We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tara Jones. Check out our conversation below.
Tara, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m doing a little of both—and I think that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. I have a sense of direction in my work and a vision guiding me, but I also leave room for curiosity and exploration. Sometimes the most meaningful growth happens when you allow yourself to try new things and say yes to the unexpected or to challenges that put a new spin on your processes and perspective. The path I’m on continues to evolve, and part of the beauty of building a creative business is embracing the uncertainty and refining, refining!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an interior designer based in San Diego, and my work is all about creating spaces that are both deeply empowering and highly functional. My motto is “Soulful Design. Inspiring Transformation.” because I believe our surroundings directly influence how we feel day-to-day, how we connect with others, and even the habits we form. A well-designed home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s an act of self-care and a reflection of what you want to manifest in your life.
What makes my work unique is the depth of discovery I do with clients before the design even begins. I ask thoughtful questions about their lifestyle, habits, and goals, so every design reflects their essence. Whether it’s creating a cozy corner that sparks a new hobby or redesigning a kitchen to inspire more family gatherings, my goal is to design spaces that truly work for the people who live in them.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband—who was my boyfriend at the time. We met in school, and he introduced me to one of his teachers who would become our lifelong mentor. Looking back, that introduction changed the entire course of my career. This mentor saw potential in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself and offered to collaborate on a few of my very first clients. Both of them believed in me wholeheartedly, even when I was still so new and unsure. They shared their knowledge, resources, and connections, giving me a head start that many designers spend years trying to build. I’ll always be grateful for the faith they had in me—it gave me the courage to step into this path with confidence.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I once worked for a designer who was, to put it gently, demanding. For two years, she had me coordinate everything down to the tiniest, most personal details—tasks most large firms would never touch. It was an endless stream of details that reminded me of a house manager, but with an eye for design! She was constantly improving, tweaking, and refining every nook and cranny of a home. And guess who had to manage it all? Me!
Existing built-ins were modified so every item had a place to live, repairs were spotted and fixed, and I coordinated everything from termite treatments to temporary furniture and closet rentals during remodels—things I never thought I’d have to handle. It was a brilliant business model, actually—casually adding “just one more” project to the list. She definitely had the clientele who could afford ongoing luxury services.
It felt like a bootcamp for high-level design, but I learned how to manage incredibly complex, highly customized work and to anticipate a client’s needs before they even voiced them. I expanded my capacity beyond what I thought possible, and now I bring this level of attention and service to every project.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m a total believer that we’re entering a new age of technology—and if you’re not showing up on social media, you’re going to miss out big in a future where everyone already has a presence. So, even though my hands are full juggling projects, I’m leveling up my marketing game behind the scenes. My goal is to build a lead-generating machine that works while I sleep!
The kind of content I want to produce is focused on educating homeowners about the real value of hiring an interior designer. I can remember standing in a newly finished kitchen with the contractor and client, both reminiscing about the time the client asked, “Do I need a designer?”—and they both burst out laughing because, spoiler alert, YES, it was absolutely the right call. Most people don’t realize how much a designer can save headaches, time, and money, while making the whole process way more enjoyable. So, I’m on a mission to change that—and make interior design less mysterious and way more accessible.
At the end of the day, it’s all about taking things to the next level—not just in design but in how I connect with people and share the magic of what we do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If immortality were real, what would you build?
If I had forever, I’d find a large plot of land and develop a sustainable business model to create a community where no one is left behind—a thoughtfully designed neighborhood of tiny homes or earthships that are both affordable and eco-friendly for people facing homelessness. This space would include support centers addressing addiction and other struggles, community gardens, and pathways to employment for those ready to move forward and rebuild their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designer-space.com
- Instagram: designerspace_sd
Image Credits
Pixels & Pigment by Lauren Armellini
