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

Hi Shaina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process for starting my own business was thinking how can I be the most efficient with time? I felt bogged down working in the corporate world while having to consider titles, corporate politics, discrimination, office functions, and extra meetings, I was over chasing promotions and recognition of my skills and dedication from others. The purpose of my work became more important than the payment; That’s when I left the corporate world and started my own design studio.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
SK Design Studio is a growing entity dedicated to creative thinking, research, and design. Efficiency is our top priority and this sets us apart from others. We eliminate corporate “fluff” and do business on the human level. There is no “professional” side and a “off-the-clock” side. SK Studio has one face which is always cool, casual, and straight to the point.

My biggest difficulty along the way was trying to find the time to develop a business while still working a full time job. My first attempt of starting a design business was 10 years ago. Through-out the years I’ve worked side projects here and there. I made custom pillows & drapery for a little while, and I’ve used a few different business names through-out the years. Now, I realized that’s all growth. SK Design Studio has been growing for years! I recognize where I’ve started and I have a clear vision of where the studio is going. My growth and my failures have created a solid foundation.

I had no fear of failing when I started SK Design Studio. The option of going in to work for someone that didn’t care about me or my daughter was a greater failure. I had greater fear and anxiety going into work everyday to an environment where I didn’t feel comfortable being myself. I quit my job with no other income to depend on. I was prepared to make a way for myself, or I was prepared to loose everything. I think this is the hard part for a lot of people. The fear of loosing everything. I wasn’t afraid of fear. Fear is a sign of change.

I want the world to know that fear is apart of it. Freedom is on the other side of fear. SK Design Studio developed from a fearful moment that lead to change. SK Design Studio is all about free-thinking, research, and efficiency. Its going to change the inner-working and the face of the design industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have lots of family and friends that visit me here in the city to have fun! I always start with outdoor activities which is my number one love. Taking a stroll on Katy Trail and stopping at Katy Trail Ice House for a drink is a must. Katy Trail is relaxing, beautiful, and fun all in one. Walking through down-town Dallas is also on the list. Its tons of parks, water fountains & features, sculptors, historical sites, different plazas, bars and restaurants! We would get a daquiri to-go from Wing Shack on Main and start our walk from there, ending at ATT plaza! Kylde Warren Park and the DMA is also on the list for down-town Dallas.

An uptown adventure could fill another day. I would start with getting our nails done and coffee or mimosa at Verbana. Then hitting up one of the many brunch spots in the area, maybe State & Allen. After brunch there would be endless day parties happening around uptown and the Design District we could check out. Or we could go shopping.

I would also take guest to Trinity Groove. Sum Dang Chinees food has the best Froze and view of the city. There is an attached Art Park to the plaza with tons of twinkle lights, fire pits, TVs, games and fun. Its a great mix of people and ages.

Deep Ellum is a must, Checking out restaurants, Stir, Kiss, and XOXO is also a must.

I’m a city center girl, but if your not in the center of Dallas I would check out the Shops of Legacy for shopping food and fun, Grapevine Mills for shopping food and fun, and all of Addison is lively!

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 success is all dedicated to my mother and three sisters. My mother is a single mother. She filled out my college application and did everything for me to go to school. Architecture was the most expensive major on campus and offered at only one school in the state of Arkansas. My sisters are my life and have always supported me.

Website: https://drive.google.com/file/d/103iYCuo1xaX6dWDiKz1gPNxSSyZu-006/view

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hospitality-consultant-sk-studio

Other: shaina.kay@outlook.com

Image Credits
Images of me: By Amborssial Rose & Terrian Lavine Other images are from Portfolio, Leoadaly.com

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