About Me

Well, hello there. I’m glad you’re here! This is where I tell you all about Karen Starr: who I am, what I love, where I’ve been all your life…that sort of thing.

I grew up and still live, work and play in the natural beauty of Northeast Ohio. I hope I never have to move. I’ve got myself a strong and loving support group made up of hubby, daughter, family and framily that I’m crazy about. I surround myself with shiny, happy people in work and in play.

I’m a creative and I work hard. I have always had the knack of creating lots with little. I see silver-linings and possibilities in everything. I am quick on my feet and in my mind, but I’m a crock-pot thinker for the big decisions. Someone once said the following to me and I beamed all day: “You are a facilitator…you know, a go-between. A make-possible.”

I tend to form friendships with my clients, contractors and sales reps and I like it that way. I’m not saying that I want to go on vacation with you, but it’s pretty darn important that we click, don’t you think?

I am passionate about supporting local businesses and local craftspeople. So much so, that I created a Facebook friend and a Facebook group, both called ”Locally Owned Akron.” Please, check them out and BUY LOCAL! 

As laid back as I am personally and in communication, professionally I run a very tight and serious business ship with my partner in business and life, Jon Haidet. He is the yin to my yang, the zig to my zag, and quite literally the framer to my artist.

Throughout my career, I’ve weaved my way in and out from the business end to the artistic end and back again of some seriously fulfilling and creative work. No matter where my career has taken me, the threads have been common: organizer, details gal, project manager, big-picture thinker, communicator. Many years were spent as the Producer of a well-respected professional theatre. I have also planned and managed all sorts of special events through local hotels and for arts-based non-profit organizations. For the past few years, up until I began my own design business, I worked at and learned the many facets of the interior design trade at a local firm.

In July 2010, Jon and I opened Hazel Tree Interiors, a new studio and office to house both of our businesses and a showroom of redesigned or original artwork and furnishings plus some interesting vintage pieces. Please stop on down and visit us in our new space. Hazel Tree Interiors is located at 143 West Market St in Akron.