Meet Kristina McCalla | Founder, Executive Director & Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina McCalla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued a creative career in interior design because of my deep passion for aesthetics and the profound impact that thoughtfully designed spaces can have on people’s lives. I believe that our environments significantly influence our well-being, emotions, and overall quality of life. My goal as an interior designer is to create spaces that have a lasting positive impact on the lives of those who inhabit them

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Rooted Interiors is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives by providing complete interiors to individuals and families emerging from homelessness. Our mission is to custom design and fully furnish homes where families can plant roots and thrive, creating spaces that foster stability, dignity, and a sense of belonging. What sets Rooted Interiors apart is our holistic approach: we don’t just furnish homes; we create personalized environments that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of each family, ensuring they have a supportive and nurturing place to call home and won’t return to homelessness.

I am incredibly proud of the positive impact we have on the lives of those we serve. Seeing families transition from temporary shelters to beautifully designed, functional homes that provide them with a fresh start is profoundly rewarding. One of the most exciting aspects of our work is witnessing the transformation not just of physical spaces, but of the individuals and families themselves as they gain confidence and hope for the future.

Professionally, my journey to where I am today has been filled with both ease and a few challenges. Building a nonprofit from the ground up required resilience, perseverance, and a strong support network. I overcome all challenges by staying true to my mission and seeking guidance from my supportive network.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned several key lessons. First and foremost, the importance of collaboration and community cannot be overstated. Our success is a collective effort, made possible by the dedication and support of many individuals and organizations. I’ve also learned the value of persistence and adaptability—being open to change and willing to navigate setbacks is crucial in the nonprofit sector.

What I want the world to know about Rooted Interiors and my story is that our work is driven by a deep commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Our brand stands for compassion and the belief that everyone deserves a beautiful, functional home. We are not just furnishing homes; we are building foundations for brighter futures. I am honored to lead this organization and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such meaningful change.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1:
Enjoy coffee and pastries at Thyme to Cater Bistro in Jefferson.
Visit the Spa at Château Élan for a day of relaxation and pampering.
Have lunch at Café Elan for gourmet sandwiches and salads.
Take a guided tour of the Château Élan Winery and learn about the winemaking process.
Dine at Marc Bar & Restaurant for a fine dining experience with French-inspired cuisine.

Day 2:
Start the day with breakfast at La Gabrielle Crepes and Waffles in Winder.
Spend time exploring the shops and boutiques in downtown Winder and then downtown Braselton.
Have lunch at Local Station in Braselton.
Visit Mayfield Dairy Farms in Braselton for a tour and some tasty ice cream treats.
Dine at Erika’s Place in Jefferson for dinner.

Day 3:
Start the day with a scenic drive to Helen, a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the mountains.
Have breakfast at Hofer’s Bakery and Café in Helen for authentic German pastries and coffee.
Explore the shops, boutiques, and galleries along Main Street.
Enjoy lunch at Bodensee Restaurant in Helen for traditional German cuisine.
Spend the afternoon tubing down the Chattahoochee River and ziplining and horseback riding in Unicoi State Park.
Have dinner at Bigg Daddy’s in Helen for BBQ and live music.

Day 4:
Head to Lake Lanier for a day of water activities like boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Have lunch at Fish Tales Lakeside Grille for delicious seafood and lakefront views.
Explore the Lake Lanier Islands Resort for beaches, water parks, and outdoor fun.
Relax with dinner at Pig Tales Lake Lanier.
Enjoy live music and charcuterie board at Cork it in Braselton.

Day 5:
Start the day with coffee at Hoschton Coffee.
Spend the entire day shopping in Buford at the Mall of Georgia and surrounding shops.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wholeheartedly recognize that the success of Rooted Interiors and my journey as the founder and Executive Director are deeply rooted in the unwavering efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of many remarkable individuals and entities. I extend my deepest gratitude to God for giving me this mission, guiding and inspiring me every step of the way and my husband, Anthony McCalla for supporting me in everything that I do. A special shoutout goes to Steve Wittry, whose mentorship and advice has been invaluable. I am profoundly grateful to the members and ambassadors of the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce for their steadfast support and encouragement. My heartfelt thanks also go to my Board of Directors, whose wisdom and guidance have been instrumental in our growth. I am blessed to be part of such a vibrant community and cherish the friends I have made along the way. Lastly, I acknowledge the vital partnerships we have established, which have played a crucial role in our success. Thank you all for being an integral part of this journey.

Website: https://www.rootedinteriors.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedinteriorsga/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rootedinteriorsga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootedinteriorsga

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RootedInteriorsGa

Other: Donate: https://givebutter.com/rootedinteriorsga

Image Credits
Tyler Vanderwel