Clockwise from top left: Leslie Hoy and Kerry Maguire, far right (Gravitas National Title); Christi Coltrin and Brad Oldham (Coltrin Oldham Properties); Karen Nelson (Allie Beth Allman and Associates); Donna Moss (Donna Moss Design); and Ginger Curtis (Urbanology Designs).

CandysDirt.com’s Designer Corner isn’t about any one topic. It’s about compelling people — thoughtful, funny, candid, and refreshingly themselves. The ones you want seated next to you at a dinner party because they instantly make the table more interesting.

Join us for a look back at five memorable conversations worth revisiting.

Gravitas National Title’s Kerry Maguire and Leslie Hoy Make Every Closing a Celebration

Turns out, my instincts about these two charismatic women were spot-on. Kerry, President of Gravitas National Title, and Leslie, the firm’s Business Development Director, are as fun as they are formidable — growing a gangbuster business while clearly enjoying the ride. An added bonus? Our newly formed “Bougie Burger Club,” a monthly catch-up over cocktails and some of Dallas’ best burgers.

Read about some of Gravitas’ standout events in 2025 — and consider this your heads-up to get on the list for what’s coming next year.

The Multifaceted, Mega-Glamorous World of Interior Designer Donna Moss

It’s easy to understand why designer Donna Moss took HGTV reality TV by storm. Not only is she immediately and genuinely likable, her list of accomplishments is off the charts — designer, author, boutique owner, philanthropist, and what she calls her “great accomplishment,” mom and grandmother.

Step inside her multifaceted world, equal parts enjoyable and inspiring.

Renovation vs. Teardown: Allie Beth Allman Realtor Karen Nelson Shares Red Flags

Karen Nelson is always a great interview. Which is why, when we’re looking for insight on anything from cleaning hacks to prepping a house for market, the marketing savvy agent is on our speed dial.

Here, she weighs in on renovation versus teardown — including best return on investment and what instantly dates a property.

Interior Designer Ginger Curtis on the Power of Biophilic Design

For designer Ginger Curtis, biophilia comes naturally — literally. The founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs believes that bringing nature into the home affects us on a subconscious level. “It’s a way of designing that reconnects us with the natural world — not as an escape, but as an integral part of how we live,” she says.

Learn more about biophilic design from a true innovator in the field.

Boss Coltrin Properties’ Brad Oldham and Christi Coltrin and Their BIRD House

Christy Coltrin (left) and Brad Oldham

Business and life partners Brad Oldham and Christi Coltrin are much more than landlords — Brad is an accomplished sculptor, Christi a marketing guru. Their rental properties perfectly blend both talents.

Find out how — and why — their newly renovated “BIRD” House, a two-bedroom Cottage Tudor in Oak Lawn Heights, “flew” off the market this summer.