Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Stradling.
Hi Kelly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, where the instinct to build, create, and lead was second nature. That foundation shaped my path early on, and in my twenties I channeled that entrepreneurial drive into businesses rooted in my passion for wellness, movement, and style. I founded a Yoga and Pilates studio alongside a women’s clothing boutique; two ventures that grew organically and evolved into a broader ecosystem, eventually expanding into a yoga teacher training program and a wellness retreat business. Over the course of more than a decade, these enterprises flourished, offering not only professional fulfillment but a deep appreciation for thoughtful environments and intentional design. Also, at this same time, I began a construction and renovation business that focused on high end residential and commercial spaces.
In 2019, with longstanding family ties to the Charleston area, I made the city my home. That transition marked a pivotal shift, one that allowed me to refocus my career entirely around real estate and interior design. With prior experience owning a construction company, I brought a hands-on understanding of how spaces are built, while my background in renovation, wellness and fashion informed a design philosophy rooted in balance, functionality, and elevated aesthetics.
Today, I am a real estate agent with Beach Residential and the founder of Cote Luxe Property, a firm dedicated to guiding clients through every stage of their real estate and interior design journey. From acquisition to renovation and refined interiors, my work centers on creating homes that are both beautifully considered and deeply livable. Ultimately I strive to create spaces that reflect not just how clients live, but how they aspire to feel within their homes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Along the way, every perceived setback has revealed itself as an invitation to think more creatively and lead with deeper problem-solving. In hindsight, each challenge served as a catalyst, pushing me to refine my perspective, strengthen my instincts, and expand beyond what initially felt comfortable. By remaining closely aligned with my team, my clients, and the evolving marketplace, I’ve come to understand that these moments were never obstacles, but opportunities to pivot with intention and clarity.
Perhaps the most defining pivot of all was the decision to step away from two businesses I had nurtured for over a decade in order to begin something entirely new. Letting go of what was familiar required trust, not just in the process, but in my experience, and in the belief that growth often asks us to move before the full picture is visible. That transition ultimately became the foundation for a new chapter rooted in vision, design, and long-term purpose.
Life and business, much like the spaces we create, are shaped through evolution. Each chapter builds upon the last, informing what comes next. And as for me, I remain deeply inspired by the journey itself. I seek to remain open to reinvention, guided by curiosity, and fully committed to the adventure of what’s still unfolding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cote Luxe ?
Cote Luxe is a boutique firm dedicated to both interior design and assisting clients through the real estate process. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, the firm is rooted in a philosophy of personalization, thoughtful design, and elevated service. Cote Luxe approaches every project with a bespoke sensibility—recognizing that no two journeys, and no two homes, are ever the same.
As a licensed Realtor with Beach Residential, I have developed a deep appreciation for the region’s architectural heritage and coastal character. Charleston is a city defined by its neighborhoods, where each one is rich with history, distinct in style, and layered with personality. From the grand historic residences along the Battery to serene waterfront escapes tucked along the coast, the diversity of the Lowcountry continually informs and inspires my interior design work. Each project calls for a thoughtful balance of preservation, innovation, and a nuanced understanding of place.
What truly distinguishes my work is the breadth of expertise brought to every client relationship. My background spans real estate sales, interior design, construction, and property investment, allowing me to offer a holistic, full-service approach. Clients are guided through an integrated process, one that considers structure, flow, aesthetics, functionality, and long-term value. This multidisciplinary perspective ensures that each space is not only beautifully designed, but intentionally crafted to support the way clients live, invest, and evolve.
At its core, Cote Luxe delivers more than luxury properties—it curates a lifestyle. Every home holds a story waiting to be revealed, and it is my passion to help clients uncover and articulate that narrative through interiors that feel personal, elevated, and deeply connected to the essence of Lowcountry living.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
When I was first starting out, I wish I had listened more closely to the advice to fail early and fail often. Early in my career, I was more risk-averse than I realized; careful, measured, and intent on getting everything right before moving forward. While that instinct provided stability, it also delayed some of the most valuable lessons that only come from taking bold steps before the outcome is guaranteed.
It wasn’t until later in my career that I truly embraced the power of experimentation and learned to view missteps not as shortcomings, but as essential data points. Each failure sharpened my decision-making, strengthened my resilience, and clarified my vision. By allowing myself the freedom to test, pivot, and occasionally get it wrong, I gained a deeper confidence. This confidence was one rooted not in perfection, but in adaptability.
Looking back, I see that progress rarely comes from playing it safe. Growth happens when we’re willing to move before we feel fully ready, to trust our instincts, and to learn in real time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coteluxeproperty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coteluxeproperty/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-stradling-4415585b/
