Meet Trailblazer Kandice Dougherty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kandice Dougherty.

Kandice, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Colorado native who grew up in Englewood and graduated from Cherry Creek High School. I then continued my education at Colorado State University earning a BS in Human Development and Family Studies. I met my husband while we were both attending CSU and married in 1993.

I love kids and followed in my mother’s footsteps to teaching. I worked with kids for most of my life working at various camps, teaching preschool and substitute teaching all while raising my two children and running the household.

I spent the last eight years working at Young Americans Center for Financial Education teaching kids about finance through programs such as Young Ameritowne and International Towne. I believe strongly in the programs and I learned so much myself about finance. Most of these important lessons are not taught in school. The kids learn real-world skills such as supply and demand, currency exchange, and even managing their own personal finances. One of the many programs they have there is called Young Entrepreneurs Marketplace. Kids who have their own businesses sell their products two times a year in the spring and fall. These kids (from age 6-18), sell real products and services and make real money!

As my kids grew up and launched on paths of their own, I started to feel like it was time for a change. I was feeling pulled to do something so far out of the box for me. I had always said I would love to be a stager as I love to decorate homes but I thought, I am just a teacher. What do I know about any of that? I was tired of working for a non-profit that expected me to do more and more for less and less. My 25 years of experience working with children didn’t matter to them. I prayed about it and really spent time figuring out what my purpose was here. What did I find passion in? My husband and I spent years decorating and redecorating every room in our house and others’ homes and I got a buzz from seeing homes transform! God gave me the message that Staging was my next path and if little kids can have a business so could I! I spent time studying Staging and taking courses through Home Staging Resource and with the support of my amazing husband of 25 years. I launched Kandice Lee Designs in January 2019.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This has not been an easy road. As I said before, I know very little about running a business, but I am learning more and more every day as I am wearing all of the hats! I have found that I am loving having my own business and doing things the way I want to do them. I started this business with very little money and most of what I did have went into startup costs such as rental inventory and contracts etc. Slowly, but surely, with faith, the jobs have come. Each job gives me another opportunity to learn a little more. I am having fun! I am loving what I am doing! I am excited about where this will go! The biggest surprise to me I guess is the networking! I have met so many amazing people out there in all of my networking that have been so helpful teaching me along the way. Everyone is so positive and so encouraging! It keeps me going every day!

My advice for other women is that you don’t have to stay in a job you don’t like. Fear of the unknown can really hold you back from moving on to the next thing in your life but it is when you push through the fear that you reap the biggest reward! Change is scary but sometimes, it just needs to happen to help you keep growing and learning! At 50 years old, I decided to reinvent myself and if I can do it, anyone can!

Please tell us about Kandice Lee Designs – what should we know?
I specialize in turning houses into beautiful homes that people can envision themselves living in and making theirs.

I furnish vacant homes that are going on the market so they don’t seem so cold and empty, but instead warm and inviting, putting its best features on display! I use fresh, on-trend decor to get that “WOW” factor so the home will sell quickly and often times for more money!

I also love to work with homeowners BEFORE they list. Using what they already own, and bringing in some fresh decor to show the home at its best so it looks like a “model “home! Whether you need new paint or even bigger improvements such as flooring, I work with many different vendors to give you the best bang for your buck!

If you are not selling but just want to come home to a space that fills your soul and helps you forget about the crazy world, redecorating is a specialty of mine! As a certified paint expert, I can help you pick the right color of paint the first time without making a costly mistake.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Believe in yourself! You can do anything! Learn everything you can and work on improving yourself! Life is not stagnant. It is ever-changing. Grow and change with it! Face fear head-on! It will be worth it! Most importantly, listen to the messages God sends you and have faith that he knows the path that you are meant for.

Pricing:

• Vacant Staging- price varies
• Consultation-$200
• Occupied Staging-$450/4 hours
• other options available

Contact Info:

• Address: 1309 Ascot Ave.
  Highlands Ranch, Co 80126
• Website: www.kandiceleedesigns.com
• Phone: 303-551-1710
• Email: kandice@kandiceleedesigns.ciom
• Instagram: @kandiceleedesigns
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kandiceleedesigns

Image Credit:
Joe Dougherty and Kandice Dougherty

Getting in touch: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.