Meet Keely Knight | Landscape Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keely Knight and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keely, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It was towards the end of 2009 when I started thinking seriously about starting my own landscape design company. It was something I dreamed about but didn’t think I could make happen. I had my first child over a year prior and was expecting another bundle of joy later that summer. I was trying to juggle work and spend time with my son. My heart wanted to be with him 24/7 but my passion for landscape design was driving me to work. I started my own business so I could do things my way and take on a more creative path under my own direction. I also wanted to be a mom with the flexibility that I needed so I could be there for my kids. Those 2 things really drove me to make that leap.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Horticulture and design have always been two passions of mine, even when I didn’t really know much about it! As a child, my mother would have me work in the yard with her and plant flowers and all sorts of plants. I really enjoyed it and learning about all of the different plants and what looks good together. It wasn’t until my now sister in law took a Horticulture class in college and had me come to her lab class to see what I thought about it…..I was memorized and knew that’s exactly what I wanted to study when I got to college. I studied Horticulture at Texas A&M and worked at a local nursery at the same time trying to find my path and learn as much as I could. I then got an opportunity to do an internship at a landscape design company and that’s when I knew what I wanted to with my career. It was a perfect fit for my love of plants and design. I started my own landscape design firm because I am so passionate about what I do and I wanted to do all aspects of the design and construction process. When I design a client’s yard, I look at it all. How can I make this yard function better, flow better and overall look amazing. I wanted to give the client an experience and make sure their style is shown through. I would consider myself more of an exterior designer. I don’t just want to add a few plants, I want to transform the overall look and feel of that yard. I know what goes together, I know what looks good and I know how to get it done and get it done correctly.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband is probably my biggest fan and supporter. When I first started thinking of starting my own company, he was my biggest cheerleader and did everything he could to make it happen. We cut back expenses and he even sold his car to drive something less expensive to make it work. He still helps me on every aspect of my company 12 years later and is the most supportive person and partner. My father was also my other support system. He sent me all the information and guided me on what I needed to do to get started and was encouraging me daily on making that leap. He said it would all be worth in the end and he was so spot on!

Website: www.knightlandscapedesign.com

Instagram: @knightlandscapedesign

Facebook: knightlandscapedesign