On the latest KBB From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Kristyn Harvey of Kristyn Harvey Interiors, in Solana Beach, California. She shared tips on prioritizing social media as part of running your business, including how to make time to include it in your schedule.
A Career Shift Sparked by a Renovation
A home renovation project that drew crowds during its eventual sale made Harvey realize she might have a natural talent for design. From there, she balanced night shifts as a nurse with remodeling projects for friends before fully diving into her own design firm. That sharp eye for detail, honed during her nursing years, has carried into her business. As she explained, it’s this combination of meticulousness and creativity her clients value most.
Mentorship Through Social Media
In addition to running her firm, Harvey has become an informal mentor for other designers navigating similar career shifts. Many find her approachable through her Instagram presence, where she shares both design content and personal insights.
“People follow the person more than the brand,” Harvey noted, adding that her goal is for clients and followers alike to feel like they already know her before they ever meet in person.
Building an Instagram Following
Her social media journey, however, didn’t take off overnight. In the interview, Harvey broke down how she built her following, the balance she strikes between personal storytelling and professional education and the strategy she uses to manage content creation without letting it consume her workweek. (Hint: it’s not about being perfect.)
Expanding the Business Beyond Instagram
Harvey also shared advice for designers hesitant to put themselves out there, as well as her perspective on why some professionals may need Instagram less than others. And beyond social media, she’s finding new ways to grow her business – including leaning into brand partnerships and expanding her services to include outdoor design.
Connection at the Core
For Harvey, it all comes back to connection: building trust with clients, creating community with fellow designers and letting her authentic personality shine through online.
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets to hear Harvey’s approach to Instagram, her practical tips for balancing social media with client work and her candid thoughts on what really matters when putting yourself out there.
