Meet Kara Starz, owner of Starz Selection - a company dedicated to creating unique and beautiful accessories. This driven and hard working woman listened to her heart and built her business one step at a time.
Interview & Photography
By Denise Faddis
Tell us a little about yourself?
I am married to a fantastic man who supports me in all my endeavors even when he questions them. I have a beautiful little girl that is 5 going on 16. She is already giving me a run for my money. She is my gift of life and my angel that reminds me every day good things happen. I like to consider myself a kind hearted person who does not like confrontation and tries to keep everyone/everything around me happy and peaceful as much as possible. I work hard to keep a good balance of being there for my family as a wife and mom as well as pursuing my dreams and doing things for myself so I don't forget what makes me, me. I think that's when people start to become unhappy is when they forget who they are and what makes them feel alive as an individual. You can have both and I feel the most comfortable with myself and my life more now than ever.
Tell us about Starz Selection?
I used to work in the Mortgage business for years. It was a great job and I really enjoyed the people I worked with but I never felt fulfilled. I was always looking for a way to make a flower arrangement or create something for the office. We moved to Florida and I without warning got pregnant right away and was too sick to be able to work. I had a lot of free time on my hands so I used that to think about what I wanted out of my life so I could be true to myself. I would go to the beach and soak in the amazing scenery and jot down my thoughts and things that inspired me. I started creating headbands to match my little ones outfits and people started asking me where I bought them. I then decided to make a few accessories and sold them to family and friends. Then people started asking them where they got the pieces and that is where I decided to branch out and start up my website. Since then I have worked with countless brides, productions, magazines and it's so exciting for me to see where hard work has brought my designs so far!
I would love to design hand bags, clothing and shoes in addition to what I do now. My mind is always going with what could be and what I would love to do with all of the ideas and creations I have. I feel like I am ready for the next step or adventure in my life.
What inspires your designs?
Everything around me inspires me especially when I am not trying to come up with idea. That is when I feel I get my best design ideas. I am always looking for ways to improve what I have created. I love camping and the outdoors because it's so inspiring to me. Nature whether it's the mountains or the beach allows me to dream and create.
What do you love most about owning your own business?
Being able to be creative and work my own hours. I love being able to be their for my family and then stay up late and create when everyone is off dreaming.
What makes Starz
Selection unique?
The designs and my customer service. I do my very best to make sure I have created a custom it takes a little alteration on a piece. I make sure that I put myself in the customers position and work with them accordingly. It's not just about money it's about being able to be a positive experience that puts people at peace with at least one aspect of a big event.
Favorite Denver restaurant or bar?
The Happy Sumo! I LOVE their V.I.P 2 for 1 sushi roll nights! We will prepare a take along snack for the little one since she's not yet acquired a taste for sushi, let her play on the iphone and eat amazing sushi! Fantastic!
Best advice you have ever been given?
Well I will phrase it a little softer than my dad said to me :) but I always remind myself when times get tough or something happens that is hurtful. "Don't sweat the small stuff and most things are small stuff" I think myself included tend to dwell on the small things that don't deserve our attention. Focusing on the negative things in life we have no control over just puts us in a serious funk and it's not worth it. Surround yourself with positive thoughts and healthy relationships and good will come out of it.
Best or most impactful childhood
memory?
I would say getting ready for church. My mom would doll us up in fancy dresses and make matching bows or flowers for my sister and I's hair. I loved it! I felt like a movie star and love the fe
Who or what inspires you?
I would say my greatest inspiration for my life as a whole is my faith and trust in God and knowing that there is a reason and purpose for everything we go through in life be it good or bad even when we can't understand it
Where can TUSK readers purchase your designs?
www.starzselection.esty.com is a good place to start. I like to keep my items listed to a minimum so I have room for custom designs and creations. Feel free to contact me with a design in mind.
