Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiba Krayem.
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?
My journey began when I moved to the United Kingdom to pursue my master’s degree, as I always wanted to further my education and open more career opportunities for myself. At first, I considered going into teaching at a community college, but my passion for creativity and imagination pushed me to explore design on a deeper level. After completing my degree, I returned to the U.S. and started working as a kitchen and bath designer, while also applying for different jobs. Many of the roles I found, especially in sales, didn’t allow me to express my creativity or take ownership of projects, so I began taking on freelance work and collaborating on overseas projects. Eventually, I had the chance to design two projects in Dearborn, Michigan free of charge, which made me realize not only my capabilities but also how much people valued my creativity. Shortly after, I was given my first full project in the U.S.—designing The Canteen—where I handled both the interior and exterior design, including renderings, material selections, and layouts, which gave me the confidence to fully step into my role as a designer. From there, more opportunities came through word of mouth, each one reinforcing my worth and pushing me to grow. Inspired by other freelance designers and motivated by my own success, I decided to officially start my own company, which has now been running successfully for over a year. None of it would have been possible without the incredible people I met along the way, who trusted me and allowed me to leave my mark through design.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, as I struggled to find the kind of job I truly wanted in design, which left me outside my field for a period of time. During that phase, I worked as a substitute teacher in different schools and even pursued a UX/UI design certificate, thinking it might open other career paths since it was highly in demand. But deep down, I knew those roles weren’t fulfilling, and I began to feel that I might never get the chance to work as a designer in the way I envisioned. What helped me push through was the encouragement I received from people around me, many of whom reminded me of how creative and passionate I was back in college. That motivation made me realize I couldn’t just step away from my true path, so I decided to take ownership of my career, pursue freelance design, and build the future I always wanted outside of the limitations of sales jobs or offices.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in interior and exterior design, handling projects from concept to completion—working on layout planning, 3D renderings, material and furniture selections, and most importantly, giving the space an identity that feels authentic and comforting. I always begin by listening carefully to the client’s vision and learning about their personality and goals before translating that into a creative design that combines their dreams with my artistic touch. Since I was young, I have had an eye for detail, drawing, coloring, and striving for perfection in everything I do, and I bring that same dedication into my work today—ensuring that no matter the cost or extra effort, the client is happy with the final product. What sets me apart is that I don’t just design spaces, I create environments that carry meaning and emotion, with a touch of femininity and artistry that reflects who I am. I’m especially proud of the person I’ve become through this journey—overcoming struggles, being financially independent, and supporting my younger brother while building my career. Those experiences taught me resilience, responsibility, and the value of hard work, which now translate into my designs and relationships with clients. For me, success isn’t just about finishing a project—it’s about seeing people happy, satisfied, and truly connected to the space I’ve created for them.
What’s next?
For the future, I always want to set bigger goals for myself and continue growing as a successful woman, showing people what I am truly capable of. The support from my family and loved ones has been a big part of my journey, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them by my side. Looking ahead, I see myself building a larger design office with a strong team that feels like family, while taking on bigger and more diverse projects. One of my biggest dreams is to create my own line of furniture—something I’ve always been passionate about. Many times, I come across pieces that don’t fully fit the concept or identity of the spaces I design, but I still have to use them because of availability or cost. My goal is to create furniture that is both affordable and high quality, while also carrying originality and meaning, so it can truly complement and enhance the spaces I design. Ultimately, I want everything I create—whether it’s a space or a piece of furniture—to have its own identity and give people a sense of connection and comfort.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkxdesigns/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiba-krayem-812215178
- Other: Phone Number: +1 (313) 265-6163
