Meet Kayla Stock, the owner and lead designer at KayStock Design (www.kaystockdesign.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – KayStock is a forward-thinking design studio that encompasses residential and commercial design. Our philosophy begins with a commitment to outstanding service. Design is a collaboration. It involves a deep understanding of the client’s needs and aspirations. This also includes the client’s budget and timeline. We provide space planning/conceptual design work, 3D renderings and vision boards, custom designs, material selection, and anything else needed to provide both value and beauty.
How did you get started in the business? – I started designing five years ago after receiving my bachelors in design at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. I had always wanted to create, whether it was artwork or design work. I realized I was interested in the built environment after a trip to Chicago. Something about the human experience when it comes to our sense of scale intrigued me. I haven’t been to Chicago since, but I’m sure it would inspire me in the same way now.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – KayStock Design has been in business for one year since August. Before then, I didn’t have the desire to own a business, and I certainly had no experience of ownership before. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the non-stop influx of information and learning that occurs when you start this process. That being said, it’s been a blessed experience the whole way.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – I’ve always had a lot of confidence in my creative abilities. I thought for a long time that being creative only led to a hobby, but I started to realize that there was a need for creative people professionally and changed my perspective. This drove me to apply my creativity into design and, ultimately, start my business.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Worrying and faith share the same energy. They are the belief that something is going to happen”. This is the quote that I always turn to when I’m feeling stressed, anxious, etc. It reminds me that feeling hopeful or faithful is available to me if I change my mindset. One small shift in perception and a world of difference in the way we feel.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Being able to sew. I have always wanted to create a clothing line. Growing up, I used to fill up sketchbooks with fashion designs, and I still enjoy doing that to this day. It’s such an intense skillset to know all of the ins and outs of constructing clothing—I find it fascinating.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – If I wasn’t designing homes, I would want to design websites or social media content.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I am currently reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It talks about the psychology behind our daily habits and the scientific study to back it up. It’s interesting to read because it shows how one action develops into a whole new road in your life. “Just as atoms are the building blocks of molecules, atomic habits are the building blocks of remarkable results.”
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 499-9415; kay.stockcreative@gmail.com; www.kaystockdesign.com. My website showcases my portfolio and gives more information on my design process. I do free consultations, as well.