We’re looking forward to introducing you to Caroline Hall. Check out our conversation below.
Caroline, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me starts with self-care and movement—I begin with yoga to ground myself, followed by a cold plunge in 39°F water (yes, it’s intense but energizing!). Then I head to the pickleball courts for two hours of competitive play. It’s a great mental reset and keeps me sharp and active.
Once I’m back home, I transition into creative mode. I walk through my studio space to assess what’s on the schedule—there are usually multiple pieces in progress, from prepping and sanding to layering paints and finishes. Each project has its own story, and I love the challenge of bringing out its full potential.
Throughout the day, I check in with clients, answer questions, share progress updates, and create social media content. No two days are ever exactly alike, but that’s what makes it exciting. It’s a fulfilling mix of movement, creativity, and transformation.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Caroline Hall, and I’m the artist and owner behind St Tropez Designs, a custom furniture painting and refinishing business based right here in San Diego. I specialize in transforming vintage and antique pieces—often family heirlooms or secondhand finds—into one-of-a-kind statement pieces that reflect both character and creativity.
Before this chapter of my life, I had a long career in high tech in Silicon Valley. But I’ve always been drawn to art and design, and after moving to San Diego, I finally gave myself permission to pursue what truly lights me up: working with my hands, creating beauty, and giving old furniture a second life.
What makes St Tropez Designs unique is the level of detail and care I bring to each piece. I don’t mass-produce or rush through projects. I treat each item as a canvas—layering colors, distressing where needed, and using both classic and bold finishes to match the personality of the client or the home it’s going into.
Right now, I’m working on several custom projects, including a century-old steamer trunk and a few antique dressers that have incredible stories behind them. I love that my work helps preserve history while allowing clients to express their own personal style.
Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a bold artistic transformation, I approach every project with passion, patience, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most pivotal moments that shaped how I see the world happened while we were living in France. Our family went through a terrifying experience—we were victims of an armed robbery in our home. It was something you never imagine happening, and it shook us deeply.
But what I take away from that moment isn’t just the fear—it’s the strength that came after. Our kids, who were quite young at the time, showed an incredible level of resilience. They bounced back with courage, compassion, and an awareness of the world that many adults don’t even have. And we, as a family, came out stronger, more connected, and with a greater appreciation for the fragility—and beauty—of life.
That experience taught me not to take anything for granted, to lean into what truly matters, and to keep creating joy and beauty in the world, even in the face of hardship. It’s part of why I do what I do now—restoring and reimagining things that have been worn down by time, and giving them new purpose.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. When I was 26, I went through something that nearly broke me. I became involved with someone who turned out to be a deeply dangerous person—I was kidnapped, driven across the country, subjected to psychological and physical abuse, and nearly left me for dead.
I came out of that experience physically and emotionally shattered, $60,000 in debt, and was forced to declare bankruptcy. I had to completely rebuild my life from scratch—find a job, heal, and somehow believe that life could still be good.
I started in commission-only sales in the recruiting industry, which was incredibly challenging. But I kept going. Within three years, I had saved enough money to buy my own townhouse, became the General Manager of a technical recruiting agency in Silicon Valley, and—most importantly—met the man who would become my husband. We’ve now been happily married for 25 years.
That chapter of my life taught me that even in the darkest moments, there’s a path forward. Strength doesn’t always feel like strength in the moment—but looking back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I didn’t give up. And I hope others who feel broken or lost can see that it’s possible to rise again.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is exactly what you get. I wear my emotions on my sleeve and have never been good at pretending to be someone I’m not. I’ve been through a lot in life, and I think that stripped away any interest in putting on a facade. I’m open, direct, and I genuinely don’t spend time worrying about what people think of me. That honesty shows up in my work, my relationships, and the way I move through the world.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
Scuba diving—without question. It’s my passion, my happy place, and my safe space. The moment I slip beneath the surface, everything else fades away. There’s a calm and clarity underwater that’s hard to describe—just the sound of your own breath, the rhythm of the ocean, and a whole world of beauty that feels completely untouched. It’s where I feel most connected to myself, most grounded, and most alive. And of course in my painting studio…it’s truly therapeutic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sttropezdesigns.com
- Instagram: Sttropezdesigns
- Facebook: St Tropez Designs
- Yelp: St Tropez Designs
- Other: Tik Tok: St Tropez Designs
Image Credits
Caroline Hall
