Meet Kelly Lockwood Padgett | Interior Designer for Small Spaces and Events

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Lockwood Padgett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly Lockwood, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to start my own business. I just didn’t always know what that would be.

At every job I’ve had, I was the queen of wearing multiple hats. I loved solving problems and finding solutions where others couldn’t. I wanted to know how everything worked so I could better understand how the entire ship was run. And I think that’s important as an entrepreneur. You need to be able to think fast on your feet, pivot when necessary, and step into every role until you can hire someone else to take that on. Being a ‘Jill Of All Trades’ also helped me find what areas piqued my interest more than others. Creativity was a given, but I didn’t realize how much I loved the client facing and production side of things. Building something from the ground up and watching a client’s face when they see if for the first time…it’s magical. I wanted to do that all the time and I knew the only way I could make that happen was with my own company.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started Wood & Locks to provide a service in a niche where I saw a need. My company helps design unique, functional spaces and specializes in Airstream interior design. Many of my clients are building a mobile business (think elevated food truck), designing a second home on wheels, or creating an event space. I help bring their vision to life through interior design, fabrication, and creative direction.

My passion is rooted in the space where form meets function. Everything I build is not only beautiful, but multifunctional and serves a purpose. In the world of unique (and usually tiny) spaces, every inch counts. At the beginning of each project I have my clients think about their top three must-haves, their hierarchy of need. Is storage what’s most important? Modularity? Perhaps it’s being as sustainable as possible. I take these nuggets and craft floor plans and material desigsn that help tell that story. I think that’s one of the pieces that sets me apart from other designers.

Before I started Wood & Locks, I worked specifically in experiential design. Everything I did had a shelf life, a termination date. I love that most of what I do now will live on and become part of my client’s life. It wasn’t easy starting this company and it’s not easy bringing to life the dreams of my clients. It’s hard work. Work I take very seriously. But it’s work that I love doing every day. I traded a 9 to 5 where I didn’t get the final say in anything, to a career where every decision comes down to me. It’s the most terrifying and rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh this is a great question! I LOVE my city. I’ve lived in RVA (Richmond, Virginia) for over 20 years and every year I find new ways to experience it.

For my summer itinerary I’d pack a bag full of local craft beer and snacks from Outpost Richmond and take my friends to the not-so-secret river spots my husband and I have discovered over the years to float and watch the dogs play. Did you know that we are the only city in the US with class IV rapids running through it? The James River is at the heart of the city and caters to a variety of activities year round – although it’s too cold for me in the winter!

After that, we’d get cleaned up and head to The Fan. Throw a rock in any direction and you’re bound to hit a place worth exploring. Tacos are always top of mind so we’d probably meander over to Don’t Look Back in Scotts Addition for some TVP tacos, a few rounds of pool and a margarita (or two). Late night craft cocktails are a must at The Jasper before heading home.

A few other mentionable spots would be:
• Common House Richmond: the perfect place to get some work done, attend a cool event or grab a drink by the roof top pool.
• VMFA: They always have a fabulous exhibit going on and live jazz on Thursdays!
• The National: Live music, cool vibes.
• Quirk Hotel: Gorgeous spot to people watch, check out local art in their gallery, or just take some photos because it’s gorgeous.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I were to list every person who helped get me to this point I’m not sure I would ever finish writing. Every person in my inner circle helped lay a stone on the path to starting my own business.

My husband was the most patient. With every road block and doubt he helped push me to continue forward and to trust myself. I left a secure job and took unemployment so that I could pursue my business. That was scary. He could see that I was miserable where I was and believed in me so fiercely that I knew I was going make it work. I love you Austin, thank you.

My parents would be next on my list. The constant phone calls and gut checks and empty glasses of wine gave me the sounding board I needed to talk things through, especially in the beginning. It can be really hard to see your child take a risk like leaving their solid 9 to 5 with good benefits and jump into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. But they jumped head first with me.

Where would I be without my friends?! They understand that sometimes I just need to vent about business problems they know nothing about. And that sometimes I may go MIA for weeks at a time because I’m buried with work. I have the best friends because although they might not understand exactly what I’m going through, they will always be there when I need them. I love them for that.

And last but not least, my mentors. I am beyond lucky to have multiple people in my life that I can call a mentor. Special shout out to Kevin, Fredda, and Ellen. Thank you all for the roles you have played to help get me here.

Website: Woodandlocks.com

Linkedin: Kelly Lockwood Padgett

Image Credits
Wood & Locks