executive Assistant, I was learning heaps and crafting on the side. But as the mom-life beckoned, I craved more time for diaper duties and less for desk duties. Post-move to the ‘burbs, life threw some hardballs—tough times with a sprinkle of depression and anxiety. That’s when I found solace in transforming our little rental into a cozy haven, on a shoestring budget no less! Friends noticed, projects flowed in, and soon, I was crafting dream homes for others, making spaces that hugged you right back.

And that, my friends, is where I am today—on a mission to sprinkle a little bit of beauty, love, and laughter into homes everywhere, making sure it’s all affordable because hey, everyone deserves a slice of the dream home pie!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, honey, smooth road? Not exaclty! My journey into the world of design and decorating was anything but planned—it was a wild, serendipitous adventure that started in the most unexpected of ways. You see, my heart was set on the performing arts for the longest time; that stage was my home, and the applause, my music. But then, life had a plot twist waiting just around the corner.

After my little one arrived and we moved to the burbs, the allure of the stage began to dim. I was ready to trade my scripts for lullabies and just be a mom. But as fate would have it, we were walloped by a financial storm that turned our lives upside down… and left us heartbroken and devastated. There I was, needing to make ends meet, pronto! So, what’s a gal to do? I jumped headfirst into selling skincare online. It wasn’t Broadway, but boy, did I learn a ton about running a business.

During this scramble, I joined a couple of Women’s Entrepreneur Groups and met some powerhouse ladies who lifted each other up instead of tearing down. It was in one of these groups that I met a gem of a friend, a jewelry seller, who stepped into our modest abode and was floored by the decor. Her surprise turned into my opportunity when she asked, “Can I hire you to do my home office?” Just like that, I said YES!! And after decking out her space and sharing pics online, the buzz was unbelievable. People loved what they saw, and suddenly, I was a designer!

So, no, not a smooth road at all, but this wild, unexpected detour led me to a career that fills my creative soul every single day. Who would’ve thought?

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Okay… you are about to get the full glitter-dipped, showtune-singing scoop on what I do and how I sprinkle a little extra sparkle wherever I go! Let’s dive into the dazzling world of my biz—where the old meets new, the glitter meets glue, and where every room gets a chance to sing its own showstopping number.

What’s my jam, you ask? Well, I’m the maestro of mixing the chic with the unique, pulling together fab finds from the nooks and crannies of T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and those secret little garage sales you only hear about if you know a dude who knows a dude. It’s all about creating spaces that feel like a big ol’ hug the moment you walk in—spaces that don’t just whisper but shout, “Honey, I’m home!”

What am I known for? I am the queen of the TransWH*REmation! THAT is the reveal day!! The day that my team and I whirl into your home with boxes of curated treasures and transform your space before the cocktails hit happy hour. We style, we zhoozh, and we do it all without a single soul peeking until it’s READY. It’s about making magic happen, turning your “blah” into “TA-DA” without breaking the bank!

And why do I do all this? Because creating beauty is not just my job—it’s my calling. We all deserve a slice of heaven in our homes, especially after the rough patches we’ve all seen. I started this journey because I believe in the power of a transformed space to transform lives. It’s about more than decor; it’s about well-being, about crafting places that cradle your heart and tickle your soul. Because your home should be your haven! Not your hell-hole!

And yes, about the “wh9re” bit—I know, it’s cheeky! But in this biz, you’ve got to have a bit of fun, right? It’s about being accessible, available, and oh-so-ready to dive into your next decorating challenge. So, if you’re craving a home that feeds your spirit as well as your eyes, give this Decor Wh*re a call. Let’s make some magic happen, one fabulous room at a time!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I do have a little advice!! Join entrepreneurial groups! There are so many great organizations out there where you will meet like minded people who are also on a journey to make the world a better place — by bringing their uniqueness to the table! This has been instrumental in my business! But it’s not just great for business, it’s also great for your heart!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.decorwhore.com
• Instagram: KateTheDecorWhore
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateTheDecorWh0re

Image Credits
All pictures but three were taken by me. Those 3 are by Carley Storm.