Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Kong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in an academic family where the idea of a creative career was a degree in business with a focus on advertising. That was my initial path…..until I took statistics. I knew I needed something different, so I majored in art history. After school, I moved to New York where I worked for a small private label fashion house. I began in purchasing and ultimately worked my way up to being the assistant Women’s Wear fashion designer. However, without a degree in fashion design, my career options were limited.
I moved to Atlanta to be near college friends and figure out my next step. My mom, knowing that I loved the process of creating, suggested that I consider going back to school for a degree in interior design. It was a lightbulb moment and that is exactly what I did. I worked at a corporate job during the day and went to school at night. It was not easy, but it was a means to an end.
Upon graduation, I worked at a commercial architecture firm for many years until I decided to start my own firm in 2011.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but what in life is meaningful if it is too easy to achieve? Owning your own business is an ever-evolving puzzle but that’s also the great part; you’re constantly learning. I was fortunate to have clients in the pipeline when I started my company. I feel grateful that I’ve been on my own for ten years and haven’t had to look back. The hardest part about owning your own business is realizing that you cannot do everything and that you need to hire good people to help you. Surrounding yourself with strong, trusted colleagues is critical to success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My interiors blend fashion-forward and retro-chic elements. While I don’t have a signature look, I do love sophisticated, glamourous spaces that balance bold moments with meticulous details. As a mom, I also like the look and feel of a luxurious space but that it can withstand the rigors of real life. I think of it as high-performance meets high style.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I would say that it is more of a collection of memories than just one in particular. Even though I grew up in South Florida, my family is originally from Philadelphia, which is where I was born. In the summer, we would head up to the Jersey shore to be with all of our extended family – grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and of course, my parents and three siblings (I am the oldest of four). There are just so many cherished memories of being together there and having fun. My son loves to go now, so we are continuing the tradition.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@kkongdesigns.com
- Website: www.kkongdesigns.com
- Instagram: kkongdesigns
- Facebook: kkongdesigns
- Twitter: kkongdesigns
Image Credits
Mali Azima (all images but one) Burton Photography (auditorium image w/piano in it)
