Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Lindsey Barkel of West MI Lakeshore

Lindsey Barkel shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lindsey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I get joy from my family and being outside. I get home from work about the same time as my kids are getting back home from school. We have a snack together as we chat about the day and then we get outdoors, sometimes alone, other times together. I love to walk around the farm we live on and the surrounding land. We have longhorns, pigs, goats, chickens, dogs, and a garden. I recharge by being ‘home’ and outside – well, in tolerable temperatures anyway! There’s nothing like hearing the trickle of the stream, crossing over on a fallen tree, feeding the livestock, appreciating the fresh air. I love this time of day, when the noise from the day dies down.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Yes! I’m Lindsey and outside of being a wife and mom, I am founder of White Pine Design, an Interior Design + Build company that I started with my husband. WPD has its roots in our early years of marriage, where our shared love for design and craftsmanship first took shape. What began as a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces has grown into a full-service design and build firm specializing in high-end, custom renovations. Together with our talented team, we combine creative vision and technical expertise to guide each project seamlessly from concept through construction, delivering homes that feel intentional, refined, and deeply personal.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
‘Work’ was a way of life in my family. The summer following my 11th birthday, I got into the work field. Nowadays this probably sounds like abuse but I worked 30+ hours a week for a farmer every summer until I was 16. I thought my parents hated me 😉 but I found myself thriving as I did my best. I worked fast (even though it was a meager hourly pay) and got an absolute thrill from working with other kids and adults. I felt immense purpose in what I did (whether it was weeding, transplanting, picking, packing, washing, farmer’s market…) This work ethic was born in me and has never subsided. I have found that there is purpose in every job, no matter how mundane or useless it may feel. However, when a job left me wanting for more, it felt appropriate to go after something more fulfilling or challenging. My experiences in various jobs taught me that work is more about money. There’s a belonging to others, a personal satisfaction in being a part of something bigger, and a humility that comes with work – that it’s not just about me, it’s collaborative. And it’s always about a bigger, more beautiful picture.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a moment a few years ago when the weight of growing our team, managing multiple high-end projects, and balancing family life felt overwhelming. We were tackling everything from whole-home renovations to showrooms and speaking events, all while adjusting to the implementation of new systems and processes. For a weekend, I questioned it all- the workload, the juggling, the risk. But I took a step back, revisited our mission, our values, and my personal “whys,” and reminded myself why we do this work. That reflection helped me adjust my perspective, delegate more, and set clearer boundaries. It was a challenge, but it reaffirmed my commitment to building White Pine Design the right way, with intention and balance.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Well, I’ll share the core values of my company! I hope that my friends would say the following about me, that I am: Authentic (honest, has integrity, genuine and responsible); Relational (considerate, people-oriented, family-centered, Christ-centered); Creative (Inspired, inspiring, influencing); Purposeful (meaningful, collaborative, continuously learning and growing, and holistic – practicing the art of well-being in my life.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when my Bible is in my lap or when I’m working in the garden. I love Jesus and he also loves gardens (and great design)! The peace he gives is just as the Bible says: surpassing all understanding. He’s my rock and no matter what I’ve gone through, he’s been there, guiding me. If all is well, his peace is there. And when things aren’t well, there is still peace available and joy in knowing him. There’s nothing that can take away the peace he gives! It’s a simple truth and comes from having a relationship with him. I’m thankful to have this Peace in my life, guiding my next steps!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://whitepinedesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WHITEPINEDESIGN/#
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-pine/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealwhitepinedesign/

Image Credits
Elyn Courey Photography
David Tofilon Consulting