Her Story
About Stacy
Stacy Elliston is the owner and founder of HIVE Collaborative, a hospitality-focused interior design firm serving hotels, restaurants, and other guest-centered environments. Based in Dallas, Texas, Stacy brings more than three decades of hospitality design experience, having entered the industry in 1995 as a junior designer and progressed into senior design and ownership roles. Before launching HIVE Collaborative, she spent more than 11 years as Principal and Co-Founder of Studio 11 Design, where she contributed to operations, project management, team coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and project oversight.
Through HIVE Collaborative, Stacy provides hospitality interior design, project management, CapEx project support, brand representation, owner’s representation, team strategy, and operational consulting. She works collaboratively with design and architectural firms, restaurant brands, project management groups, developers, owners, and other industry partners. Her approach emphasizes thoughtful design, flexibility, strong relationships, and creating environments that tell a story while enhancing the guest experience and supporting the long-term success of a property. She has also expanded her involvement in the industry through her work as an adjunct professor at Collin College, where she teaches commercial interior design and professional practice.
Stacy is passionate about collaboration, mentorship, philanthropy, and the continued advancement of women in hospitality. A longtime member of NEWH, she has served in leadership roles within the organization and participates in networks such as Female Founders in Hospitality. She is also exploring opportunities connected to hotel development and ownership, reflecting her broader interest in the business side of hospitality. Stacy credits trusted mentors, meaningful professional relationships, openness to unexpected opportunities, and a willingness to continually evolve as important influences on her career. Her commitment to giving back is reflected in HIVE Collaborative’s philanthropic efforts and her support of causes including elephant conservation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying open-minded, building strong relationships, listening to trusted mentors, and allowing my career to evolve naturally. The encouragement of respected colleagues has also helped me recognize opportunities I may not have initially seen for myself.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received came from two important mentors, Deborah Herman and Shannon Ryder. Although they have both passed away, their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me left a lasting impact and helped shape the leader and entrepreneur I am today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay open-minded and avoid over-scripting their careers. Some of the best opportunities may be ones you never planned for, so remain receptive to new directions, relationships, and unexpected possibilities that can lead to a fulfilling career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Hospitality design is highly cyclical and closely tied to the economy, making long-term planning challenging. I believe adaptability and strong client relationships are essential for navigating changes in financing and investment while identifying opportunities as market conditions evolve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value collaboration, flexibility, strong relationships, mentorship, philanthropy, and creating work with a greater purpose. I believe professional success can go hand in hand with giving back, supporting others, and making a meaningful impact.
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