We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Schapiro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There was a lot of thought put into deciding to open my own interior design business. It was the middle of the “Great Recession” and I had lost my job due to lack of work at the design firm I was working at. I had just given birth to my second daughter and decided to stay home a while to care for her and see what opportunities’ may come along. I ended up taking a job with a flooring company and soon realized that this is not what I wanted to do. As an employee of this Flooring company, I realized that I could provide the same service and more for my own clients if I owned my own company. That’s when I decided to start KLS Interior Design. I always wanted to work for myself but really never had the opportunity or drive to pursue that path until this point in my life. The thought of providing clients with high quality design services was the thought process behind starting my own business. I went through the thought process of looking at all my strengths such as the ability to be a great listener to understand the wants and needs of my clients and how I excel at detailed project management, With the support of my husband and encouragement from my friends I decided to take the risk and open KLS Interior Design.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
KLS Interior Design is a full-service design firm that specializes in helping clients in the greater Phoenix area renovate their homes, transforming their spaces for enhanced beauty and functionality. We thoughtfully redesign all finishes and furnishings, taking cues from our clients’ tastes and lifestyles to create spaces they’ll truly enjoy. Rooted in classic style but with fresh, current elements for a timeless overall look and feel, each space we design is customized for the client as we layer in elements that reflect their unique personalities and preferences.

Our clients appreciate our intentional approach as we take their style and daily routines into account. We begin every project by listening closely to learn how they live in their spaces, what they love, and what they need. With our detailed project management processes in place, we make sure everything on your project is going the way it should and that we have our eye on the details. Our clients love knowing they can trust KLS Interior Design to handle everything, solving their design questions and challenges with our expert advice backed by over 20 years of experience. That experience and attention to detail results in many happy clients who love living in their beautiful
new spaces.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When we have anyone visiting from out of town we have our favorite places to eat and places to go. The go to for a slice is “Oregano’s”, great atmosphere, food and the pizza cookie for dessert. Postino’s before a show at Gammage is another place me and my girlfriends enjoy. Patio, Bruschetta and wine, what else could you ask for. I recently went to the Van Gogh Immersion exhibit near downtown Scottsdale. I definitely would consider taking an out-of towner there to experience one of their rotating artists. There’s no better way to relax outdoors in the Phoenix area than to kick back by the fire pit. Whether you’re at a north valley resort or your very own custom backyard, relaxing with family and friends outdoors is one of Arizona’s greatest treasures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had many design mentors over the years that have impacted my professional life. There are too many to name but each one has taught me many things in the design business that I still practice today. Because of the time they took when I was just starting out it taught me how important their encouragement helped me succeed in design.

Website: klsinteriordesign.com

Image Credits
Meredith Comfort 2comfortsphotography

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