Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Caines
Hi Kendra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Unbeknownst to me, my love for interior design started as a small child; around the age of 10 or so. Growing up, it was a tradition in our home for my mother to unfailingly switch out the all the bedroom comforters and curtains every winter and summer. During the Christmas season, we would reconfigure the living room to make space for the tree. I somehow convinced her to try a new setup each year, and that became something I looked forward to helping her do. My mom didn’t play when it came to the house being clean. It was always tidy, and ready to welcome guests at any given time. To our surprise, she was creating something inside of me that would eventually become my passion. Still to this day, she’ll call and ask for my advice or approval for different decor and furniture pieces around the house. I’m grateful that she’s still trusting my design choices after all these years.
When TLC’s Trading Spaces came along, I vividly remember coming home from school and being glued to the TV for an hour. While everyone else was watching Nickelodeon, I was obsessed with TLC and HGTV.
I had a Barbie dream house in elementary school and I’m pretty sure I rearranged the couches and beds, weekly!
It wasn’t until I got a place of my own that my family and friends started to notice my gift. I’ve always received compliments on my work. It was something that came naturally to me. I would do small room makeovers at my parents’ home for years, and I also helped my friends when they got their own places. I assisted whenever I could, it always brought me joy. I never imagined it was something that would turn into a business years later.
In 2022 my sister gave me full range to turn her newly built house, into her dream home. I can’t thank her enough for trusting me to bring her blank canvas to life. The lighting, paint, fixtures, layout, themes…she put all her trust in me. Little by little I curated each space to fit her unique style. Her guests were in awe of the finished product.
It was in that moment, that I received the confirmation that it was time to move forward with creating STAGED.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve only lived in Columbus, OH for 5 years. While I’ve made some great connections here, I would say that’s been the most challenging aspect. Being in a new place with few resources while trying to make my mark in a bigger city, has had its challenges, but I’ve pushed forward and found success. It’s all about the work you’re willing to put in behind your brand. It’s certainly overwhelming at times but that’s when my faith jumps in and pushes me onward. Without it, it would be easy to give up. I’m truly indebted to anyone who has hired me, given advice, reposted my content, referred me, followed my business pages, sent encouraging words, prayed for me, and spoke highly of me or my work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
STAGED.LLC is my baby. It’s a testament of my love for crafting beautiful spaces. It’s geared towards staging and interior design of residential and commercial properties.
Recently I’ve had the opportunity to stage homes that are being listed to sell as well as working with homeowners in room renovations. Currently, I don’t have one particular style I lean towards. If I look at a design long enough, I am able to see its potential to thrive.
I love to mix textures and patterns into spaces. Accent walls have become one of my favorite things to create!
Whatever my client desires for their space, whether staging it to sell, or bringing a personal touch to their home, I’m ready for the challenge.
I pride myself in developing a design plan for my clients with a quick turnaround time. I credit working in the operating room (specifically in trauma) for that. I’ve learned over the last 12 years of being in this career how to be organized, disciplined, and efficient. Most importantly I’ve learned how to work well under pressure, in addition to my ability to collaborate with individuals to get the job done quickly and correctly. My memory and attention to small details also plays a huge part in intertwining the two worlds together.
I can easily visualize a space once, for only a few minutes, and mentally draw out a blueprint. At times I surprise myself, at how fast I’m able to complete different tasks, but when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
Colliding my passion with my purpose,
I decided that it was time to stop sitting on my potential and trust the process of creating STAGED.
I’m continuously learning, evolving, and brainstorming about new ideas.
At one time, the fear of starting over in my 30’s in a new city made it impossible to even think about launching a business. The outpouring of love and support has made it possible and worthwhile. I’m 100% a behind the scenes type of person, so being pushed to the forefront has been an experience within itself. I’m optimistic on where this journey will lead me.
Going into this, I was clueless on where or how to start. I just had enough faith that if God blessed me with this talent, I couldn’t sit around and daydream about it. I had to put action behind it. I’m humble enough to know that every business owner starts small, but confident enough in my ability that the future of STAGED. will be successful.
It’s a blessing to have this platform to highlight my business. This week actually marks one year in the game. I look forward to working with new and returning clients. This small-town girl from Institute, West Virginia is living out one of her dreams, in such a short period of time. I’m beyond proud of myself, and my team! I’m just getting started.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
A huge shoutout to my parents, my sister, and friends for always supporting me. My dad has been my personal furniture mover/uhaul driver a few times when I’ve got hired for last minute jobs. He’s always made himself available to me. My village is always ready and willing to help me, which allows me to make things run as smoothly as possible. I want to give them all the biggest hugs.
Although I’m still a “newbie” in the staging/interior design world, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Salute to the creatives that I reached out to over the last 2 years that were kind enough to give me tips, feedback, and encouragement when I wasn’t even sure I could pull something like this off. I will always be appreciative of their advice, words of wisdom, and help. I look forward to mentoring someone in the same way, and paying it forward just like they did for me!
My first year in business has been a rollercoaster, but I like a little thrill.
I love planning parties, events, and vacations to celebrate my loved ones so having the love and support returned to me, has been unmatched. When I see my work featured on Zillow or on a sponsored ad it feels surreal. I am basking in the moment.
I’m not the loudest person in the room, I can be soft spoken at times, but my dream is that my work will be a voice of its own throughout this city, one day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.staged.design
- Instagram: @staged.design
- Facebook: Staged.614
- Other: TikTok Staged.llc
