What makes Nakeya Divine with Divine Elements of Design a good neighbor?

The transition from military service to interior design might seem unusual, but for Nakeya Divine of Divine Elements of Design, it was a natural progression fueled by passion. On a recent episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, Nakeya shared her fascinating journey and the philosophy that has guided her 20-year career in helping others create spaces that reflect their personalities while remaining functional and beautiful.

Nakeya's story begins in 2005 when she launched her interior design business after eight years of military service. During her deployments and frequent relocations, she maintained a commitment to creating beautiful living spaces wherever she went. "I always made sure my home was beautiful and a reflection of me," she explained. This personal dedication evolved as friends and colleagues repeatedly sought her advice for their own homes, eventually inspiring her to become a certified interior designer and turn her passion into a thriving business serving clients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

One of the most interesting revelations from her interview was addressing common misconceptions about interior design. Many people believe they don't need professional design assistance or that DIY approaches will save money. Nakeya offers a different perspective, explaining that outside expertise often reveals possibilities homeowners might never consider on their own. She also challenges the "cheaper is better" mindset with practical wisdom: "I cannot afford to do it cheaper, because anytime I skimp on something, something happens and I have to rebuy it." This philosophy of investing in quality the first time ultimately saves money and frustration in the long run—a lesson many homeowners learn through expensive trial and error.

Nakeya's business has evolved significantly over the years. Today, rather than focusing exclusively on full-scale interior design projects, she has pivoted to become a design influencer sharing her expertise through YouTube, social media, and her blog. This transformation allows her to reach a broader audience, particularly working professionals who want to "have it all" but need practical strategies to make it happen. Her target audience—primarily professional women juggling careers, families, and homes—resonates with her approach to breaking down overwhelming projects into manageable tasks.

The organizational strategies Nakeya shared during the interview offer valuable insights for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their space or schedule. As a dedicated paper planner, she emphasizes the importance of writing down and prioritizing tasks: "If it's not written down, if it's not prioritized, it's not going to get done." Her approach to tackling challenging projects centers on breaking them into smaller, time-limited segments—just 25 minutes at a time—which prevents the paralysis that comes from facing seemingly insurmountable tasks. This method applies to everything from closet organization to larger home projects, making transformation accessible to even the busiest individuals.

Perhaps most inspiring is how Nakeya navigated her own life challenges while building her business. She candidly discussed raising two "batches" of children—her older sons now 27 and 19, and younger daughters 8 and 5—and how this influenced her business direction, particularly during the pandemic. This personal challenge led to her business pivot and reinforced her philosophy about celebrating small wins, carving out personal time, and recognizing that doing everything isn't necessary—prioritization is what matters. Through her various platforms, she continues to share "organizational tips, home decor ideas, and life strategies to help you live an organized life and home."

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Divine Elements of Design

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