We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Kaufman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rebecca, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents have run a cattle ranch in Montana for over 45 years. My parents had full time jobs in addition to ranching as well as raising 4 children. Watching how hard they worked to live the life they wanted instilled a deep understanding of how important quality of life is and the dedication & work it takes to do what you love. A very important lesson ranch life taught me: Failure only comes if you give up. Learn from your mistakes, dust yourself off, and try again. These values have helped me through the journey of life and owning an Interior Design company in so many ways. They have kept me centered and focused on doing what I love, even through moments of struggle.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I grew up on a cattle ranch on the border of Yellowstone Park in Montana. Although design wasn’t a strong influence in my life, I developed a love for art & design at an early age, decorating the inside of my teepee (made of large branches and an old bed sheet). My passion for interior design grew as a close neighbor remodeled their antique barn into their home. From a fish pond in the kitchen, a spiral staircase to the library, and stable style doors throughout the home, this place sparked a fire in me! After struggling to find my path, changing colleges and majors a few times, I finally found my calling. I moved to Colorado and decided to pursue an Interior Design degree from Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design in Denver, CO. After college, I worked for a furnishings showroom as outside sales working with architects & designers over 5 states. Getting to see all the amazing projects inspired me to pursue my true passion to be a lead designer and eventually start my own design firm.

As clients are spending much more time at home the last few years, the need of spaces for sanctuary, work/flow, and functionality are more important than ever. People are realizing how much an interior space can effect them emotionally, when a space works or doesn’t work. Many clients will have a concept of what they want and overall style but struggle with creating a unique space that speaks to them personally and how to execute it. My big “WHY” is to live life to the fullest and help others find that same joy. I bring that mind set to my clients, creating a sanctuary where they can feel completely at home and love their surroundings. rebaL design offers a wide range of custom interior design services including New Construction/Remodeling, furniture design & space planning, to paint & art consultation.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is the joy my designs bring my clients. There is a very personal aspect to my work. It is a wonderful experience learning about what makes my clients’ Tick, how they live, personalities, styles, etc. Through the process of building this working relationship, it allows me to create through their eyes, designing a space the speaks to their personality and lifestyle.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started my design firm, my timing couldn’t have been worse … a few months after launch, we had the market crash of 2008. I had a few small projects lined up but not nearly enough to survive. I needed to adjust my approach and started working contract with several established design firms. This opportunity allowed me to see different approaches to working with clients, operations, and billing. Very valuable lessons and experiences I implamented into my own company. Being flexible and open to new directions has given me the tools to grow rebaL design and live a life I love!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.rebaldesign.com
• Instagram: @rebaldesign2
• Facebook: rebaL design llc
• Linkedin: Rebecca Kaufman Principal/Owner at rebaL design

Image Credits
Photographer for all project photos provided is Kimberly Gavin with Gavin Photography 720-271-8536.