Pursuit 365 Day 275: Kelly Arsenault

Kelly Arsenault has never feared change as long as she is able to create and live life to its fullest potential. She has been a production designer on an award winning tv show, a commercial prop and wardrobe stylist, a corporate event designer, an interior decorator, home stager and organizer, and most importantly a mom to her six year old daughter.

‘My ability to roll with the punches, be a jack of all trades and make things happen on a whim has helped me grow and maintain a successful business for over two decades. After what should have been a minor car accident four years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic pain and fibromyalgia. This adjustment, along with my new role as single mama, brought me the realization my work path would have to be a less physical one. So now at age 48, I am making moves again into the world of real estate where I get to encompass all of my creative passions and fulfill my desire to help people as well.’

I don’t deny it… becoming a student late in life has been daunting. But as cliché as it sounds, I believe age really is just a number and It’s never too late to do something new. I have traveled and worked all over the world, lived on both coasts and in Central Canada. Experiencing various cultures and working in a number of environments has opened my eyes to possibilities. The time I had throughout covid closures encouraged me to reflect on how I wanted to spend my days moving forward.

Throughout the past few years after my accident, I moved away from the gruelling hours of commercial production and experimented with residential design and home organization, realizing that I really enjoyed it. This was in part because I was able to create on a different scale than I was used to but mostly because I felt such a sense of satisfaction to be able to bring a vision to my clients that eventually would make them feel most happy in their homes. But it wasn’t quite enough. After a number of successful design and home staging projects I realized I wanted to do it all.

So at this moment I’m studying for my real estate license, working toward my goal of being a full service boutique in a very hectic and stressful Ontario real estate market. When I work with a client, my priority is ensuring their needs are not only being met, but surpassed. I understand how stressful change can be and my goal is to make the process as seamless as possible from beginning to end. I’ll be there to not only facilitate the process of buying and selling but also to stage or help redesign or visualize a space as well.

My daughter was an unexpected surprise at almost 43 and a gift I’m so grateful for everyday. I hear so many people say, “I’m too old to do this” or “maybe next year.” My belief is the time is now and there is no better time than today.