Starting her career straight out of high school, KayLee has never been afraid to move forward with confidence and purpose. From earning her real estate license at a young age to discovering her passion for interior design through hands-on industry experience, she has faced challenges head-on and embraced every opportunity.
Keep reading to hear KayLee share her journey, from early challenges to pursuing her dream in interior design.
“I am from Sandy, Utah, and I joined Heritage School of Interior Design Utah straight out of high school.” Even before graduating, she had already earned her real estate license and began working as an agent with Keller Williams SV.
Starting her professional career so young required confidence and resilience. “I decided to begin my career at a young age, and because of that I faced a lot of judgment.” Even now, she says she gets questioning looks when people learn how young she was when she earned her real estate license. “I have had to overcome people believing that my age sets me back in the field, even though I have worked hard and learned so much to get to where I am today.”
From Real Estate to Interior Design
KayLee’s path into design grew naturally out of her work in real estate.
“Through my career in real estate, my passion for interior design grew,” she says. Her love for interiors began long before she stepped into the housing market. “I have always had an interest in home design, from rearranging my room every week to pursuing it as a hobby.”
Working in real estate reignited that creative spark. Touring homes and envisioning their potential made her realize something important. “Real estate reignited my passion for design. That is when I knew I wanted to create someone’s dream home.”
Her Experience at HSID
When KayLee began her education at HSID, she expected to learn about fabrics and design styles. What she discovered was much more comprehensive.
“My experience at HSID has been so amazing. When we started, I thought we would just be learning about design materials and styles, but it is so much more than that.”
She explains that the program prepared her for the real demands of the industry. “HSID prepared me to run a business and succeed in the field. The program provided guidance on the necessary paperwork for starting a business and developed my skills in creating construction documents and designing meaningful spaces. It truly equips you for every aspect of the design world.”
Stepping Into the Industry
Shortly after completing the Fundamentals program, KayLee secured a position with DesignNMind Interiors.
“I currently work for DesignNMind Interiors. Kitchen and bath design is at the heart of the company; however, we are expanding to include whole-home remodels. I am helping with a major remodel project in Herriman alongside Jon, the owner. He is incredibly talented, and it has been amazing to gain hands-on experience with the team.”
She is especially proud of how quickly she was able to transition into the field. “I am proud of the education I received and that I was able to secure a design job so quickly after completing Fundamentals. I have accomplished many of my goals and am excited to achieve even more.”
Advice She Lives By
One piece of advice continues to guide her.
“The best advice I have received is, ‘You are exactly where you are supposed to be,’” she says.
Because she started young, there are moments when she compares herself to coworkers who have more experience. “I have always wanted to start my career young, but because of that sometimes I feel that I am behind my coworkers, which I am. Knowing that advice, I have to remind myself that I am still young and just starting out. There will be people better than me, but as long as I work hard it will pay off.”
She adds, “There is a reason I was able to begin my career young, and I certainly feel like I am where I am supposed to be.”
Looking Ahead
KayLee’s goals reflect both creativity and purpose.
“My future goal is to design spaces that are perfect for every individual. A goal of mine is to do a full ADA remodel.”
For her, design is deeply personal. It is about creating spaces that truly serve the people who live in them. With drive, perspective, and a strong foundation, KayLee is building a career that began early but is only just getting started.