Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyara Clardy.
Hi Keyara, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been aware of my purpose and drawn to my destiny on some level, usually subconsciously. I’ve always been attracted to Architecture, Architecture History and Interior Design before I could even fully understand what it was or even that it was my passion. As time went on, it’s become extremely clear that I was meant to be an Interior Designer and Architect. With my passion combined with my undying need to serve, I have a rare capability to provide my clients with not only functional and stunning designs but with an experience that is topped with professionalism and individuality.
Each space deserves to have an identity to cater to the client’s and project’s needs. This has inspired me to start my own firm. After my experience in both hospitality and residential industries, I have accumulated knowledge that allows me a greater and more thorough design process. This is why I started my firm “Clardy Design Group” where our mission is: design to break the mould.
Once I was certain of what I wanted to do as my career, I dove in headfirst. I started taking college courses in high school and immediately went into college afterward. This was a bumpy ride for many reasons but giving up has never been an option for me. While in college, I started interning for a hospitality firm where my love for design blossomed into something greater. After graduating college, I began working at said hospitality firm and I thought this was the beginning of my forever journey. Unfortunately, then the pandemic came, and the hospitality industry was hit harder than a lot of other industries. I was forced to move onto something different to survive but never lost my drive for design. I then moved to Los Angeles where I took odd jobs and worked at a shady furniture job just to be closer to my true love. Eventually, I found myself in another Interior Designer position that still did not fulfill me. Clients were finding me, and it became evident that I needed to begin my own firm to better serve the clients who chose to work with me to create their dream spaces.
While times can be difficult, I will always do what is best to better serve my clients and inspire others to follow their dreams. It drives me and at Clardy Design Group, we will always do what it takes to break the mould.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. All journeys have obstacles, and all people face adversities. Unfortunately, I have faced more adversities than most both personally and professionally. I have used it as fuel for my determination. As far as Architecture and Interior Design goes, it is extremely difficult to come across an architect who is a Black woman. 4% of all Architects are black women. That is 4 out of 100 Architects in the country.
It can be quite a challenge to become something you have never personally seen or heard of before. It makes you doubt yourself, your talent and your purpose. I have never personally met a licensed Architect who is a Black woman, and I didn’t ever hear of us in architecture history classes or research, and it makes me dedicated to what I do a bit more.
It inspires me to open doors for those who come after me and let the younger generations know that they can be absolutely anything they want to be, especially if people say you can’t do it, or you won’t be good at what you do. I’ve had people in my life who were supposed to educate and uplift me, discourage and degrade me in such a manner that made me doubt if I could do what I know I can and will do.
So, while this road I’m on may not be smooth, I will never take no for an answer.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Clardy Design Group is a full-service Interior Design Studio, meaning we do it all from interior styling to renovations to additions and more. We are currently specializing in residential projects but are always open to more projects to collaborate on that may be outside of our industry. We are dedicated to creating a skillful experience for our clients with an impressive design that they are left with. We personalize all designs, all selections and all design processes to properly tailor to our clients and our projects. We do this by finding the solution to the problem of every project by finding the client’s objective. We pay attention to all things that contribute to our client’s needs such as their lifestyle, their future plans, their health, their daily practices and their culture. I’m very proud of not only that but the start of an inclusive and diverse work environment that overall, makes us better at what we do.
To the readers, please reach out if you have any needs within Interior Design or Architecture. We work within any reasonable budget and will always start with a productive consultation meeting to see how we can best assist you and start the project of your dreams!
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I find luck to be a very controversial topic. While I’m sure luck is definitely a factor to some people, I’m not sure if it is to me. I more so consider myself to be blessed and led by The Universe/God. I feel every day that I am protected by the highest and my steps are guided in the direction that is meant for me. I strongly believe that my business is led by God as I am led by God. So, while to some I may be lucky, I just think it’s a mixture of my unwavering hard work and a blessing to do what I do each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.clardydesigngroup.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clardydesigngroup/
Image Credits
All images are property of Clardy Design Group
