The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
6.5
Hustle (job)
Owner / Principal Designer
What do you do?
Lisa Gilmore Design captures your interior voice and makes it functional for your day-to-day life. We specialize in commercial and residential interior design for boutique, hotel, restaurant, office and luxury home.
Why do you do it?
It’s my passion! I truly can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I used to skip out on recess as a kid in elementary school to draw up fictitious floor plans. When I found out later in life this could be a career, I was done, I knew what I was meant to be.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
Lisa Gilmore Design really evolved from relocating back to Florida after a few years in Chicago. I worked for a great design firm in Chicago and learned so much. I felt like it was my time to really use my design voice and all the knowledge I had gained in the field and take the leap.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Oh boy! There are a lot. Number one – HGTV is not reality. Projects cannot be done in a weekend, and there are usually a lot of zeros behind that first comma. Another thing is a lot of people think we just pick paint colors and throw pillows. There is such a science that goes into interior design, the psychology of spaces and flow. Additionally, people usually do not realize how involved in construction we are, we are with our clients every step of the way in the construction process.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
Getting people to open up about the end goal for their project. We need to know how you live, how you thrive and what you expect to happen. This also means talking about finances and lifestyle. I joke that it’s a lot like dating, but really it is. Your interior designer is only as good as you allow them to be, so opening up and being honest about all of these things is key to execute an amazing project. Also, trust. Trust your designer. You called them for a reason, let their creative magic happen.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Don’t be afraid to call in the troops for help, you simply can’t do everything. Be vulnerable and eager to learn.
