This is the second episode in our ASID San Diego Board Member Spotlight Series — and today we’re shining a light on someone who’s all about connection, color, and community: Kendra from K2 Interiors, our current Membership Director.

In this candid convo, Kendra shares her journey from growing up in Baja to launching a vibrant, soulful design business in San Diego. With a style rooted in maximalism, global inspiration, and deeply personal design, she’s the creative match for clients ready to ditch the cookie-cutter.

Kendra also shares what drew her back into the ASID fold, why mentorship matters, and how she’s helping create experiences that speak to every stage of a designer’s career — like the upcoming Design Gems trip to Valle de Guadalupe (you’ll want to grab your seat fast!).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kendra rebuilt her design business from scratch — twice
• Why ASID is more than networking — it's a home base for creatives
• How mentorship is evolving for students and emerging professionals
• What makes her short-term rental projects so creatively satisfying
• What to expect on our first-ever Design Gems trip across the border 🍷

What’s New:

• Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe | November 15
• A one-day architectural + culinary field trip across the border
• Membership questions? DM or email Kendra — she’s your go-to guide
• Mentorship pilot program in the works — stay tuned!

📬 Connect with Kendra:

• Instagram: @k2interiors
• Email: Membership@casd.asid.org
• Website: www.k2deco.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Hey friend — let’s get real for a moment.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong there? Like you were somehow “faking it,” even though your experience, talent, and heart were 100% legit?

Same. 🙋🏻‍♀️

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a recent experience that had me deep in imposter syndrome — yes, even after 25 years in the design industry. It was humbling, it was hard, and it taught me a few big lessons I want to share with you today.

Whether you’re just getting started in your design career or you’ve been around the block a few times, I promise this one will feel like a warm hug and a heart-to-heart.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• A real story of a time I questioned if I belonged — even with years of experience
• The sneaky ways imposter syndrome shows up (and how it cost me 10 months of unpaid work 😳)
• Why having a design community like ASID makes all the difference
• My go-to toolkit for getting back in alignment when doubt takes over

📝 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan + Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Imposter syndrome might pop up from time to time, but it doesn’t get the final say. You’re doing incredible work. You belong here. And this space? It needs what only you can create.

Until next time — keep designing, keep showing up, and remember: you’re enough, just as you are.

Love,

Rachel

In today’s episode, Rachel sits down with Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, to talk about the evolution of her design business — from freelancing out of her home to leading a full-service firm—and everything that’s required in between: mindset shifts, team building, infrastructure, community, and more.

• Understand the pivotal moment when hiring your first assistant is no longer optional
• Learn how to let go of control without sacrificing quality
• Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at structuring a growing design firm
• Discover ways to connect with clients and the trade through events and showroom strategy
• Hear what’s next for Blythe Interiors and how Jennifer is exploring business coaching for designers

Hiring is your growth lever: When workload becomes unsustainable, the right hire (assistant, purchasing coordinator, etc.) can free you to focus on higher-value design work and growth.

Mindset over minutiae: Trusting your team, relinquishing control, and allowing “good enough” (when the client is happy) are essential for scaling.

Structure with intention: From operations to marketing to design leadership — building a clear org chart helps prevent chaos and burnout.

Flexible brand identity: Blythe doesn’t rigidly prescribe one look. The common thread is client-first, supported by designers who can span aesthetics.

Pause and grow organically: Rather than always chasing the next goal, sometimes growth is about leaning into who you already are, with curiosity and openness.

• Instagram: @blytheinteriors
• Website: blytheinteriors.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com