Success brought mistakes, but "I never lose. I either win or I learn." I pivoted, refined my process, and now have a thriving business with a 90% referral rate.
Heather Dae, AKBD · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Heather
Heather Dae, AKBD, is the owner and principal designer of Divine Details, LLC, bringing over three decades of experience in the kitchen and bath industry to every project. Her career began in 1996 after serving in the military, and over the years she has built a uniquely well-rounded background that spans product specification, showroom design, wholesale sales, business ownership, and residential design.
Since founding Divine Details, LLC in 2020, Heather has specialized in designing personalized kitchens, baths, and interior living spaces that reflect each client's lifestyle while creating a cohesive flow throughout the home. Using detailed architectural drawings, realistic 3D renderings, and carefully curated material selections, she guides homeowners through every phase of the design process with clarity, confidence, and meticulous attention to detail.
Heather's commitment to the profession extends well beyond her own projects. She mentors aspiring designers, serves on the NKBA Texas North Plains Chapter Council, and remains dedicated to continuing education and advancing the kitchen and bath industry. Every project is approached as a true collaboration, with the belief that exceptional design is found in the thoughtful details that transform a house into a home.
Heather began her career with Ferguson Enterprises performing takeoffs before advancing into showroom environments, where she developed extensive product knowledge and a passion for helping clients navigate the design process. She later moved into wholesale outside sales and ultimately spent a decade owning and operating her own manufacturer's representative agency, giving her invaluable insight into both the business and technical sides of the industry.
Driven by a desire to further elevate her expertise, Heather pursued formal design education and earned her Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) certification through the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) in 2019. As one of a select group of certified kitchen and bath designers in the region, she combines decades of hands-on experience with professional design training to create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Dreams come alive in the details.....
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Heather
01What do you attribute your success to?
Heather attributes her success as a Kitchen and Bath Designer at Divine Details, LLC to more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen and bath industry, her NKBA Associate Kitchen & Bath Designer (AKBD) certification, and her commitment to mentoring professionals in the field. She credits her strong work ethic, instilled through her military background, as the foundation of her professional discipline and dedication. Her approach is centered on always identifying “one more thing” she can do to make each project more functional, beautiful, and seamless for clients and builders. Known for being transparent, personable, and highly detail-oriented, she has built lasting relationships and a business largely driven by referrals, reflecting her clients' trust and satisfaction.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Do your job. It's that simple. Take it one step further and do it to the best of your ability. That's all anyone can really ask for.
Time management and organization are crucial. Use a color-coded calendar and set alarms to keep you on track. Use consistent naming conventions and folders per project.
Take advantage of time-saving apps. Use AI as a tool, not a crutch.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be yourself—unapologetically.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that your greatest asset isn't your portfolio or your résumé—it's you. Don't try to fit someone else's mold. Your perspective, experiences, and personality are what will set you apart.
Just as important, take care of yourself. You can't give your best to your employer, your clients, your family, or yourself if you're running on empty. Creativity doesn't thrive in constant chaos or exhaustion. The best ideas come when you give yourself the space to think, breathe, and be inspired.
Schedule breaks. Block time to move your body. Make time to browse your favorite trade magazine, listen to a design podcast, visit a showroom, or simply observe the world around you. Inspiration is part of your job, not a distraction from it.
Success isn't about working every waking hour—it's about showing up as your best self. When you're taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and creatively, you're firing on all eight cylinders. That's when your creativity ignites, your confidence grows, and you're able to create your very best work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing the remodeling and building industry right now is economic uncertainty. When people aren't sure what the future holds - whether it's interest rates, the cost of materials, or their own financial stability - they often delay making decisions. Even homeowners who are excited about remodeling or building can experience analysis paralysis, waiting for what feels like the "right" time to move forward.
At the same time, I see an opportunity to help clients navigate that uncertainty. My role isn't simply to design beautiful spaces; it's to provide clarity, educate clients on their options, and help them make informed decisions that align with their goals and investment. Sometimes that means creating a phased plan they can implement over time. Other times, it's giving them the confidence to move forward because they understand the value of investing in a home they'll enjoy for years to come.
Uncertainty will always exist in some form, but thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and a well-developed design can help clients move from hesitation to confidence.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, and transparency are the values that guide both my personal life and my business. My work is a direct reflection of who I am, so I believe in being genuine, communicating openly, and always putting my clients' best interests first.
Creating beautiful spaces is a given - that's what every client expects. But exceptional design goes beyond aesthetics. I believe every space should be safe, functional, and thoughtfully designed to support the way people actually live. My goal is to educate my clients about what's possible, explain the benefits and trade-offs of their options, and empower them to make informed decisions based on their vision, lifestyle, and investment.
At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel confident in every decision they make, knowing their home was designed not only to be beautiful, but to serve them well for years to come.
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