Check Out Jamie Klecka’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Klecka. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I chose to take the hard road into adulthood. I married and had kids very young. By the age of 30, I decided to go to college. I started my firm in 2008 with home staging, as I went to college for design. After 8 long years, I graduated with honors with a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design and a minor in Architecture in 2013. My business transitioned to more design projects and less staging. Over the years my company has had ebbs and flows and I found my true passion with lake homes and short-term rentals. We are a full-service interior design firm offering everything from design to cohosting. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has definitely not been smooth. The reason it took me 8 years to get through college was because I was raising two wonderful boys and motherhood was my #1 priority. My youngest son was medically fragile from around 6 months old. His illness was one of the reasons I decided to go back to school. I was so consumed by his care; I needed something else to put my mind into. I knew I couldn’t be reliable enough to hold down a job, and I had no employable skills anyway. I also knew that my son would not be on this earth forever, so I needed to spend as much time with him as possible. But I also needed to prepare for my future. I was blessed to be his mother and caregiver for 18 years. After his passing, I tried to get my firm up and running but failed. 

With no clients, I had no choice but to get a 9-5. Since I had only ever been self-employed, I was shocked when I was hired by Brunswick Bowling Products. They hired me to create their construction documents for new bowling centers. This was January of 2020. 10 weeks later most of the company was laid off. Since I was a new hire, I assumed my job would be the first to go if they had to lay people off permanently. I took this time to look closely at my firm’s processes. I figured out what I was doing poorly and what I could do better. I revamped my website. After 6 weeks I shockingly was one of the first to be called back to work but only part-time. The back of house work I did for my firm paid off and the client projects were finally coming in. I kept my day job for just over one year. I was able to pay off the majority of my student loans between the two incomes, however, I was working days, nights, and weekends. So, in March of 2021, I put in my notice. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in renovations of lake homes and short-term rentals. I have a passion for Airbnb. I love the combination of design, management, and hospitality. Most of my clients live out of the area and need someone they can trust to handle the renovation. Once complete I also offer co-hosting services. What sets me apart from other Airbnb designers is that I have owned a short-term rental myself! I understand what guests need and want, through an owner’s/host’s eyes. I combine beautiful, durable, and functional spaces for guests with exceptional hosting. I create spaces that earn the property owners 5-star reviews which earns them higher nightly rates equating to more revenue. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Raising a special needs child affects your life in so many ways, other than the obvious. My son taught me that as long as you are still breathing, nothing else matters. Health is everything. He taught me patience, and to slow down and look for solutions versus reacting. Worry changes nothing. I look at problems as puzzles to solve. And usually, the new solution ends up better than the original plan! 

Pricing:

• 2-Hour Consultation $300
• DIY Design $2,500 per room
• Full-Service Design $6,000 per room (multi-room discount with 3 or more rooms)
• Whole Home Full Service Design-Quoted
• Co-hosting-percentage of nightly rate

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bellatraversedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellatraversedesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bella%20traverse%20design

Image Credits
Ariel Lynn Photography
Next Door Photos