Custom Built

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Hey, it’s Katie Go! In this episode of Custom Built, I’m diving into the age-old renovation question: Should I do it myself or hire it out? I’ve been seeing so many DIY wins on Instagram—especially from some badass women stepping into power tools for the first time—and I love that energy. But here’s what no one’s talking about: time. Sure, you saved a few hundred bucks, but how many hours did it take? What did it cost you in weekends, missed moments, and mental load? I’m not saying one way is better, I just want us to start looking at the real currency—our time.

I’m sharing my own porch reno story (spoiler: it’s still not done), the lessons I’ve learned about managing time vs. money, and the mindset shift from “I should do this because I can” to “I want to do this because it brings me joy.” Whether you’re laying tile, project managing trades, or just figuring out your next home move—your time is valuable, and so are you. Tune in for a real-talk breakdown of how to choose your projects with intention and energy that fuels you, not drains you.

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Hey, it’s Katie! In this soul-level episode of Custom Built, I’m sharing a really raw and real conversation inspired by some amazing women I met at a business conference. We talked about how often we sideline our own well-being to manage everyone else’s emotions—and y’all, it hit me hard. I dive into why happiness isn’t a checklist (house, marriage, job, kids) but a daily choice, and how boundaries, self-awareness, and emotional ownership are key to living a life that actually feels good, not just looks good on paper.

I also opened up about a recent, eye-opening convo with my husband where we realized we’ve both been quietly consumed by each other’s emotional states—not because we were asked to, but because we thought we should. That people-pleasing, emotion-gatekeeping cycle? It’s exhausting. If you’re a fellow empath, overthinker, or just someone trying to reclaim your joy, this episode is for you. Let’s stop stewing in other people’s energy and start choosing happiness—on purpose.

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In part two of my conversation with Rachel Squire of Inner Connections Healing, we dig even deeper into the emotional and energetic journey of entrepreneurship. Rachel opens up about the unexpected but powerful support she's found along the way—from close friends to complete strangers—and how asking for help became a game-changer in scaling her spiritual wellness business. We also talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, especially those who have walked the path before you and can reflect back your potential. It’s real, raw, and full of heart.

We also touch on what it really means to custom build your life—hint: it starts with knowing your “why” and giving yourself permission to take up space, even when it feels scary. Rachel’s daily work with energy healing, holding space for clients, and now mentoring others is nothing short of beautiful. And hearing her vision for what’s next with Inner Connections? Inspiring. I’m so grateful to share part two of this story with you—it’s all about building a life that feels like home.

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In this very first guest episode of the Custom Built podcast, I sit down with the radiant Rachel Squire of Inner Connections Healing in Charleston, South Carolina. Rachel is a Reiki master, tarot reader, and yoga teacher who shares the powerful story of how she transitioned from managing Starbucks for 10 years to launching her own spiritual wellness business. From the clarity she found at a music festival, to the life-changing decision she made in an airport, Rachel opens up about what it looked like to bet on herself—raw, real, and totally inspiring.

We dive into how entrepreneurship became a spiritual journey, how anxiety and surrender coexist, and why sometimes you have to “panic when the disco starts.” This conversation is full of heart, healing, and reminders that the path you're called to might just be the one that scares you most. I’m so honored Rachel is the very first guest on the podcast—her story deserves to be heard. This is just part one, so don’t miss what’s coming next week! 

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Hey there, and welcome back to the Custom Built Podcast! Today, I’m diving into the tiny but crucial details in home design that often get overlooked—until it’s too late. Ever had a kitchen where drawers crash into each other, or a light switch ends up awkwardly behind a cabinet? These little design misses can cause major headaches (and expenses) down the line. I share real-life examples of tricky cabinet installations, misplaced outlets, and overlooked lighting that could have been avoided with better planning. Trust me, you don’t want to realize your fridge blocks the walkway after it’s installed!

So, how do you avoid these costly mistakes? I walk you through simple ways to visualize your space before it’s built—whether that’s taping out layouts, using 3D design tools, or just imagining how you move through a room. From cabinet hardware placement to smart lighting decisions, I cover it all. If you’re planning a renovation or new build, this episode will save you stress, time, and money. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if this episode was helpful! See you next week!

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Hey, friends! In this quick but super important episode, I’m diving into homeowner’s insurance—because if you’re renovating or dealing with home repairs, this is something you need to have on your radar. I’ve had my fair share of experiences with insurance claims during reconstruction projects, but after chatting with a homeowner’s insurance expert, I realized there’s even more to it than I thought! Do you know if your insurance actually covers the full cost of repairs? Are you updating your policy when you renovate? What about those sneaky coverage gaps, like only paying for one coat of paint? These are things that can make or break your budget when disaster strikes.

I’ll walk you through why it’s crucial to double-check your policy, make sure your coverage matches your home’s current value, and call your insurance provider before starting any renovations (seriously—some policies won’t cover accidents during a reno if they weren’t notified!). Plus, I’m sharing real-life lessons I’ve learned from homeowners who got stuck with unexpected costs. This is my non-expert but very real advice to help you avoid major headaches down the road. Tune in now, and let’s make sure your home—and your wallet—are protected!

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Hey friends! In this episode, I’m diving into a crucial but often overlooked step in designing your home—concepts. And when I say "we," I mean me and Samson, who insists on making an appearance today! A concept is just an idea—imperfect, unfiltered, but essential. Whether you’re dreaming of reworking an older home that no longer fits today’s lifestyle or tweaking a brand-new space that just doesn’t flow, the first step is simply getting your ideas out of your head. No judgment, no overthinking—just sketch, jot, or even cut out pieces of paper to visualize how your home could work for you.  

Flow is everything. How do you move through your home? Does your kitchen feel disconnected from your entertaining spaces? Are you constantly bumping into awkward walls? By mapping out spaces in the simplest way—no walls, no measurements, just function—you get a clear idea of what needs to change. And trust me, action creates clarity! So grab a pen, let your creativity loose, and start imagining your dream space. I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a review, follow me on Instagram @hellokatiego, and let’s make your home truly custom-built for you!

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In this episode of Custom Built, I'm tackling a topic that really grinds my gears—designing your home for resale value instead of designing it for you. I get it, we’ve been conditioned to think about the next homeowner, but why should that dictate how you live in your space? From kitchen layouts to paint colors to loft beds that evolve as your family does (trust me, I’ve built a few!), I break down why making your home work for your life right now is the best investment you can make. Because, let’s be real—your home should be a reflection of you, not just some future buyer.  

I also share real-life examples of how my family has continuously adapted our home to fit our needs—transforming bedrooms, repurposing furniture, and even rethinking how we use entire rooms. And guess what? Not once did I stress about resale value! It’s time to ditch the “what ifs” and start designing a space that actually supports the way you live. Tune in for all the details, and don’t forget to hit subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. Let’s build the custom life you deserve!

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Welcome back to the Custom Built Podcast! Today, we’re diving deep into something that’s been a game-changer for me—mindset and the power of words. Whether you believe in manifestation or not, the way we think and speak about ourselves matters. I’ve seen it firsthand, not just in my own life but even on job sites. If you’re constantly expecting things to go wrong, guess what? They will. But when you shift your perspective—when you start asking what if this actually works?—that’s when the magic happens. Our thoughts create our reality, and today, I’m sharing how you can take back control of yours.  

We’ll talk about breaking free from negative thought patterns, setting boundaries with energy-draining people, and how making small shifts in your daily mindset can change everything. And trust me, this isn’t about “toxic positivity”—it’s about making intentional choices that align with the life you want to build. If you’re ready to stop letting fear and self-doubt hold you back, this episode is for you. And if this message resonates, let’s keep the conversation going—follow me on Instagram and YouTube at @HelloKatieGo. See y’all next time!

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Today, we’re diving into the one thing that makes or breaks any home renovation—MONEY. No matter how big or small your project is, having a solid financial game plan is crucial. I’m sharing my own experiences—yes, including my many rounds of loft bed indecisiveness—so you can learn from my mistakes. We’ll cover how to stretch your budget wisely, avoid common financial pitfalls, and make sure you’re hiring the right contractors (spoiler: the cheapest option isn’t always the best). Plus, we’ll chat about the emotional side of money—because let’s be real, home renos are a rollercoaster, and financial stress only adds to the ride.  

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of how to budget smart, plan for the unexpected, and make confident decisions without second-guessing every detail. If you’re ready to tackle your reno with clarity and peace of mind, you won’t want to miss this one! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @HelloKatieGo for more reno tips, and to be the first to hear about my upcoming Blueprint to Build course. See y’all next time!