Story & Lesson Highlights with Kelly Stradling of Charleston

We recently had the chance to connect with Kelly Stradling and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding and focus. I start with a short meditation to set the intention and tone for my day, and then move onto a nourishing breakfast. After that, I’ll usually head out for a morning walk to soak up some sunlight or get in a workout at the local gym. It’s my way of waking up my body and resetting my mind for the day ahead. Once I’ve moved and cleared my head, I head back to my office feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to dive into the day’s work with renewed energy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Drawing on more than twenty years in construction, renovation, and entrepreneurship, Kelly founded Cote Luxe Property to create interiors that unite craftsmanship, functionality, and effortless luxury. With a background that spans the worlds of real estate investment, marketing, and business ownership, including a yoga and Pilates studio, a retail boutique, and a construction company, each add a layer of insight to her design perspective.

Rooted in a family legacy of land development and design, Kelly’s work balances form and function, blending timeless architecture with modern livability. She believes every space should tell a story—thoughtfully curated, deeply personal, and effortlessly elevated.

Today, Kelly partners with homeowners, builders, and fellow realtors to transform properties throughout Charleston and beyond—from downtown historic renovations to coastal retreats on Seabrook, Kiawah, and Sullivan’s Island.

When she’s not designing or sourcing materials, you’ll find her kayaking Charleston’s waterways, hiking new trails, or exploring inspiration from travels near and far.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father taught me the true meaning of work, by leading by example. A self-taught entrepreneur, he built a thriving business in land development and home construction from the ground up. He balanced his relentless drive with an unwavering commitment to family, never missing a game or a meet, reminding me that success means nothing without presence and those with which you surround yourself. His curiosity and fearless pursuit of new challenges showed me that the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning. And perhaps the biggest lesson early on, was his motto to fail at an early age when there is time to try again.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be: surrender and see where life takes you. That doesn’t mean losing intention or focus. It’s like shooting an arrow: you aim, concentrate, and release, trusting where it lands. There may be course corrections and unexpected paths, but each turn unfolds exactly as it should, and it’s all remarkably beautiful.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Those closest to me would say that honesty and integrity are at the core of everything I do. I pour my heart and energy into my work, but perhaps even more importantly, into how I show up for the people I collaborate with. I believe that true success isn’t measured solely by outcomes, but by how others feel in the process, and I seek to make them feel understood, respected, and valued.

Every project, every interaction, is an opportunity to honor the people I work with, to listen deeply, and to act with transparency and care. For me, creating spaces, solutions, and experiences is only meaningful when it’s paired with fostering trust, connection, and a sense of shared purpose. After all, I believe the energy that goes into creating someone’s home should be pure, bright, and intentional—reflecting not just a space, but the care, respect, and joy invested in it.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had only ten years left, I would stop playing small. Since starting my third company, I’ve intentionally slowed down each step, taking time to reflect and plan, but sometimes that caution has tipped into overthinking, leaving me stuck in indecision. I’ve had to remind myself to trust my instincts, to commit fully, and to move forward with courage.

Looking back, that wasn’t an option when I built my first two businesses. Every decision had immediate consequences, since my livelihood depended on it. I had to act, adapt, and trust my gut, often without the luxury of reflection. In some ways, that urgency made it simpler: I had no choice but to go all in. Now, I see that same willingness, the boldness to leap without overanalyzing, is exactly what I need to apply to this chapter, to fully realize the impact I know I can create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coteluxeproperty.com
• Instagram: @coteluxeproperty

Image Credits
Nick Cann Photography