We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Catherine Wickstrom. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Catherine below.
Catherine, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
The first time I realized I had gifts to share with the world, I was in first grade. I became the go-to kid for art projects—making invitations, clubhouse diaries, hand turkeys, and fancy-wrapped gifts. I created things to sell, organized holiday parties, and always gravitated toward activities that felt natural and fun. My parents lovingly supported both my artistic and athletic pursuits, encouraging me to embrace life with a positive attitude.
As I grew, this creative spark became an unstoppable drive. I explored countless ventures, trying and failing at many, but each step reinforced my passion for creating meaningful connections through art and design. That’s when I realized my purpose: helping people transform their spaces into reflections of who they are and what brings them joy.
When I was about 15, I discovered my love for interior design. I enjoyed helping my parents and their friends make design choices, shop for furniture, and refine their spaces. The pivotal moment came when I met the interior designer that helped design my grandmothers house —I was hooked. From that day forward, I’ve been dedicated to helping people uncover their unique styles and design homes they love to live in.
For me, design is about more than making things beautiful. It’s about creating spaces that feel personal and empowering. Whether through my design work or my art, I love guiding people toward clarity and confidence in their choices. Seeing someone fall in love with their space brings me the greatest joy.
Throughout my life, I’ve followed my intuition, staying curious and willing to take risks. If I made a “wrong turn,” I pivoted and tried something new. My multi-passionate nature has always guided me toward a creative life on my own terms. Now at 57, I’m diving into digital marketing while reigniting my artistic ventures and collections—all with the same goal: to inspire and help people create spaces they truly love.
Although challenges like living with a club foot and transitioning to disability have tested me, they’ve also strengthened my determination. These obstacles remind me of the joy and resilience I find in creating, and they drive me to keep evolving.
Helping others love their spaces has been my mission from the beginning. It’s about transforming rooms—and lives—through creativity, connection, and care.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My passion lies in creating a ripple effect of positivity through my intuitive gifts and talents. This includes my art practice where I have developed my own unique style. I am mostly self-taught and went to college for Graphic Design which gave me many skills I use today.
Currently, I am pursuing my new online business, Wild Fern Home Design, where I help people transform their spaces into reflections of their true selves. There is a private Facebook group where we can learn, share and encourage each other. To go along with this I created a “Quick Start Guide to a Beautiful and Personalized Space” for anyone looking to make changes, moving, buying furniture, etc.
My future plan is to create a workbook designed to help people with shopping and communicating their desires with their designer or salespeople. There will also be a course with more in-depth direction for design projects. My big dream includes offering recipes, gifting, holiday planning etc. by creating a “lifestyle brand”.
I approach every project with heart and a desire to bring joy to the world. My goal is to help people feel comfortable, inspired, and empowered in their spaces. As a multi-passionate, self-taught artist, interior stylist, and creative entrepreneur, I am committed to continuous growth and innovation, always striving to bring fresh ideas to life.
Mission:
“I help people create beautifully personalized spaces that feel like home by empowering them to design confidently and make inspired choices without overwhelm or regret.”
Vision:
“I envision a world where every home reflects the personality, values, and style of the people who live in it—where design is empowering and accessible, helping everyone enjoy a space they truly love.”
Values:
Empathy and Listening: Understanding my clients’ needs and preferences is at the heart of my work, ensuring their spaces align with their unique styles.
Confidence and Empowerment: I provide tools and guidance to help clients make choices they feel proud of.
Creativity and Personalization: Every space I design is a celebration of individuality, crafted to feel authentic, inspiring, and true to its owner.
I am not just creating spaces; I am creating opportunities for people to live confidently and joyfully in their homes.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Intuition:
This is a skill that most people have at some level, especially if you have a desire to tap into it. I use it in all of my endeavors. It really helped me develop my own personal style as well as being able to take risks and make quick pivots in my business when necessary.
2. Attention to detail:
The details are what is necessary for any project to “feel” complete. Perfectionism can kick in but if you are aware and disciplined you can use it to your advantage.
3. Education:
A formal education is not necessary but constant learning is. There are many ways to share your gifts and you can find countless resources online. Find a mentor and a group of like minded people that will expand your personal and professional growth. You share your gifts with them and they share theirs with you!
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I believe it is necessary to have both. Your strengths help guide you and the things you don’t excel at are there to help you learn and grow. It is really important to invest in yourself and hire a mentor and take some courses. Finding the right group and having people around you that have similar interests and lift you up is super important. The sooner you do this the faster you and your business will grow!
I joined a collective of ladies learning to build their creative business online. It was led by one of my favorite coaches. We had weekly Zoom calls to share how the week went, ask questions, review each others work etc. The biggest surprise for all of us is that this also sparked an internal flame and led us to a journey of personal self-discovery. We didn’t realize how much that mindset work weaves through your life. It can come up and make you stronger especially with others on a similar journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: wildfernhomedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbycathysdesign/ https://www.instagram.com/wildfernhomedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artbycathysdesign/ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1E67XRBESk/ (Wild Fern FB Group)
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildfernhomedesign https://www.tiktok.com/@artbycathysdesign
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
