Her Story
About Kayla
For Kayla Allen, design has always been about more than furniture, it is about creating spaces, building relationships, and making people feel comfortable and valued. Her passion for the industry began during her time living overseas in the UK, where she developed a deeper appreciation for furniture, interiors, and the way design can reflect the people and experiences within a space.
Kayla credits her parents as some of her greatest influences, particularly for instilling in her from an early age the belief that she could accomplish anything she set her mind to. That mindset has continued to shape both her personal and professional life, encouraging her to pursue opportunities, embrace challenges, and continually grow.
Relationships and respect are at the heart of how Kayla approaches both her career and her life outside of work. She especially values the opportunity her career provides to meet people from different backgrounds and build genuine connections. She also draws inspiration from her current boss, whose selfless leadership and willingness to support others have shown Kayla the kind of leader she hopes to be.
Outside of her career, Kayla values family, giving back, and staying connected to her community. One tradition she especially cherishes is volunteering at her local soup kitchen every Thanksgiving alongside her mother and sister, a family tradition that reflects her belief in the importance of helping others and giving back whenever possible.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I contribute much of my success to the way my parents raised me. They taught me from an early age that there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish if I was willing to work hard, stay determined, and set my mind to it. That belief has stayed with me throughout my life and career, especially when facing challenges or stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’m very close with my parents, and I’m incredibly grateful for the foundation they gave me and the confidence they instilled in me to pursue the things I want in life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come through the example set by my current boss. She consistently goes above and beyond for the people around her and leads with genuine selflessness. Watching the way she supports others has inspired me to bring that same mindset into both my professional and personal life. She has shown me that success isn’t only about what you accomplish for yourself, but also about the impact you can have on the people around you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep at it, even when you don’t see the results right away. Give your first year everything you have, stay consistent, and don’t get discouraged if things don’t happen as quickly as you hoped. The work you put in today may not pay off immediately, but if you stay committed and continue showing up, you’ll start to see the return on that investment in time. Trust the process, believe in yourself, and give yourself the opportunity to see what you can accomplish by simply sticking with it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating an uncertain economy. People still want beautiful, high-quality spaces and furnishings, but they are understandably more cautious about where they spend their money. Finding the balance between helping clients achieve the look and quality they want while remaining mindful of their budgets has been a challenge. At the same time, it has pushed me to be more creative, adaptable, and intentional in how I approach each client and project.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect and kindness are the two values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally. I believe in treating everyone with respect, regardless of their position or background, and I think kindness can have a much greater impact than we sometimes realize. In my work, those values help me build genuine relationships and make people feel heard and valued. In my personal life, they guide how I want to show up for the people around me.
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