Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Helsley.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really starts with childhood Christmas traditions. Some of my most cherished memories are of decorating the tree with my parents—carefully unwrapping ornaments each year and adding a new one to the collection. It wasn’t just decorating; it was a ritual that marked the season and created lasting memories for our family.
As I got older, that love for Christmas design never left. I began creating trees for my own home and friends would often comment on them or ask for help decorating their own. Eventually I started designing holiday displays for local businesses, including a few car dealerships, and realized there was an opportunity to turn something I truly loved into something more.
Over time that passion evolved into a vision for a boutique holiday design studio. Today, Juniper and Gold focuses on creating thoughtfully curated Christmas trees and seasonal installations that help families and businesses bring a little more beauty, nostalgia, and magic into their homes during the holidays.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, this has been a journey of learning, patience, and a lot of persistence. Turning something you love into a business requires stepping outside of your comfort zone—building a brand, meeting new people, and learning the many sides of running a business beyond the creative work itself.
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing a full professional career while building Juniper and Gold at the same time. It takes discipline and long hours, but it has also allowed me to grow the business thoughtfully and intentionally.
Another challenge has been learning to trust the process. Creative businesses often grow through relationships and word of mouth, which takes time. But each project, conversation, and opportunity helps build momentum.
Through it all, my love for the holidays and creating beautiful spaces for others has kept me motivated. Every step has reinforced that this is something truly meaningful to pursue.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Juniper and Gold LLC?
Juniper and Gold is a boutique holiday design studio focused on creating thoughtfully curated Christmas trees and seasonal installations for homes and businesses. I specialize in styling and sourcing unique holiday décor—ribbons, ornaments, and statement pieces—that transform a tree into a cohesive design rather than simply a collection of decorations.
What sets Juniper and Gold apart is the level of care and personalization that goes into each design. Every tree begins with a vision and is layered intentionally with textures, color palettes, and distinctive pieces to create something truly special for the client. I also help clients source unique décor early in the year, since many of the most beautiful holiday pieces are produced in limited quantities and often sell out months before the season begins.
At its heart, Juniper and Gold is about more than decorating—it’s about helping people create meaningful holiday moments in their homes. Some of my proudest moments have been hearing clients say that their tree became the centerpiece of their family’s holiday traditions. Knowing that something I designed becomes part of those memories is incredibly rewarding.
My goal is to bring a sense of beauty, nostalgia, and magic into the holiday season through designs that feel timeless, personal, and joyful.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One of my biggest design influences is Rebecca Robeson. I admire the way she approaches interiors with thoughtful layering, color, and texture while still creating spaces that feel timeless and welcoming. Watching how she builds a cohesive design has influenced the way I think about holiday décor as well—every ribbon, ornament, and element should contribute to a unified look rather than feeling random or overly themed.
Beyond design inspiration, I rely heavily on the practical skills I’ve developed in my professional career. Project management, organization, and operational planning all play a big role in running Juniper and Gold. Designing beautiful holiday spaces is the creative side, but sourcing materials, planning installations, and managing the details behind the scenes require strong structure and discipline.
That combination of creativity and operational thinking helps me deliver designs that are not only beautiful, but also thoughtfully planned and executed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juniperandgolddesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juniper_and_gold/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565142895314
