Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Doak.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I studied interior design at Texas State University with a minor in “technology”, which was basically drafting for residential construction. It was during that time I realized my passion for this industry and knew exactly what I wanted to pursue going into the working world – the building side of design.
After school, I spent years working at a local design showroom establishing a network with designers, builders, and architects – selling them materials and sources for their projects. While working at the showroom, I met well-known Austin Architect Cindy Black, the founder of Hello Kitchen.
In the fall of 2018, I acquired Hello Kitchen as the new owner. At that time, the business had been in operation for almost ten years. Ever since taking over the business, we have grown tremendously, all while making an effort to stick true to the original vision that brought the company to life.
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’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a rather smooth road. Of course, with any journey, there have been bumps along the way! In 2020, despite the craziness in the world, our business grew significantly. With that, there were a few growing pains to work through. In 2021, we started getting our head above water by expanding our team, fine tuning our processes, and setting boundaries.
I did not study business nor did I have any clue as to how to run a business when I acquired Hello Kitchen. I have had wonderful people who have helped me along the way to get where we are today. I’m very thankful to that group of spectacular resources for their continued support!
We’ve been impressed with Hello Kitchen, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Despite the name, we are no longer just doing just kitchen designs. While that still is our main focus – we have designed bathrooms, laundry rooms, custom built-in walls (fireplaces, entertainment centers, playrooms), as well as tackled full home remodels.
Unlike other interior designers, Hello Kitchen focuses on the construction side of design only. We are not the firm to assist in soft goods, furniture, art, decor, etc.
More often than not, homeowners will contact contractors with the desire to remodel, with very little to no direction of what exactly they want. Our goal is to help our clients to determine the best layout or configuration of their space, specify and budget materials, and clearly communicate all design details to contractors. We accomplish this by helping our clients to prioritize their ideas, finalize their design, and detail out everything in an organized and comprehensive deliverable presentation that contractors can then use moving forward in the construction phases.
We’ve found this niche in the industry that has continued to suit us well. As we continue to grow and fine tune our back of office operations, our deliverables have become more and more detailed. We have received great feedback from contractors complimenting the way our deliverables are presented!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice I can give to anyone starting out as a new business owner – in any industry – is to avoid trying to take on everything yourself. Although it may seem impossible in the beginning when you haven’t made money yet, hire help! Don’t try to be the accountant, the bookkeeper, the brand designer, the main point of client contact, the administrator, the sole employee doing all the client work, and everything in between.
I wish someone had told me to invest in a reliable team when I first started. Stretching yourself too thin will only take away from the value you can provide your paying clients.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@hellokitchen.net
- Website: www.hellokitchen.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello__kitchen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hello-Kitchen-231127987753282
- Other: https://pin.it/2tPoNZ9
Image Credits
Project photography by Avery Nicole Photography
