Today we’d like to introduce you to Haley Kiarash.
Hi Haley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path into design has always been deeply personal, shaped by my background in history, archaeology, and painting. I’ve always been drawn to the stories objects carry,the way art, architecture, and artifacts reflect culture, time, and human experience. That perspective naturally led me to interior design. Through Kia Interior Design, I create spaces that feel layered, collected, and meaningful,homes that reflect not just how people live, but who they are. My love of art and beauty guides everything I do, and I’m especially inspired by the balance of preserving tradition while introducing a fresh, modern point of view. Over time, I’ve built a client base of individuals who value that depth and trust me to create spaces that feel both timeless and personal.
Motown Mahjong came more organically. What began as a personal interest in the game quickly turned into a business opportunity that I started with two of my friends, both physicians, and it naturally evolved into a partnership. We recognized that there was nothing like it locally, and set out to build Motown Mahjong into the first, and now the largest, Mahjong retailer in Michigan. Rather than designing our own tiles or mats (which is something we plan to explore in the future), we’ve focused on curating and offering some of the most beautiful, high-quality Mahjong products available, bringing a more elevated and design-forward perspective to the game.
What makes it especially meaningful is how naturally it connects back to my work in interiors. I’ve begun incorporating Mahjong into my design projects—creating dedicated Mahjong rooms and thoughtfully designed spaces where people can gather, play, and connect. It’s an extension of my belief that design is not just about how a space looks, but how it’s lived in and experienced.
Today, both businesses complement each other in a natural way. Interior design allows me to shape environments on a larger scale, while Motown Mahjong brings a social, lifestyle element into those spaces. At the core of both is the same philosophy: creating beauty that feels personal, meaningful, and lasting.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been timing, balancing my personal life with my professional ambitions. I’ve always had a strong passion for design, but motherhood was my priority for many years. I made a very intentional decision to focus on raising my children, which meant putting parts of my career on hold.
In many ways, I was waiting over 20 years for the right moment, until my children were grown and more independent,to fully step into building my own business. Opening my studio at the Michigan Design Center was a major milestone for me, but it came after years of patience, growth, and quiet preparation behind the scenes.
There were also challenges in starting and growing two businesses, especially entering a space where I wanted to do something different, whether it was creating deeply personal interiors or introducing a more elevated, design forward approach to Mahjong. Building something new always comes with uncertainty, but I’ve learned to trust my perspective and stay committed to my vision.
Looking back, I don’t see those years as a delay, but as a foundation. Motherhood shaped my resilience, my perspective, and ultimately the way I approach both design and business today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kia Interior Design And other business is Motown Mahjong ?
Kia Interior Design and Motown Mahjong are both rooted in the same philosophy: thoughtful design, attention to detail, and creating experiences that feel personal and elevated.
With Kia Interior Design, I specialize in creating timeless, layered interiors that blend traditional foundations with a fresh, modern perspective. My work is very personal and highly tailored, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all design. Each project is approached with a deep understanding of the client’s lifestyle, incorporating antiques, art, and custom elements to create spaces that feel collected over time. I’m especially known for my ability to mix old and new in a way that feels effortless, as well as for creating homes that are not only beautiful but warm, livable, and inviting.
Motown Mahjong is a different expression of that same mindset. We are the first and largest Mahjong retailer in Michigan, and what sets us apart is our curated, design-driven approach. We focus on offering high-quality, stylish Mahjong sets and accessories that appeal to a more elevated, design-conscious customer. Beyond retail, we are building a community, hosting events, introducing new players to the game, and creating a social experience around Mahjong.
One of the most unique aspects of my brand is how these two worlds come together. I’ve begun designing dedicated Mahjong rooms and integrating Mahjong into the home as a lifestyle element. It transforms the game into more than just an activity, it becomes part of how people gather, entertain, and live in their spaces.
What I’m most proud of is creating something that feels authentic to me. Both businesses are built on a genuine love of beauty, art, and connection. I’ve been able to carve out a niche that feels distinct, where interior design meets lifestyle and community. Ultimately, I want readers to understand that whether I’m designing a home or curating a Mahjong experience, my goal is the same: to create something meaningful, personal, and lasting.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kiainteriordesign.com/ and www.motownmahjong.com
- Instagram: @kiainteriordesign @motown_mahjong
