My passion for art and enthusiasm for design led me to a role as Design Director at Martha Stewart Living. Over the course of ten years, I designed and developed Martha Stewart–branded products for retail partners including Kmart, Sears, Macy’s, Home Depot, and Grandin Road (Frontgate).

I then spent six years as Creative Director at Alene Candles, a premium manufacturer, where I launched the company’s private-label business. I built its first in-house creative team and led the design of products, packaging, and brand identities for a wide range of clients—from luxury brands to mass retailers.

At PartyLite, an international direct-selling company with a presence in 21 countries, I served as Global Creative Director, setting the worldwide creative strategy and overseeing the development of home décor and fragrance collections.

In 2016, I launched Karen Mainenti Design to help brands bring smart, beautiful, and strategically grounded products to life.