We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Zeller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.
Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Ash Drive Designs’ mission is to create beautiful spaces where clients can find peace. Whether your home is meant for lounging, entertaining, or anything in between, it is our goal to design spaces that allow you to enjoy them rather than worry about what’s missing or not working. When we accomplish that goal for our clients, we believe that is when they can truly relax and focus on what matters — from designing a bedroom that one can find rest and recovery, to kitchens that can host the most joyful gatherings, and living areas that are comfortable and welcoming — we want you to have peace of mind that your home is serving you exactly as it should be.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Katie Zeller and I founded Ash Drive Design in 2017. After working in the corporate world for eight years and managing a small design business on the side, the company I was working for closed. Shortly after, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my design business full-time. I got my start designing nurseries for a few friends expecting first babies and working on updating homes on small budgets. My business has grown to serve full-service projects meaning I help clients from start to finish with no detail too small to be overlooked. I handle new builds, renovations and design updates.
I love working with clients that trust my team and I to create spaces they will love in their homes or businesses. The best relationships begin with clients signing off on an overall design plan and vibe, but then let us run with it and trust that in the end it will be even better than what they had in mind!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The best strategy for growing my clientele has hands down been to work hard and deliver over and above what clients ask for. There is no lack of work available, but word of mouth and client referrals are the not-so-secret sauce to keeping my client list full.
I also believe in collaboration over competition. Find a designer to work with that isn’t afraid to bring in other experts in the industry. There are so many brilliant creative minds and sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to really hit it out of the park!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
I had a retail job my senior year of college that then turned full-time after graduation (thanks 2008 recession!) and one of the core values of this company was to “say yes to everything.” I walked that walk for many years and while the intention of that message is great, I have found value in saying yes to the right opportunities rather than all opportunities. I’ve learned more than jumping in and going directly for the “YES!” it’s also important to listen to your gut. If you’re seeing red flags or you know in your heart something isn’t the right call, you need to say no to get to a better yes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ashdrivedesign.com
- Instagram: @ashdrivedesign
Image Credits
Maylyn Photography