Meet Kat of Studio Hædra
Kat Spath is an interior designer and founder of Studio Hædra, as well as the co-founder of Crafted Path Travel.
Before turning to interior design, Kat was first and foremost an artist and maker, shaped by her roots in the heart of the Midwest.
For Kat, travel and craft go hand in hand—both offering a way to connect more deeply with culture, place, and people. Her design sensibilities are grounded in what she creates with her hands, and she brings that same curiosity and care to every journey she takes.
Can you share a bit about how you and Mae came up with the idea to start Crafted Path Travel?
I’ve known Mae for about 15 years, and though we mostly stayed connected through social media, our shared passion for textiles brought us together in a deeper way. When we traveled to Oaxaca a few years ago, the experience felt truly magical. After connecting with incredible artisans and sharing that joy with some new friends on a few more trips to that region, we realized we wanted to create something bigger, so we founded Crafted Path Travel to bring others into that magic and build community around craft and culture.
You work primarily in interior design, but have had a lengthy love affair with crafting - can you share how these backgrounds inform and inspire Crafted Path Travel’s offerings?
Working with the hands creates a kind of magic unlike anything else. I’ve never found a deeper way to connect with my inner world than through learning a craft—shaping something new from raw materials. It’s focus, creativity, and integration all at once- the result is an expansive experience of shape, color, texture, and form. That joy of discovery fuels the passion for this travel project—to meet makers across the globe and learn from their drive and generational artistry.
What has been your most memorable travel experience so far?
One of my favorite experiences was in Taiwan, where I had the chance to learn about tea meditation, pick and process tea as well as eat SO many delicious foods! That trip left such a strong impression on me that we’re now in the early stages of planning a Crafted Path Travel journey there in 2027, so that others can enjoy a similar experience.
What does travel bring to your life?
Travel helps me see my place in the world more clearly. At home, it’s easy to live within a small radius—routine and consistency can be grounding, but it can also narrow perspective. When I travel, I’m reminded of the beauty and humanity that exists everywhere. Stepping into new cultures gives me fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of others, which is something I try and carry back into my daily life.
Everyone travels a little bit differently - what are the key ingredients for an amazing trip in your opinion?
When visiting a new place, I usually choose one thing I absolutely want to do or see, and then leave plenty of flexible time for exploration. I like to anchor myself in a single “home base” instead of moving between lots of hotels, so I can get to know a neighborhood. Coffee shops are my lifeline—I love finding one within walking distance to start the day with a quiet morning walk and a strong cup. And I always bring back a treasure for my home—whether it’s art, an object, or a piece of furniture—to carry the spirit of the trip with me.
Where would you like to travel next?
Next month I’m heading to Oklahoma and North Carolina, but I’m also dreaming a little further ahead. Thailand is high on my list, and I hope to make it there in the next few years to deepen this journey of travel and craft.
