244: Get Uncomfortable by Choice in Your Design Firm

Joining me on the podcast today are Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole of Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs based here in the Atlanta area. Kelly and Joann have been together for about 18 years, and they do something every year that has just really been inspiring to me. They go on a mission trip to Guatemala to help others in need. On the podcast today, Kelly and Joann are going to share about the process of how they came together as business owners, how they implemented and embraced this mission trip, and how they look forward to it every year. There is truly profit in giving to others and you're going to experience that on the podcast today.

Topics Mentioned:

• Philanthropy

• Perspective

• Gap and gain

Key Thoughts:

• But for ourselves to stay safe sane, and to have a good attitude all the time, that is kind of where we come from that we have our heads on straight. I have to say giving back and going to Guatemala and all those things have helped us to maintain that, so we don't get too wrapped up in ourselves and stupid stuff. Kelly 14:58

• Yes, I think perspective is a really big deal. Because you need to be reminded, you get kind of on that wheel and if you don't remind yourself, you can get carried away. So, I feel like we do have a really good perspective, we don't work ourselves to the grind. Joann 17:17

• So, I think for us working in luxury environments, because it is such a big difference in some cases. Honestly, the longer we stay in our luxury ways and luxury businesses, the more we become accustomed to that, and it's important, I'm not saying any of it's wrong, it's just a very different view. The beauty that I think you have, in your perspective, is you've seen both. Michele 33:30

• Get uncomfortable, put yourself in that place, and go help somebody. Let them be a blessing to you because it'll change the way you deal with other people, the way you approach your business, the way you calm your anxieties, and how you are always chasing that gap that ideal that you'll never get and cause you to relax. It'll help you. Kelly 34:29

• You know, to look back at that house, it's almost like when we're there, you're kind of on autopilot. You're not sitting here thinking about, oh, I'm hungry, you're just doing it. You're with the group and everybody's doing it and it just kind of happens. It's really amazing. It really is, and I urge people to try to do it. Joann 38:30

• I say that because sometimes for people who have never done this, this feels so big and so overwhelming, and like there needs to be so much that happens to be ready. That it really is about creating it the same way as if it is a personal vacation. It gets put on the calendar, you plan up to it, you work around it, and you keep going. Michele 44:48

Contact Michele:

• Email: [email protected]

• Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting

• Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL

• Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com

• LinkedIn: Michele Williams

Contact Joann and Kelly:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://www.kandrac-kole.com

• Instagram: @kandarckole

• Facebook: @kandracandkole

• LinkedIn: Kandrac and Kole

• Pinterest: @KandracKole

• Twitter: @KandracKole

References and Resources:

• Work with Me

• Gap and the Gain

• Dwell with Dignity

• Catalyst Resources International

• Sunshine on a Ranney Day

• Partly Sunny

• No Longer Bound

• Dwell With Dignity

• Kandrac and Kole podcast