07/30/2026
I look back over the years at Stalburg Design. And the word that comes to mind is GRIT.
Nonstop, I put one foot in front of the other over the years, trying to work with new builders and align with new vendors, even when they had never heard of us. I jumped in; I saw other designers getting the jobs that I wanted. A lot. I was still teaching Yoga at the time and I saw Yoga teachers getting the recognition that I wanted, their posters up at Lululemon In Birmingham. I saw people living in houses that I could only dream of living in one day. Everyone seemed to move through life like it didnāt scare the s**t out of them, like it did to me.
And I kept going.
I drove to Chesterfield Township, Fenton, St. Clair Shores, or even Port Huron just so a client could pick out one paint color. Literally for a floor! I made booklets for builders, really anything they asked for. I made Tile deliveries by hand. I ate one financial mistake after the other: a wrong light fixture ordered, even the wrong countertop color installed.
And I kept going.
I worked off my dining room table. I hired 1099 designers and assistants, and summer interns. I took photos of every project, no matter how small or how minor. I stayed humble and I hustled.
Slowly, I built up. I trusted myself. With no investors and no money borrowed, I got a website, an office, I rebranded to Stalburg Design. I got office furniture, hired better and more talented designers, tolerated less bulls**t, left the low-level energy behind, and I forgot about my fear.
And I kept going.
I said yes. To any type of large scale major scope construction. You bet. Outdoor pool cabana? Of course. Garages, ADUs, living rooms, dry bars, home offices.. I said, āyes, of courseā.
I applied for award after award and didnāt win. Until we did. I submitted for magazines and was rejected. Until I wasnāt. We started winning local Design awards and National awards too. We are thrilled and honored with each recognition.
We keep going. Looking forward to the second half of 2026. We are grateful for you all š¤
Xx - Barbi
