Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Marino
Hi Kristin, 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?
Sure! Well, I knew as a kid I wanted to be an interior designer. I’ve always loved design, furniture, decor, and architecture so I really never saw any other career path to take. Once I finished design school I worked for a number of different designers and design firms. I had always taken clients on the side but knew I wanted the experience of working for someone else for a little bit before I went off on my own. Once I moved to Austin, I was completely ready to take the plunge and start working for myself full time, and then I landed a job that seemed too good to be true. I was hired on by a local design firm in town as a senior level designer-a position I had never held before and… they fired me after four days. I took this as a complete sign and slap in the face from the universe saying “hellooooooo, what are you doing?” and ever since January 2020 I have been completely self-employed running my design firm KozyKasa, and happier than I’ve ever been in any job.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Design has always come naturally to me so that was never a problem. I also hold a Communications degree so dealing with clients and client obstacles has also never really been an issue. One thing I wish I knew more about before starting was how to actually run a business. Billing structures, invoicing and taxes was a big learning curve for me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m the owner of KozyKasa, an interior design firm based in Austin, TX. I do both residential and commercial projects and love both equally the same. On the residential side, I get to meet so many wonderful people and form great interpersonal connections. On the commercial side my creativity really has a space to shine. I knew I wanted to “be the boss” and own my own business since I was a KID so actually doing that now and living my dream is something, I still can’t believe I did and definitely what I’m the proudest of… so far. Knowing that I’m just myself and not trying to be like every other designer design firm in town, doing things my way, using what works for me is what keeps me different from other designers. There are lots of interior designers and we all have our own unique styles. I’m inspired by the architecture and design all around the world which I’ve been so fortunate to experience. Knowing that no two designs of mine are the same is what my clients can look forward to.
How do you think about happiness?
Design! Of course. I’m what I said I wanted to be in second grade and that’s not something many people can say. Other than that, being on a beach, traveling to different corners of the world, my family, my dog, and vegetarian food are the ways to my heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: kristin@kozykasa.us
- Website: www.kozykasadesign.com
- Instagram: @kozykasa_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kozykasa
Image Credits
Becca Murphy Photography (White kitchen and Walnut console with wood beads)
