Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Paone.
Hi Karen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story is about rediscovering myself and finding empowerment through creativity and a passion for design. Becoming a mom was a transformative experience, but initially, it felt like my world had turned upside down. I lost sight of who I was in the midst of the demands of motherhood.
However, I realized I needed to reclaim my identity and find ways to optimize ‘mom life’ for myself and others. That’s when I took the first step and started my blog. Writing about interior design, a long-held passion, became my outlet. It gave me a sense of purpose and control as I explored ways to transform spaces, making them both beautiful and functional.
The physical world has always captivated me. I see beauty everywhere, even in the most ordinary things. This, combined with my natural inclination towards order and organization, allows me to create spaces that resonate with people on a functional and emotional level. I firmly believe that a clear and clean environment fosters a clear and clean mind.
So, my journey began as a frazzled mom trying to find order amidst the chaos. Taking that leap to start my blog, build a word-of-mouth interior design business, and prioritize my overall well-being has brought me to where I am today. I’m passionate about helping others create spaces that support their well-being and bring them joy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While my journey has been incredibly rewarding, it definitely hasn’t been without its bumps. The biggest hurdle, as I mentioned, was navigating that initial transition into motherhood. It took time and conscious effort to rediscover my own identity and passions amidst the overwhelming demands of a newborn.
Another challenge was overcoming my own self-doubt when I first started my blog and design business. Putting myself and my work out there was intimidating. Especially without the formal education or experience in interior design. I was basically self taught and had to trust my abilities. I had to learn to silence that inner critic and trust my instincts.
Balancing the demands of motherhood with my growing business has also been an ongoing juggling act. There are days when it feels like I’m constantly switching hats and trying to be everything to everyone. But I’ve learned to prioritize, set boundaries, and ask for help when needed.
And of course, like any entrepreneur, I’ve faced the inevitable setbacks and learning curves that come with building a business. But each challenge has ultimately made me stronger and more resilient. I’ve learned to embrace the messy, imperfect journey and focus on the progress I’m making. I really do live by the motto, ‘progress not perfection’.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an interior designer with a passion for creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. I specialize in residential design, helping families create homes that truly reflect their personalities and support their lifestyles.
I’m known for my ability to blend aesthetics with practicality. I have a keen eye for detail and a knack for finding creative solutions that maximize space and enhance flow. My clients often tell me that I have a gift for understanding their needs and translating their vision into a reality they love.
What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has on my clients’ lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how a well-designed space can bring joy, reduce stress, and improve their overall well-being. I believe that our homes should be sanctuaries that support our minds, bodies, and spirits.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to design. I don’t just focus on aesthetics; I consider the functionality, energy flow, and overall feeling of a space. I also prioritize sustainability and eco-conscious choices whenever possible. I believe that good design should be both beautiful and responsible.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower my clients to create homes that they truly love and that support their best lives
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love anything personal development related including topics about functional whole body health: fitness, nutrition, women’s specific health, brain health, sleep, etc. And anything on how to optimize life in general. I read about 2-3 books a month. This past month I’ve read High Performance Habits, Motivation Manifesto (Brendon Burchard) Indistractable (Nir Eyal).
Contact Info:
- Website: www.momentswithkaren.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/momentswithkaren
