The Invisible String: My Journey into Design, Healing, and the Power of Space

From OR Nurse to Interior Designer

Written by Dustyn Kellar, Founder of Curated & Kellar Design

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Cicily Froehlich of Elevate Collective and have a thoughtful and powerful conversation I didn’t even realize I needed until it happened. Cicily has a way of asking questions that make you pause, reflect, and trace the breadcrumbs of your life back to the story you were always meant to tell.

In our interview, we talked about my journey to founding Curated & Kellar Design, the invisible string that’s always connected me to the world of intentional spaces, and how our surroundings reflect—sometimes even shape—our mental and emotional well-being. Today, I want to share some of that story with you.

Part One: The Invisible String

When people hear that I used to be a firefighter and a nurse before becoming a designer, they often do a double take. But to me, it’s always made perfect sense.

Even before I knew what design was, I was drawn to the idea of transformation. As a firefighter, I walked into chaos and looked for order. As a nurse in the OR, I was part of environments where precision, calm, and care could save a life.

Those roles were never just about action—they were about noticing the details, reading the room, and being present. In hindsight, I see that thread running all the way through. That invisible string.

Interior design might look very different on the surface, but at its heart, it’s about the same thing: noticing what isn’t being said, identifying what’s needed, and then bringing peace, clarity, and beauty to a space that serves someone's life more fully.

Part Two: How Our Spaces Reflect (and Affect) Our Inner World

One of the biggest things I’ve learned through my own evolution—and now through working with clients—is how deeply connected we are to our environment. Our homes and workspaces are physical mirrors.

When we tolerate clutter, chaos, or disconnection in our surroundings, we often carry that same energy internally. Likewise, when we invest in our space with intentionality, love, and a vision for what we want to feel, we start to experience emotional and mental clarity too.

Design isn’t just about making things look “pretty.” It’s about creating spaces that heal, inspire, ground, and energize us.

I’ve seen clients cry after a room reveal—not because of the paint color or throw pillows—but because they finally saw themselves reflected in their space. Because for the first time in a long time, their environment aligned with who they are and who they’re becoming.

Part Three: For the Ones Who Feel Called to More

If you’re someone who feels a pull to create, heal, lead, or simply see the world differently—trust that.

You may not know exactly where it’s leading, but that invisible string? It’s worth following.

Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or just craving something more aligned with your purpose, my biggest piece of advice is this:

You are the author of your own life. YOU get to write the story.

So, what is that story? How long will you wait to start writing it?

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the next honest step.

A Thank You to Elevate Collective

This interview was more than a brand piece. It was a chapter of my story. One that I hope will help others see that their own journey, no matter how winding, is valid and powerful.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Cicily Froehlich of Elevate Collective for taking the time to really see me—to ask the kind of questions that helped me articulate the why behind Curated & Kellar Design.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Wherever you are on your path, know this: the string pulling at your heart? It’s real. And it’s worth following.

Warmly,
Dustyn
Founder & CEO, Curated & Kellar Design

Feeling Inspired? Here’s What’s Next

🎥 Watch the Full Interview
If any part of this spoke to you, I invite you to watch the full conversation on our Curated YouTube channel. It’s raw, honest, and filled with insight for anyone searching for more purpose in their path.
Send it to someone who needs to hear it, too. Let it be a nudge for them, like it may have been for you.

Book Your Inspiration Session
Need a fresh perspective on your space—or maybe even your state of mind?
Let’s talk. In just one hour, I’ll help you see where your space is supporting you, where it might be holding you back, and what simple changes could create a huge shift in your home and life.

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