Carol Kaplan and the Enduring Vision of Everything Creative Designs
A remarkably designed home begins with a vision. Behind this vision is a designer who understands that space is a reflection of the owner. Carol Kaplan, the founder of Everything Creative Designs (ECD), is one such designer. Vision, passion, and creativity are the main characters of her story. Clear intention and unwavering commitment to excellence are the pillars of her successful empire.
The Birth of Everything Creative Design
Carol Kaplan’s spark, which fueled her entrepreneurial journey, was the desire to have an outlet that aligned with her design instinct. In 2006, she launched her firm, Everything Creative Designs. At that time, home staging was not an established industry; rather, it was still an emerging concept. And hence there was no step-by-step guide to follow. Carol always believed that design directly influences how homes are perceived and sold. This is why she worked on intuition and persistence.
ECD’s early days were humble. Initially, Carol had a brief co-venture with another staging professional. But soon she struck out on her own, running the business from her garage. Her passion for design helped the company grow against all odds. The demand for home staging was growing, and so was ECD. Carol moved operations into a dedicated storage unit, indicating ECD was evolving into something bigger. Realtor referrals contributed to the swift growth, which can be considered a testament to the quality of work and trust Carol built.
Carol insists that networking played a crucial role in achieving success. She spent countless hours attending meetings, particularly with groups like the La Jolla Real Estate Brokers Association (REBA). For her, these connections were not just business opportunities; they helped her learn, adapt, and refine her approach. It’s been almost two decades, but she still attends these meetings, reminding everyone around her that success is not a destination but a continuous journey.
Defining Services with a Distinct Edge
Today, Everything Creative Designs offers an array of services that reflect both market demand and Carol’s evolving vision. ECD specializes in staging properties across a wide spectrum, from compact condos to expansive luxury estates. She understands that every property has its own personality, hence her team approaches each project with a customized plan of action rather than a one-size-fits-all formula.
ECD provides not only vacant staging but also occupied staging, facilitating homeowners to present their spaces at their best while still living in them. To provide such services, design expertise is not enough; empathy, organization, and respect for the client’s daily life are equally important. Complementing these services is ECD’s full Interior Design offering, which ranges from wall color consultations to complete remodeling and furnishing projects.
Every successful business has a distinguishing factor; for ECD, it is its operational backbone. They provide exemplary customer service and quick turnaround times. They also have a meticulously curated inventory in a 15,000-square-foot warehouse, which gives the company a competitive edge. ECD’s furnishings are regularly updated to stay aligned with current trends, ensuring that each staging feels fresh, relevant, and aspirational.
A Thoughtful and Recognizable Design Process
Behind every successful staging is a well-organized process, and at ECD, this process is both structured and creative. The process starts with the sales team visiting the property, where they capture photographs of the site and also try to understand the homeowner’s or realtor’s vision. On the basis of all the inputs received, the design team develops a customized staging plan. ECD has five designers, each of whom is trained to uphold the company’s signature aesthetics, without shifting the focus from the unique architecture of the space. Execution of the process is entrusted to one of these five designers.
Carol’s design philosophy revolves around “marrying the furniture to the architecture.” Practically, this means ensuring each element feels intentional and harmonious in every corner of the house.
Because of its unique styling, ECD’s stagings have become easily recognizable in the marketplace. As a result of this consistency, the brand name has strengthened and has built trust among clients who know exactly what level of quality to expect.
From Solo Venture to a Thriving Team
Once ECD was a one-woman operation, but now it has grown into a team of 22 professionals. All the team members work together from the ECD’s expansive warehouse. “Scaling a creative business is not a small feat”, Carol admits. She credits a major part of this success to systems, delegation, and trust.
Danni, Carol’s daughter, played a pivotal role during the growth phase. She implemented the systems that now keep operations running smoothly. Before moving overseas, Danni helped establish workflows that allowed ECD to scale without sacrificing quality. “These were behind-the-scenes efforts that proved invaluable as the business expanded”, she confirms.
Carol’s leadership style includes guiding and empowering. She provides direction, particularly on the design side, while encouraging her team to take initiative. This balance has established a culture of professionalism and accountability. All of this combines to result in a service experience that clients appreciate.
One of the major milestones in ECD’s operational history was shifting from a 9,000-square-foot warehouse to the current 15,000-square-foot space. The transition was quite challenging, highlighting the importance of preparedness and systems. Carol strongly advises anyone entering the staging business to implement an inventory system from day one. She seriously considers this to be a lesson learned through experience rather than theory.
Staying Ahead in a Changing Industry
The design and real estate industries are ever-changing, majorly influenced by shifting lifestyles, market dynamics, and global influences. In order to stay relevant, ECD keeps a close watch on real estate trends and invests in continuous learning. Carol and her team attend national and international markets, from Las Vegas to Paris, scanning the horizon for emerging styles, materials, and concepts. ECD’s inventory updates and designs depend on this global perspective. This ensures that the company remains on-trend without chasing fads. Looking ahead, Carol envisions expanding ECD’s interior design offerings through an à la carte menu of services, allowing clients greater flexibility while deepening the company’s footprint in the design space.
Wisdom Earned and Shared
Carol Kaplan considers entrepreneurship both a professional pursuit and a personal evolution. She did not have any blueprint for running the business, and she taught herself everything necessary. This is why she understands the value of community and continuous learning. Her advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs is clear: network relentlessly and join industry groups.
According to Carol, the design industry is similar to the fashion industry; ever-changing, cyclical, and demanding curiosity. The key to success is ‘to never stop learning.’ That mindset has not only sustained Everything Creative Designs for nearly nineteen years but has also allowed it to flourish.
A Legacy of Creativity and Confidence
Carol Kaplan’s story is a perfect example of what happens when creativity meets discipline and vision is paired with action. From a garage startup to a respected name in staging and interior design, Everything Creative Designs stands as a carefully crafted space whose every decision is thoughtfully placed. The story of Everything Creative Design’s success depicts what is possible when passion is given room to grow.
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