Meet Thea Blehm

Written By Kirklyn Powell

Meet Thea Blehm of Thea Marie Interiors

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Thea Blehm—the visionary designer and entrepreneur behind Thea Marie Interiors. With a passion for creating spaces that inspire and a talent for bringing her clients’ stories to life through design, Thea is transforming homes and short-term rentals into meaningful, beautiful experiences.

Hi Thea, we’re excited to chat with you! Let’s start with your story—what inspired you to launch Thea Marie Interiors?
 I took the leap into interior design because I felt a strong pull to help people transform their spaces into something more meaningful and inspiring. What drew me in—and continues to drive me—is the opportunity to create environments that truly reflect the people who live in them or the experiences they want to share.

Entrepreneurship has given me the freedom to build close, collaborative relationships with clients, where creativity and vision go hand in hand. Whether it's designing a personal residence or curating the perfect atmosphere for a short-term rental, my goal is always the same: to craft an experience that resonates deeply with the people who step into that space.

What sparked the idea for your business, and when did you know it was time to go for it?
The idea for my business was sparked by a lifelong love of interior design and a deep curiosity about how spaces can influence the way we feel. I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional impact a room can have—how a well-designed space can instantly bring comfort, inspiration, or joy.

When I first launched, I named my business Meraki Designs, a Greek word that means to do something with love, creativity, and passion. It perfectly captured the heart I put into every project. But as time went on, I realized it felt more authentic to put my own name on the “door”—to create a brand that was a true reflection of me.

I’m often described as joyful, upbeat, and always wearing a signature hat—so I thought, why not bring that energy into my business? It’s more than just a name; it’s an invitation into the experience I want to create for my clients: personal, memorable, and full of heart.

Let’s talk about what makes your work unique—what sets you apart in the design world?
 The heart of my business is transforming blank or uninspired spaces into vibrant, experiential environments. Whether it's a residential home that needs to reflect the unique personality of its owner or a short-term rental that must be both beautiful and profitable, I focus on creating spaces that tell a story and serve a purpose.

What sets me apart is that I don’t design with just one signature style in mind. Instead, I approach each project through the eyes of my client—immersing myself in their vision, lifestyle, and goals. By designing from their perspective, I’m able to create spaces that feel personal, intentional, and truly one-of-a-kind.

Every business journey has its hurdles—what’s been one of yours, and how did you grow through it?
 One of my biggest challenges as a business owner has been stepping out of my comfort zone to network and make meaningful connections. Growing up, I was naturally shy and deeply rooted in my creative world—often turning inward for inspiration and energy.

But I've come to realize how essential it is to branch out, especially in this industry. Building genuine relationships with other professionals has not only helped me grow my business but also enriched my perspective and reignited my passion for design in unexpected ways.

Can you share a moment that made you step back and say, “Wow, I really did that”?
 A standout moment in my career was leading the design of a 75-unit complex for short-term rentals—a project I spearheaded from concept to completion. Over the course of two years, I assembled and managed a dedicated team of designers and installers, navigating every phase of the process with care and creativity.

What made this project truly unforgettable was the series of delays caused by construction setbacks. In the end, we completed the full installation when I was nine months pregnant. It was a race to the finish, but I’m proud to say everything was installed and styled—just in time for me to deliver my son. It was the perfect (and slightly surreal) way to close one chapter and begin another.

What’s a piece of advice that’s really stuck with you on your entrepreneurial path?
 One piece of advice that has truly stuck with me is this: just be—be open, be curious, and be willing to learn and evolve. Growth comes from staying flexible and listening with intention, especially to the wisdom of those who’ve walked the path before you. Taking in that knowledge, adapting when needed, and staying true to your goals is what creates lasting success.

Let’s be real—entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. What keeps you inspired?
 I stay inspired in entrepreneurship by staying curious and paying attention to the world around me—especially emerging design trends and what’s happening locally in the market. I also study larger, successful companies to understand what they're doing well—and sometimes more importantly, what they're overlooking.

But above all, I keep myself grounded by regularly reconnecting with why I started this journey in the first place. That purpose fuels my creativity, keeps me focused, and reminds me that growth and impact come from staying aligned with my passion and vision.

What’s next for you and Thea Marie Interiors?
 My next big goal—for both myself and my business—is to take this venture full-time. Up until now, my personal business has been my passion project alongside a full-time job, but the dream has always been to fully step into entrepreneurship and dedicate myself to doing what I love every single day.

We're currently working on a few exciting larger projects, and the momentum is building. I’m eager to keep growing, expanding, and connecting with others in the industry as I make this next leap. It’s an exciting chapter, and I’m ready for it.

How do you juggle work and personal life without burning out?
 Balancing the demands of personal life with entrepreneurship is definitely a challenge—but it’s one I’ve learned to approach with intention and grace. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the power of setting clear boundaries. As a business owner, it’s easy to feel like you need to be “on” all the time, but burnout doesn’t serve anyone—not your clients, not your creativity, and definitely not your well-being.

I try to be present and fully engaged in whatever space I’m in—whether that’s with my family or in a design meeting. That means creating designated work hours, learning to say no when necessary, and giving myself permission to unplug. I’ve found that when I honor both parts of my life, I’m better in both roles.

It’s a constant balancing act, but it’s also what keeps me grounded, inspired, and aligned with the life I’m working so hard to build.

How do you define success today?
 I define success as feeling confident, fulfilled, and fully present in every role I play—whether that’s as a mother, a wife, or a business owner. To me, it’s not just about hitting milestones or checking off goals; it’s about creating a life that feels balanced, intentional, and true to who I am.

Success also means building genuine, meaningful connections—networking in a way that aligns with our lifestyle and values. It’s about growing a business that supports my family, reflects my creativity, and allows me to show up wholeheartedly in both my personal and professional life.

What’s one small daily habit that’s helped you grow?
 One daily habit I've implemented to grow as a business owner is staying consistently active on social media. Whether it's sharing content on Instagram or engaging in networking groups with other industry professionals, showing up online has become an intentional part of my routine. It keeps me visible, connected, and continuously learning from others in the field—all of which are essential for growth in today’s business landscape.

Lastly, how can our readers support you?
 The best way to support my business is through genuine connections—whether that’s making introductions, sharing my work through word of mouth, or simply keeping me in mind for future opportunities. I’m always open to partnering with individuals, real estate professionals, or businesses looking for a designer who brings creativity, collaboration, and heart to every project.

Connect with Thea Blehm and Thea Marie Interiors

Kirklyn Powell
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