Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Ley.
Jamie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My father and grandfather were both home builders and my mother is an artist as well as a design enthusiast. With a family like that, I couldn’t help me but drawn to a life of building and interior design. After going to college at Texas A&M and getting my business degree, I went back to school to get an Interior Design degree while working at a local interior design firm. From the beginning, I knew that design was a perfect fit so I decided to get my license.
After working for two different hospitality firms in Dallas for several years, I left to open my own company. Since then I’ve worked on all different types of projects, both residential and commercial.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Every project has ups and downs but I can honestly say that as long as you communicate well with your client and are open and honest about any problems that occur you can get through issues together. As an interior designer, you rely on other people to help you get your projects completed, from your delivery company to tile installer to a salesperson and the list goes on.
Sometimes things just happen that are out of your control. Maybe a fabric you planned a room around will suddenly be discontinued and have no stock by the next day or a light fixture breaks while trying to install. It’s best to always have a solution or two in your back pocket!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about J. Carroll & J. Carroll Custom Homes and Interior Design – what should we know?
When I went off on my own I planned on building homes and remodeling but the economy was in a bad state.
Instead, I was getting most of my work from people who needed help building their own homes and finishing them out. I’m trained to design floor plans, therefore I can work with the architect and builder to make sure the property will look great when completed and function well for my clients. Once the plans are finished we can work on selecting all the exterior and interior finishes for their homes or businesses.
I also help clients with furniture and accessory selections. In addition, I’m a real estate agent, so I can help my clients purchase a home to remodel or maybe buy land to build their dream home. It is fun to help people see the potential in a property that others might miss.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My best support comes from my other interior design friends from past jobs and school. They also walk in my shoes and know most closely what my job and life are like in general. When we get a great project or post a beautiful picture of our work, we are genuinely happy for each other and want everyone to succeed. It’s very rewarding working with other people who are creative and love interior design. It truly is a special bond.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jcarrollandjcarroll.com
- Instagram: carrollley
Image Credit:
Diana Hall
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