After growing Spokane-based Ginger Co. Interiors LLC, which does business as Ginger Designs, from a small startup into an established interior design firm, Summerlyn Feckner, 30, expanded into co-ownership of Spokane Valley-based Coyote Creek Cabinets, bridging the gap between design and physical craftsmanship.

Her responsibilities are equal parts creative and operational. Feckner oversees client relationships, design direction, business strategy, and daily operations at both companies, including business development, financial planning, marketing, team leadership, and client experience. In her dual roles, Feckner leads residential remodels and custom home projects from concept through completion. She works closely with contractors and vendors, coordinating directly with construction teams and suppliers to ensure projects are executed with the same level of care and attention that they were designed with. 

In her Rising Stars nomination, Feckner is described as a leader who consistently demonstrates a level of professionalism, knowledge, and initiative while fostering a deep commitment to continuous learning and growth. Despite balancing numerous responsibilities, Feckner remains organized and effective across her many roles. 

"What truly makes her stand out is her ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with clients, vendors, and industry partners," says Meredith Randall in Feckner's nomination. "Her approach to building relationships creates connections built on trust, making her a valued collaborator throughout our industry."

What makes you good at your job? I believe what sets me apart is my ability to balance creativity with strong business leadership. While I have a passion for design, I understand that great projects are built on communication, organization, and trust just as much as beautiful finishes.

I genuinely care about the people I work with, both clients and colleagues. I strive to create an experience where clients feel heard, informed, and confident throughout the process, while fostering a workplace built on integrity, accountability, and continuous growth. I approach challenges with a solutions-focused mindset and am always looking for ways to improve, whether that's refining our processes, investing in our team, or finding innovative solutions for our clients.

Ultimately, I measure success not only by the spaces we create, but by the relationships we build and the lasting impact our work has on the people who live in those homes.

What is a professional accomplishment you're proud of achieving? One of my proudest accomplishments has been growing Ginger Designs from a small startup into an established interior design firm. Over the past several years, we've expanded our portfolio, built strong relationships with trusted industry partners, and earned the confidence of clients throughout the Inland Northwest and beyond.

In addition to growing Ginger Designs, I became a co-owner of a custom cabinetry company. Leading two businesses has strengthened my leadership, operational, and strategic planning skills while deepening my understanding of the construction and design industries.

Where do you see your professional and community influence in the next decade? Over the next decade, I hope to be recognized not only as a business owner, but as a leader who helped shape a stronger and more connected design and construction community in the Inland Northwest.

Professionally, I plan to continue growing Ginger Designs while creating meaningful career opportunities for designers, project managers, and future leaders. I want to build companies where people feel valued, challenged, and excited to come to work each day.

Within the community, I hope to expand our charitable partnerships, mentor young entrepreneurs, and use my businesses as a platform to give back in tangible ways. I also hope to advocate for thoughtful design that improves quality of life and contributes positively to our neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the legacy I want to leave isn't measured by the number of projects we've completed, but by the people we've impacted, through the homes we've transformed, the careers we've helped build, and the community we've invested in along the way.

Have you been influenced by any mentors in the Inland Northwest business community? I have been fortunate to learn from a number of local business owners, contractors, and industry professionals throughout my career. Rather than having one single mentor, I've been influenced by people who have generously shared their knowledge, challenged me to think differently, and encouraged me to lead with integrity. Those relationships have helped shape both my leadership style and my commitment to building businesses that prioritize people, quality, and long-term relationships.

What drives your commitment to your industry? What motivates me most is knowing that the spaces we create improve people's daily lives. A well-designed home isn't just beautiful, it's where families gather, children grow up, and memories are made. 

I also believe our industry has the opportunity to positively impact our community by supporting local trades, creating meaningful careers, and operating businesses with integrity. My goal has never been to simply design beautiful spaces, but to build companies that people are proud to work with and work for.