We recently connected with Michelle Kroll and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

I’ve always loved interior design. It’s been part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I spent years working in the industry, everything from event design to commercial spaces and residential projects, I’ve always found so much joy in helping people bring their vision to life. But then I took time off to raise my kids, which I don’t regret for a second. Still, during those years, a little part of me was itching to create again. I just didn’t know how it would all come together.

As I began helping local clients design their homes, I began helping a friend with her home over email. She was overwhelmed, didn’t know where to start, and just needed someone to walk her through it. I gave her a few suggestions, created a detailed design with space planning and sent over some recommended shopping links. She called me later and said, “You saved me. I finally feel excited about my space again.” That moment really stuck with me.

It made me realize that virtual design wasn’t just something convenient and not personal. It was powerful and I could add all the personal touches that I felt were important for an interior designer and client relationship. I could give people access to professional design help without the big price tag or time commitment of traditional services. And it gave me the flexibility I needed as a mom while still doing the work I love.

The idea kept pulling at me. I started paying attention to how many people were feeling stuck with their homes, especially after spending so much time in them during the pandemic. So many families wanted their spaces to feel better, to reflect their style, to function for their needs but they didn’t know where to start. And I knew I could help.

It wasn’t just a dreamy idea. It made sense. I had the background, the passion, and now, a clear way to deliver real value. I could offer that “designer eye” without the overhead, by creating thoughtful, personalized concept boards with shoppable links and simple guidance. I kept thinking, why should good design only be available to people with big budgets or local access? This was a way to make it accessible and approachable for everyday families.

I knew it was worth pursuing because it felt like the perfect intersection of my skills, my purpose, and my season of life. And deep down, I just knew I could make it work.

Michelle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi there! I’m Michelle, an interior designer based in Southern California. I’ve been in the design world for over 15 years, working across a mix of event design, commercial office spaces, and residential projects. But these days, I’ve found my sweet spot. helping families and busy homeowners create beautiful, functional spaces through my virtual design services and pre-made concept boards.

My journey into interior design started long before it became my job. As a kid, I was always rearranging my bedroom furniture for fun or updating a space with paint. I’ve always believed our environment deeply affects how we feel, and I love the challenge of turning an everyday space into something that truly supports someone’s lifestyle and reflects their personality.

After spending several years home with my kids, I had the chance to take everything I’ve learned and build a business that felt aligned with my values. I wanted to be present for my family, but I also wanted to use my gifts to help other people feel more at peace in their homes. That’s how my virtual design business was born.

Right now, I offer:

Virtual Design Services for residential and small commercial spaces. These include a consultation, personalized design boards, space planning, 3D drawings, shoppable links, along with a detailed install guide so my clients can take the plan and run with it. I offer on going support so that my clients feel I am with them every step of the way.

Pre-Made Concept Boards are available in my Etsy shop and i plan on adding more soon. These are curated designs with a designer’s eye, created for real homes and real budgets.

Helping busy families and professionals create beautiful & functional homes, virtually. I work with a lot of young families, new homeowners, and busy professionals who either don’t have the time, budget, or confidence to tackle design alone. My goal is to always make the process approachable, calm, and inspiring. I want people to feel heard, not overwhelmed and to walk away with a space that feels like a true reflection of who they are.

What sets me apart? Honestly, I think it’s the heart I bring to the process. I’m not about pushing trends or creating spaces that only look good in photos. I design homes that feel like a haven, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted so my clients feel both proud and at peace the moment they walk through the door.

I’m most proud of the fact that I took the leap to build something from scratch that works for my life while serving others in a meaningful way. I’ve created a business where I can be both present for my kids and present for my clients. That flexibility and the trust people place in me to guide their design journey, is something I don’t take lightly.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether your home could feel better—whether it’s more “you,” more cozy, more pulled together, I want you to know that it’s possible. You don’t need a huge budget or a giant remodel. You just need a little vision and support. That’s where I come in.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part is helping people feel more connected to their space and support how they live. I love when a client says, “This is exactly what I wanted,” or “I never would have been able to do this without you.” Seeing their reaction and knowing I’ve made a real difference in their daily life, is incredibly meaningful.

I also just genuinely love the process of creating. It lights me up. There’s something so fulfilling about taking an idea or a challenge and turning it into something beautiful and functional. It’s where I feel most in flow, solving problems with creativity, intention, and care.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Absolutely! When you’re just starting out, especially as a creative trying to build a business from scratch, it can feel overwhelming and honestly a little lonely. I really wish I had discovered all the amazing podcasts and women out there talking about self-care, mindset, and manifesting; especially from the perspective of moms and creatives. Years ago, I didn’t realize how many women were navigating the same things I was: building a business, raising a family, trying to stay inspired and keep a sense of identity. Hearing their stories and joining their communities has given me so much clarity and confidence.

It felt like this quiet wave of support, just knowing I wasn’t the only one figuring it out as I go. That kind of encouragement would’ve made a huge difference in those early seasons where I doubted myself or felt stuck. So if you’re just starting out, my advice is: find your people and tune into voices that inspire you. I’ve learned that clarity doesn’t come before action, it comes because of it. So just start. Action will lead you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.michellekrolldesign.com
• Instagram: @michellekrolldesign
• Facebook: Michelle Kroll Design
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kroll-85b65a43
• Other: Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MichelleKrollDesign