We recently connected with Kelly Butler and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

If I could go back in time, I wish I had started my business sooner, but honestly, I didn’t have the confidence. Starting something on your own is intimidating, especially when it feels like there’s so much you don’t know yet. When I finally took the leap, my second child—of four!—was about a year old, and for the first time in a while, I felt like I could take a breath. I wanted to do something for myself.

At the time, I was working in oncology non-profits, which I loved, but I always wanted to pursue interior design. It was something I was passionate about, but the idea of venturing out on my own felt overwhelming. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner because I’d be that much further along now—more experienced, more confident, and more seasoned.

That said, I’ve realized there is always a reason to say it’s not the right time. Whether you’re having kids, life is too busy, or you feel like you’re not ready, there will always be something. The truth is, you just have to jump. Every project I’ve taken on has been a learning experience, and once you start, you gain momentum and confidence. I’m grateful I finally listened to that voice inside saying, ‘It’s time.’”

Kelly, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a mom of four, including twins, and I’ve always believed that our homes should be a reflection of who we are—a place where beauty and function come together seamlessly. As a designer, I focus on creating spaces that not only look beautiful but are also practical and meant to be lived in.

I specialize in a wide range of interior design services, including hourly design consultations, full room redesigns, furniture selection, space planning, color consulting, and occupied staging. I also solve common challenges like You’ve just moved into a new home—what furniture should you keep, and what should you replace? Or, You have a great space and love everything in it, but it just doesn’t feel finished. I also work with clients who are remodeling and need someone to help make design decisions and guide them through the process, holding their hand every step of the way.

What sets me apart is that I’m realistic and down-to-earth, working with real families, real people, and real homes. I understand the everyday challenges people face and work within real-world budgets to create spaces that work for them. As a mom of four, I know how important it is for a home to not only be beautiful but also functional and personal.

I first discovered my love for design as a creative outlet while working in oncology non-profits. Although I loved my work, it was emotionally heavy, and design became a way to clear my head and recharge. I started by helping friends and family, and that passion eventually grew into my business. Now, I get to help clients see their spaces in a new light and fall in love with their homes all over again.

I’m most proud of getting repeat clients—it’s the ultimate compliment because it means I did my job well. My goal is always for your home to become your favorite place to be, and I believe that’s possible at any price point. I love building relationships with clients and helping them bring their vision to life in a way that feels uniquely them.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth. Building strong relationships is absolutely vital in this business, and when a client is happy with their space and recommends me to their friends, family, or colleagues, it’s the ultimate compliment. I also work closely with real estate agents, who are amazing partners for connecting me with clients in transition—whether they’re moving into a new home, staging to sell, or looking to refresh their space after a big move.

Social media is another key piece of the puzzle. It’s such an important platform to showcase my work, stay connected with followers, and inspire potential clients. My focus has been on cultivating relationships, leveraging word of mouth, and staying visible online. I’m so grateful for every referral and opportunity that comes my way!

Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?

One of my favorite and most memorable projects was one of my very first jobs—a second home for a couple in Austin. Their kids were attending UT, and they had purchased this house to use when they were in town. At the time, I had never taken on a whole-house project before, but it was too big of an opportunity to pass up. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t panicking a little inside. It felt overwhelming, but I knew I had to say yes.

When I first walked into the space, it was completely empty except for one upholstered chair the client had purchased. The chair wasn’t my style at all, which made me wonder how I was going to make the rest of the house come together in a way that was modern and that they’d love. But I leaned into the challenge, and it ended up being such an incredible experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

By the time I presented the finished house, I had poured everything into it, down to the last detail—even cleaning mirrors in the bathrooms and vacuuming the floors to make sure it was absolutely perfect. When the client saw the space, she was thrilled. She loved it so much that she flew me to Dallas to work on her primary home and some of her rental properties.

That experience taught me so much. It showed me the value of saying yes, even when it feels intimidating. I realized how important it is to trust yourself and your abilities. Taking on that project gave me the confidence to keep growing, and I’ll always be grateful I took the leap.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @DoubleDoorInteriors