Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate O’Hara
Hi Kate, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Thirty years ago, my mother Martha O’Hara left a career in finance to start a one-woman interior design company out of our home. I grew up watching her create her own business, and I’ve always been proud of her savvy and style. Around fifteen years ago, Martha O’Hara Interiors needed some help in the marketing department, so I started assisting with social media and website development. Over the years, that marketing role evolved and I supported the company in various ways, through public speaking and business development, until becoming the CEO and Creative Director. Today, I oversee our team of interior designers, design studios in Minnesota and Texas, and projects around the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I imagine that every successful, long-term business has hit some bumps in the road. We’ve been fortunate not to have many. We’ve weathered housing crises, recessions, and the pandemic. I think it’s also worth noting that growth comes with bumps too. Every time we’ve grown – whether into new services, locations, or products – we have experienced a learning curve. During those uncertain times, I’ve learned that a leader needs to provide a path forward. Acknowledging uncertainty and communicating a plan to overcome it, is critical.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
O’Hara Interiors is full-service interior design firm with studios in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Austin, Texas. We’ve built a reputation for being trusted partners for our clients. We have teams of designers in the north and south, and we are all focused on creating a concierge-like design experience. Beyond our award-winning design, our specialty is the luxury client experience we provide. We tailor each project’s design to the homeowner’s style and lifestyle, with and eye toward timeless spaces that will be comfortable for all stages of life.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is an inherent part of running a business and a frequent part of growth. My job to is to ensure our risks are calculated and intentional. I’ve avoided situations that might have looked promising but left us – by my reconning – too exposed. At the same time, I know my firm’s strengths and its level of resiliency, and I know the design industry. So I’ve been able to chart new paths for the company that could be considered risky.
Our expansion into the Austin market is a fitting example. It required a capital investment and a shift in leadership focus as we oversaw the establishment of a team and physical new branch. Our Austin office is now an essential part of our company. It also taught us some important lessons about how to effectively manage expansion growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oharainteriors.com
- Instagram: @ohara_interiors
