Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Campbell.
Hi Kristin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I never could have imagined, 16 years ago, that starting my staging and design business would lead me on such a meaningful and rewarding journey.
Like many entrepreneurs, my path began unexpectedly. After nearly 20 years working in the corporate world as a meeting and event planner—a role I truly loved—I was faced with a layoff. With 2009 in the midst of the Great Recession, job opportunities were limited, and instead of waiting, I chose to create something of my own.
I launched an organizing and home staging business, combining two passions that had always come naturally to me: creating order and designing beautiful, functional spaces. Home staging felt like the perfect intersection of both.
The early days weren’t without challenges. Just as I was preparing to complete my certification in design and staging, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Complications from surgery delayed my momentum, but over time, I was able to rebuild and grow. I developed strong partnerships with Realtors, providing staging consultations and vacant staging services—bringing in furnishings, décor, and finishing touches to help homes truly shine.
In 2016, I co-founded the Minneapolis Area RESA® Chapter. RESA® (Real Estate Staging Association) is a respected trade organization supporting professional stagers across North America, and it has been an invaluable resource. Over the past decade, I’ve had the honor of serving as Chapter President twice. I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative, welcoming, and educational community we’ve built—one that continues to support and inspire stagers, designers, and industry professionals.
Around 2017–2018, my business naturally began to shift. I started receiving more requests for interior design projects, and quickly realized how much I loved working directly with homeowners to create spaces that truly reflected who they are. That realization led me to step away from organizing and vacant staging services, so I could focus fully on design work that felt deeply fulfilling.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible homeowners and small business owners on projects of all sizes—from color consultations to full-scale renovations involving complete spatial reconfigurations, kitchens, and bathrooms.
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the opportunity to continually learn and grow. Most recently, I completed a certification in Science in Design, where I explored the research behind how our environments impact our mental and physical well-being. This has inspired an exciting evolution in my work, as I intentionally shift toward a more wellness-focused approach—helping clients create spaces that not only look beautiful, but truly support how they feel and live every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced came just as I was preparing to launch my business in 2010—a cancer diagnosis that would significantly impact both my personal life and my career.
During one of my initial surgeries to remove my thyroid, a complication resulted in the permanent paralysis of one of my vocal cords. This affected my ability to project my voice and speak for extended periods, and it also changed the quality of my voice, giving it a more gravelly tone. I committed to extensive speech therapy, working to strengthen and adapt my voice as much as possible.
In 2013, when the cancer recurred, I sought care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. That experience led me to a specialist who performed a vocal cord implant procedure designed to restore vocal function. It was truly life-changing.
While my voice still has limitations in volume, its quality has been largely restored—and with it, my confidence. That renewed sense of confidence allowed me to fully show up for my clients, communicate more comfortably, and continue growing my business without the weight of self-consciousness.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
While I feel confident designing across a wide range of styles, the two that resonate most deeply with me are Bohemian and Coastal.
My take on Bohemian design leans a bit more refined—layered and collected, yet still grounded in earthy tones, natural materials, and thoughtful, meaningful details. It’s a style that feels personal and expressive, which naturally aligns with my love of thrifting and discovering one-of-a-kind pieces. I’m not a minimalist by nature; I’m drawn to spaces that tell a story through curated furniture, art, and décor.
Coastal design, on the other hand, speaks to my desire for calm and simplicity. I’m especially drawn to its soft, neutral palettes paired with gentle blues and greens, creating a sense of ease and tranquility. Perhaps that connection comes from growing up near Lake Minnetonka, where I spent many weekends on the water. That feeling of peace has stayed with me and continues to influence how I approach design.
With my recent certification in Science in Design, I’m excited to further integrate intentional, research-backed decisions into my work—creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but also support well-being. This evolution allows me to blend the styles I love with a deeper, wellness-focused purpose for every client I serve.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice:
Just start. Perfection will only slow you down. I learned the hard way that overpreparing can cost you time—because once you take action, things almost always change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristintheresedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristintheresedesigns/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristintheresedesigns
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristincampbell88/
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/home-stagers/kristin-therese-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1510624378?
