We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erica Thowe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
Reflecting on my upbringing, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the positive influences that have shaped who I am today, particularly in the guidance of my parents.
At the core of their parenting approach was a lasting love that formed a stable foundation during my formative years. Their consistent affection and support created a nurturing environment, allowing me to feel not just secure but genuinely valued. This love became the bedrock for my personal growth.
My parents’ strong work ethic served as a notable example. Their dedication to hard work, perseverance, and commitment set a standard that inspired me to strive for excellence in various aspects of my life.
Growing up in an old farmhouse that constantly required maintenance taught me the value of figuring out how to create a home without relying on financial means or hiring external help. My parents were do-it-yourselfers, and in hindsight, their approach gave me a unique perspective on design and the ability to be creative in ways beyond traditional drawing on paper (reminiscing about my 7-year-old self).
My parents’ love, work ethic, nurturing environment, and positive mindset have significantly influenced the woman I am today. Their guidance has provided valuable lessons that I carry forward with the hope of passing on to future generations, navigating life with gratitude for the impactful role they’ve played.
Erica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Welcome to my world at Erica Kay Design, where I seamlessly blend creativity with an unwavering commitment to transforming spaces into comforting havens. I hail from the humble town of Rose Hill, Kansas, a Wichita suburb, and my early years were shaped on a small farm, fostering a simple and close-knit upbringing. Rooted in the dedication of my dad’s work for Union Pacific and my mom’s homemaking, my childhood embraced a love for sports, the outdoors, and family, far removed from cosmopolitan influences.
The spark for my journey into the design realm ignited in 8th grade when I envisioned myself becoming an interior designer, despite limited opportunities at the time. The decision to relocate to Kansas City and pursue interior design at JCCC took root during my senior year, marking the onset of a transformative chapter. From playing intramural basketball in my freshman year to becoming a walk-on point guard, my junior year proudly saw the team making it to the national junior college final tournament.
Post-graduation, amid the challenges of the Great Recession, I found myself selling upscale furniture at Thomasville Furniture. The turning point materialized when I joined Portfolio Kitchen & Home, discovering my passion for kitchen and bath remodeling. Stationed at the Portfolio satellite showroom at NFM, I honed my skills, engaging with clients, selling products, and expertly navigating the world of design.
Creating Erica Kay Design was a venture that took almost two years to come to fruition. In early 2011, I embarked on this journey as a solopreneur, characterized by a resolute hustle to acquire my first clients through Craigslist at very affordable rates. Operating without the foundation of formal business training, I navigated the inherent challenges of entrepreneurship, progressively mastering the intricacies of collaborating with dependable contractors and skilled cabinet makers. Over time, I seamlessly assumed the multifaceted responsibilities of hiring, firing, and refining my craft, thereby sculpting my trajectory in the world of interior design in Kansas City.
In 2009, my husband Chris Thowe and I united in marriage, marking the beginning of a dynamic partnership. Chris, a graphic design graduate from JCCC, consistently stood as a stalwart supporter of Erica Kay Design. Initially immersing himself in a growing career in graphic design, Chris courageously pivoted to embrace an entrepreneurial endeavor in 2014. Transitioning from a flourishing, design-exclusive trajectory, he co-founded a venture-backed startup specializing in wellness beverages. Over an influential tenure of nearly eight years as co-founder and COO, Chris achieved noteworthy milestones, adding another layer to our collaborative journey.
The onset of The Pandemic acted as a catalyst, instigating a transformative shift in our collaborative dynamic. This period drew Chris and me into an even closer working partnership, allowing us to navigate the unique challenges presented. In his capacity as an organizational professional, Chris assumed a pivotal role, providing me with the freedom to concentrate on my design and client-facing activities. Presently, he adeptly manages the business side of Erica Kay Design, leveraging his extensive experience to complement my creative vision propelling the firm forward seamlessly.
Embracing the roles of both loving spouses, parents, entrepreneurs, and designers, Chris and I, along with our two cherished children, Lillian (6) and Dawson (1), proudly reside in our nearly century-old, charming home in Roeland Park. This quaint abode serves as a testament to our shared vision and commitment to creating spaces that reflect warmth and character.
In our 13th remarkable year, Chris and I are making leaps and bounds towards another exciting year ahead. We look forward to each new project opportunity, as each space narrates a story and we truly love telling that story.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My business journey had a pivotal moment that arose, demanding a delicate balance between challenges and opportunities that ultimately led to profound growth and new beginnings.
It was an incredible moment when my first child blessed me with her adorable self. As the responsibilities of parenthood reshaped my priorities, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to balance managing employees, delighting clients, and being a devoted new mom and spouse. This prompted a thorough reassessment of my business’s direction. Despite my deep love for my employees and the work I was engaged in, I realized I was not being the leader that I wanted to be, and that was unfair to everyone.
After careful introspection and exploration, I have decided to downsize my operation and let go of my team. This choice would grant me greater control over both my professional and personal life. It provided me with renewed energy and enthusiasm as I redefined success on my terms. Although undoubtedly challenging, this transition allowed me to streamline operations and focus on key areas that required my attention. I built my subcontracting team with individuals who not only aligned with my vision but also brought valuable expertise to propel the company in an exciting direction. This search required me to buckle down and embrace vulnerability, which has always been a unique challenge for me.
Through this pivotal experience, I learned valuable lessons about adaptability, resilience, and prioritization. It taught me that change can be both challenging and rewarding if approached with an open mind and willingness to embrace new possibilities.
In retrospect, this pivot not only allowed me to find harmony between work and family life but also opened doors to fresh opportunities that have shaped the trajectory of my business ever since.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
When it comes to acquiring new clients, one of the most powerful and effective sources has been word-of-mouth referrals. This organic form of marketing is a testament to the value and satisfaction that I strive to deliver to my customers.
By consistently delivering exceptional work and going above and beyond to delight my clients, I have been able to build strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect. When satisfied customers share their positive experiences with others, it not only validates the quality of my services but also acts as a powerful endorsement.
In addition to providing high-quality work, offering affordable rates has also played a significant role in attracting new clients. By ensuring that my services are accessible and competitive in the market, I have been able to appeal to a broader range of potential customers.
I also consider myself to be a friendly and approachable individual. I believe that this quality has been instrumental in establishing rapport with clients from the very beginning. By building a personal connection, it promotes open communication and creates a sense of ease when collaborating with clients. When clients choose to hire me, it becomes a highly personal and significant financial investment. Building a foundation rooted in trust and genuine interactions is of utmost importance to me. With me, you can expect transparency and authenticity. I am not afraid to show my excitement, even if it means doing a high kick in the middle of a construction zone when we have made a breakthrough in bringing the entire project together!
Overall, various strategies can contribute to acquiring new clients. However, word-of-mouth referrals have consistently proven to be an invaluable source. By consistently delivering value, ensuring client satisfaction, offering competitive rates, and creating an exceptional experience, I have been fortunate to witness my client base grow through positive recommendations from satisfied individuals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericakaydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericakaydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericakayinteriordesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-thowe-25009929
Image Credits
Erica Kay Design, LLC