Since the founding of Haven, this engaging conference has had the same mission: to empower the beautiful DIY community with knowledge, confidence, and connections. With pride and honor, Stockdale Design is continuing this vision.
It started nine years ago, when a group of seven gals met at a larger generic blogger conference, and while enjoying the time together, they brainstormed about how great it would be to host a yearly conference focused on the DIY design niche of bloggers.
Shortly afterwards, blogger Rhoda Vickers, still reeling from the large conference experience, was enjoying some beach time with her sister. During this break, Rhoda met a man named Shane, who happens to be my friend & neighbor. When Shane returned from his vacation, he approached me, saying, “I have an idea for you—you do events, you do all that interior design DIY stuff, and you should blog. I met Renee’s sister (Rhoda) and she talked about a group of women who wants to start a yearly conference, specific for DIY women bloggers. I told Rhoda she should call you—hope it is ok that I gave her your number.” Shane then gave me Rhoda’s number and, after several days of prayer and dreaming, I called her.
The following week, Rhoda and I met, and it was just magic. She introduced me to the original six co-founders—Kate, Mariann, Sarah, Chris, Beth & Traci. Haven Conference was created by a huge team effort that brought great blessing to the DIY/Lifestyler community.
After our first Haven, Mariann and Kate, already established, and with so many opportunities in front of them, felt that Haven was in good hands, so that they could move on to focus on their respective paths. For two additional years, Beth, Sarah, Chris, Traci, Rhoda and I continued the planning process for Haven. New opportunities then came for both Sarah and Beth, who felt the best move would be to step away from Haven to pursue other engagements.
Taking the baton, the remaining four Haven team members—Chris, Traci, Rhoda, and I—enjoyed working toward improving Haven for both the Haven Mavens and sponsors. The team implemented the Maven Mentor Program, which has been a wonderful addition to the Haven experience.
With so many opportunities surface over the years, dissolving Haven came into the discussion. After prayer and thought of the #HAVENmaven community, we did not want to see the end of Haven! Although the original team’s names are no longer in lights, they will always have an impact on what Haven has become. Proud of the vision from the original co-founders, Stockdale Design is committed to continue the #HavenHustle—by encouraging women to use those power tools, by empowering them with intentional influencer business sessions, and by creating fun events for networking with fellow Haven Mavens—-all the while providing year ‘round support for this niche community.
2018 has been an exciting year for Haven & Stockdale Design. Stockdale Design has enveloped several brands under our umbrella, creating a dynamic host of resources for our events which enhances all of our brands.
Who is Kristin Stockdale, owner of Stockdale Design?
Putting all in perspective, this life can be a fun roller coaster, if you allow the curves to straighten out, and then lean into the turns when they appear around the next down-hill slide. Below is a bit of my “roller coaster” life.
As a little girl, playing with Formica samples from our local home store, designing dream floor plans, and reading Architectural Digest, I knew I wanted to be one of those sophisticated ladies in high heels, an Interior Designer…While attending the Architecture program at The Ohio State University, (enter my love for DIY) God gave me some choices, my first hard curve. I moved down to Georgia and chose to be the best wife and mom that this young lady could be. School was important to me, but I was pregnant, ashamed and all that. Shortly thereafter, during my time at a local tech school, I found myself in love with horticulture.
We moved to a small town in North Georgia, Dahlonega, where we had a tiny 60’s brick ranch fixer-upper. So much love went into every tile, wood plank, paint stroke, and faux finish. Self-sustainability was not on trend back then, but that is what we were and cherished our lifestyle. If I was not DIYing, you could find me outside in the herb garden, veggie garden, pasture, feeding the chickens or cutting fresh flowers.
In 2001, I was thrilled to apprentice under a well known interior designer, after my youngest daughter went to kindergarten. My next up-hill climb came in 2003, as I was given an opportunity to re-brand a gift shop as the lead interior designer and buyer for the shop. Through my new shop, Stockdale Design, I hosted several events and a few charity fundraisers, which were very successful.
Many of my design clients inquired about my planning their special engagements. Life celebrations became more fun and inspiring to me, as each one passed. One of my clients asked me to coordinate a corporate Christmas party, involving transforming an enormous warehouse into a winter wonderland, including décor, entertainment and catering. This was transitional for my career, and without a doubt in my abilities, I took the project on, working around the clock from my garage for an entire month, to create the perfect party for her employees and their families. It turned out a smashing hit and that was IT—I was now an event planner.
On the downhill, you can sometimes expect another curve. In 2010, divorce was imminent and I needed a solid career, as two sweet gals and their mama now needed a very steady income. A dear friend hired me as a meeting manager, utilizing my logistics and hospitality talents. Leaning into the curve, I really did enjoy this position; however, life for me is not behind a desk.
God came in, straightening out this curve, as well. Event planning and design is my game. HAVEN has opened many doors, answering several prayers, continuing to be a blessing to me, my family and many more.
We are thrilled to continue Haven with exceptional sessions our attendees have come to expect, along with several enhancements. Our communication will improve with the re-launch of the Haven blog and our monthly newsletters. The Haven Conference line up will contain two tracks for both the seasoned influencer as well as the novice. We also have several other surprises up our sleeves to share as they evolve. Our intention is to support our #HAVENmavens with intentional information and tools to support their goals and aspirations.
Some of our big plans include curating smaller retreats that focus on an educational theme while celebrating our DIY spirit and exploring new towns together ( I am most giddy about this one ). We also are aiming to create year-round learning webinars to keep our wheels in motion and incorporating exciting collaborations between you and potential opportunities.
Cheers to all and can’t tell you how much this community lights my fire –
Join Our Facebook Group
Haven Mavens is a place for past and present attendees and those interested in Haven to stay connected. We limit this private group to bloggers and social media influencers only. Click here to send a join request. You’ll be prompted to answer three questions; be sure to submit your answers!