When Karrie Dean was laid off from her corporate job, she didn’t want to jump to just another job; she wanted to do something that meant something special to her. “The puzzle pieces were always there: an innate love for color, pattern, and textiles; two parents who ran small businesses; and a drive for curiosity, independence, and freedom,” Dean says. “It was just uncertain how it would all weave together.” While the kiddos napped, she would spend all her free time tapping into her creative side to master graphic design and learn how to run a business. The result? Happy Habitat by Karrie Dean. She launched her small business by pairing bright colors with bold patterns and textures to create one-of-a-kind throws and blankets. Dean’s home base is Roeland Park, providing ample opportunity to explore the KC metro. “I love my little Roeland Park neighborhood,” she says. “It’s safe and cozy with kind, down-to-earth neighbors, but still just a five-minute drive to all that the Crossroads and Downtown have to offer—all the benefits of urban life, but with an authentic white-picket-fence attitude.”
Karrie’s essentials...
Credit Card Damage: There are always treasures to find at Golden + Pine! Really cool to see KC on the map with the brands that Stephanie has chosen to stock her store—upcoming and current designers that you can’t find at the big-box stores. All the products have been chosen with purpose.
Summer Outing: The rose garden at Loose Park is my favorite summer place to visit. When it reaches full bloom, it’s overflowing with the thick, heavy scent of classic roses.
Smells Like Home: Ulah’s Prairie is my fave local fragrance—it’s fresh, earthy, and casual.
Local Maker: Chentell from Convivial Production. I’ve been lucky to receive some awesome experiments from her, but I think my favorite is her Geodesic Fruit Bowl—modern and functional, it’s beautifully made and makes a statement on my kitchen counter. It also makes a special gift to send to out-of-town friends!
Local Bite: I might be addicted to the molé at Taqueria Mexico. It’s a problem. Sit at the bar and you’re a quick regular. I think I’m there like once a week.
Refresher: Clean Green from The Filling Station is how I treat myself when I have to run errands. I love watching them throw, like, ten pounds of real fruits and vegetables into it—and the bright color delights me! It feels like I’m getting a super dose of healthy vitamins, but also feels like a dessert at the same time.
Self-Care Sesh: Sipping a cappuccino from the cute little coffee bar at Family Tree Nursery and wandering through their extraordinary selection of plants is my happy place. It’s lush and tropical and always feels like you’ve landed on a different planet.