We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsey McNatt. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kelsey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Outside of my watercolor business, first and foremost I’m a mom to a 7-year-old and a 4-year-old and they definitely keep things busy! I also work full-time as an interior designer at a firm here in Denver. Most mornings start early, I’m usually up around 5 to sneak down to my basement studio and pack orders or answer emails before the house wakes up. Then it’s the usual morning chaos of getting everyone ready and out the door for school before I drive downtown to the office for a full day of interior design work. After work, it’s family time: dinner, play, homework, and bedtime. Once the kids are asleep around 8:30, I switch back into artist mode for a few more hours, painting, packing up more orders or whatever else needs done that night. It’s a lot of juggling, but I honestly love being able to do both.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kelsey McNatt. I started my art business, KelseyMDesigns, back in 2013 as a creative outlet outside of my design career. I taught myself how to paint with watercolor and opened an Etsy shop as a way to bring in a little extra income at the time, mainly to add to our travel fund! My husband and I love to travel, and a lot of my early artwork was inspired by the places I’ve been. Over the past 12 years, my business has grown into something I never could have imagined. I’ve had over 50,000 sales across all my platforms, licensed my artwork to major retailers like Target, IKEA, Pottery Barn, and Hobby Lobby, and one of the coolest parts, I’ve taken my paintings to more than 33 countries around the world.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I always loved art growing up and spent a lot of time in art classes both in and outside of school. But I was often told that art was more of a hobby and not something you could really turn into a career. From around age 12, I knew I wanted to be an interior designer, so I followed that path and I truly love what I do. Going to school for art just never felt like an option at the time. It’s funny to look back now and see how things came full circle with a successful art business that I built on my own terms, proof that you can absolutely make a living doing art.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Multiple times a day, honestly! Jokes aside, there have definitely been moments where things felt really hard. In the beginning, I wasn’t getting much traction and it was discouraging to put in so much work when it felt like no one was buying. Then as the business started to grow, the challenges just shifted, suddenly it was about how to manage everything on my own, keeping up with orders, dealing with the occasional rude or impatient customer, and still finding the time to create new work. The struggles have always been there, but they just look different as the business evolves.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
If we are talking about social media I would say both yes and no. I don’t think anyone shows their 100% true self on social media. I definitely have hard days, especially as a mom with a lot to juggle, but I try not to get online just to complain, some things are better kept private. At the same time, I do try to be real with my followers about things like time management and what it’s really like balancing a full-time job, motherhood, and running a business. It’s a lot, and I never want to pretend that it’s easy. I try my best to be kind, inclusive, and loving in real life, and I hope that comes across online too. Those are the same values I’m teaching my kids.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
I’d regret not exploring more of the world and having new experiences with my family. Traveling has always been a huge source of inspiration for me and my art and I want to make sure we keep making those memories. I also think travel teaches you a lot about culture and respecting other people and their beliefs. We’ve been able to take our kids to some really amazing places, and it’s teaching them so many valuable life skills along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KelseyMDesigns
- Instagram: @kelseykmcnatt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-mcnatt-15969b2b
Image Credits
Lisa – Lilo Photography
https://photolilo.com/
