Sleek to Chic Interiors :: Moms Who Mean Business

Sleek to ChicSleek to Chic Interiors, owned by interior designer Kara Gordon, specializes in residential interior design.

When I set out to work with new clients, I am not only looking to bring my creative ideas into a space, but I am also looking for relationships that have meaning. I make it a point to get to know families, remember their children’s names, and ask about milestone moments in their lives. PEOPLE are what Sleek to Chic Interiors is all about. I also believe in the idea that our environments determine our mindset. If we love the place we call home, then we will be proud of it and more welcoming of others into our personal spaces. Relationships, prime functionality, and beauty through decor are the essence of what I bring to Fort Worth. In turn, this helps to empower my clients to do the same in their communities and circles.

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Photo credit: Sturch Photography

My business services cover everything from simple consulting to selecting paint colors, decor, furnishings to managing small-scale remodels and so forth. Generally speaking, I charge by the hour. I do have a list of services that don’t necessarily fall into the hourly rate, such as paint color consultations and remodels, but the most frequent billing fee is hourly. I also provide: digital collage, space planning, outdoor living, window coverings and custom draperies, use-what-you-have makeover, personal shopping and organizing, remodel plans, real estate staging, and the virtual makeover for the long distance client.

How It All Began

When I was young, I was drawn to the arts. I knew eventually that a job which allowed me to be creative was going to be the right fit for me. Interior design is a job that not only allows you to express your creativity, but it also requires the right combination of interpersonal skills and business savvy. God has blessed me with this combination as well as the passion for bringing beauty and functionality into spaces that are lacking in either or both. I entered Stephen F. Austin State University majoring in Interior Design and minoring in business and never wavered. I earned my bachelor’s in design in 2000, and began my career merchandising model homes for David Weekley Homes and other builders through a design firm in Houston. Following that, I had some flooring showroom experience, but knew that I wanted to start my own residential company eventually.

Some personal circumstances in the family required I change careers to one that allowed me to be home more in order to be more present with my stepson and our new marriage. I earned my elementary teaching certificate and taught elementary school for 9 years. During those years, my husband and I were unable to have children together, and a series of losses and setbacks led us to our adoption journey.

KaraFamily2014
Photo credit: Maria Angeles Photography

At 10 years of marriage, and on my 34th birthday, we brought home our newborn adopted son! (My two sons are 16 YEARS apart!) That’s right. I have a senior in high school and a toddler. When we adopted, we decided that I would be a stay-home mom with the new baby, so I quit teaching. In late 2012, when our baby was about 6 months old, I began to feel the longing for working again, but knew that teaching would keep me from my baby far too many hours than I wanted, so my husband encouraged me to finally start my own business! That was how Sleek to Chic Interiors began in January 2013.

With friends and family being my initial point of referral . . . business began to boom. Word of mouth has kept my business afloat, along with small-scale paid advertising. Business is so good! Being my own boss allows me to balance work with what’s best for our family and allows me to focus on my boys as much as possible. I am serious about my business, but I am that much more passionate about my boys!

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Each quarter, my business donates either services or funds to charity. Just last quarter, I donated two different types of gift certificates to Luke’s Legion, which is a fundraising effort to offset medical costs for a special boy fighting Leukemia. Another example more recently, I participated in the RE/MAX Heritage Fall Festival Vendor Fair, which sent 100  percent of the money to Children’s Miracle Network and Cook Children’s Hospital.

Whether or not you know what you like in décor, I have the vision, resources, and ability to bring your dreams to fruition no matter how small or large. And not only am I able, but I also WANT to. It brings me such joy to get to know the client and work with her to improve her spaces! My slogan is “Interior design with YOU in mind.” The client is at the core of every decision.

From November 28 through December 24, you can purchase discounted gift certificates from Sleek to Chic Interiors. (Great stocking stuffer, right? Thank you, Santa!) Mention the Fort Worth Moms Blog when you email Sleek to Chic Interiors and receive 25% off gift certificates (any amount).

Kara headshot
Photo credit: Maria Angeles Photography

When Kara isn’t decorating or running the household, she loves to curl up with her dog and a good book. In fact, if she ever had a whole day to herself, that’s what she’d do: READ a real, paper, turn-the-page book. She even participates in her book club monthly! Kara also loves spending time with her extended family and getting all the little ones together to play. Kara also attends Compass Church Colleyville and leads a community group with her husband. Last, if time weren’t so limited, she would be a hard core foodie. Kara loves to cook and improvise meals . . . not so much baking sweets but real, wholesome meals. Her boys love almost everything she tries! Connect with Kara via Facebook.

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