Her Story
About Kristie
Kristie Grande is an experienced Interior Decorator and Design Consultant and the founder of Grand Designs, based in Fayetteville, New York. She established her business in 2010 and later transitioned to full-time independent work after spending six years with a local design-build firm. Through her practice, Grande provides interior decorating and design consulting services, helping clients transform their ideas into beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their personal vision and lifestyle.
Grande specializes in guiding clients through the selection of finishes and design elements for bathrooms, kitchens, tile installations, and other areas of the home. Her background also includes experience in sales, business development, project consulting, customer service, and design, giving her a well-rounded understanding of both the creative and practical aspects of a project. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Social Science from Binghamton University and completed two years of coursework toward a degree in Civil Engineering Technology at SUNY Broome Community College.
Grande attributes her success to her genuine desire to help others and the fulfillment she receives from seeing clients delighted with their completed projects. She places a high value on integrity and clear communication, considering both essential to building trust and delivering successful results. Beyond her professional work, Grande is committed to giving back to her community and volunteers with local food banks whenever her schedule allows. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, cultivating perennial gardens, and restoring old cars, hobbies that reflect her appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and bringing something meaningful back to life. Through her expertise, collaborative approach, and dedication to her clients, she continues to create thoughtful, personalized spaces that bring her clients' visions to life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine passion for helping others and creating positive experiences. I find great fulfillment in seeing the satisfaction and happiness on someone’s face when a project is completed and they are thrilled with the results. Whether through my work or in other aspects of life, I have always enjoyed supporting people, solving problems, and making a meaningful difference, and that commitment to helping others has been a significant part of my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to find my passion and pursue a career that allows me to incorporate what I genuinely love. When you are able to do work that aligns with your interests and passions, it creates a strong foundation for fulfillment and success. I believe that when you truly love what you do, the rest naturally follows.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The advice I would give to young women entering my industry is to listen carefully to your prospective clients and truly understand what they like, what they envision, and what they believe they want. Our role is to listen, guide, and help bring their vision to life not to impose our own preferences. Success comes from creating what is right for the client and ensuring that their goals and vision remain at the center of the process.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I am facing right now is managing the business and marketing aspects of my work as I build my own business. Since marketing is not my primary area of expertise, I am learning as I go and handling much of it myself. Although it has been a challenge, it has also been a valuable opportunity to expand my skill set, gain a deeper understanding of the business side of my industry, and continue growing as an entrepreneur.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity and communication. Integrity is at the top of my list because it encompasses accountability, trust, honesty, and following through on my commitments. I believe that strong communication is equally important because it builds understanding, strengthens relationships, and helps ensure that expectations are clear. Together, these values guide how I conduct myself and how I build trust with others.
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