We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maggie Lewis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maggie, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Yes, I’m genuinely very happy as a business owner. I spent over a decade working in both large and small companies, and I really value the experience I gained during that time—especially the skills I developed, the mentors who guided me, and the stability that helped lay the foundation for my career. That said, I reached a point where I wanted more control over my time and felt ready—both in terms of experience and mindset—to build something of my own. Starting my business was a mix of courage and a bit of naïveté, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. As an expecting mother, being my own boss—and having a business partner in a similar life stage—gives me the flexibility I deeply value. There are definitely trade-offs, like fewer safety nets, but for me, the autonomy and purpose make it more than worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I double-majored in Art History and Communications, so I’ve always had a deep appreciation for beautiful things and how we talk about them. It wasn’t until my senior year of college—when I interned at a major advertising agency and took a fine art studio course—that I realized how much I loved the process of creating something collaboratively.

After graduating, I built a career in product development, working on everything from jewelry to virtual reality apps. At the same time, I was quietly taking interior design courses on the side. I’d always had a love for interiors, but I was advancing quickly in my career and felt too afraid to “start over.”

Then came COVID—and with it, the clarity and courage to explore how I could blend my leadership and product experience with my passion for design. I was incredibly fortunate to land a role at a well-respected, high-end interiors company that straddled both residential and furniture design. I hadn’t worked in the interiors industry before, but the business owner saw how my skills aligned with what the company needed and gave me a chance. In just a few years, I developed a deep and versatile knowledge base in the field.

Eventually, I reached a point where there wasn’t a clear path for growth within the company. I proposed consulting part-time so I could begin taking on my own projects, and—luckily—the owner supported me. That flexibility led me to my now-business partner, Heather Cohen, who was also in the midst of transitioning into interior design. Together, we founded DAMA—a full-service interior and landscape design firm.

Today, we take on projects across the country, with a focus on renovations and whole-home interior design. Our approach combines thoughtful, client-driven design with the operational and creative discipline we both honed in our previous careers. It’s been a winding road to get here, but one I’m incredibly proud of.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

For us, word of mouth has consistently been the best source of new clients. As a luxury service, we tend to work with people at a specific moment in their lives—often during major transitions like moving, renovating, or building a home—so trust and timing are everything. While having a strong social media presence helps express our creative vision and supports discovery once someone hears about us, it hasn’t been a major lead generator on its own.

What really moves the needle is building and nurturing relationships—whether that’s with past clients, current collaborators, or other professionals in the industry. We make it a priority to stay connected to contractors, architects, and other trades, and we regularly attend industry events to stay visible and engaged. Honestly, we believe that being professional, kind, and easy to work with every time you leave the house is one of the best marketing strategies. You’re your own best billboard.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the toughest lessons we learned early on was knowing when to walk away from a client. This particular project was, on paper, a dream: it was one of our largest to date and creatively one of the most exciting. We imagined it becoming a major showpiece in our portfolio. But as the project unfolded, it became clear that the client was not a good fit for us. He regularly crossed professional boundaries—raising his voice, name-calling, and at times, withholding payment.

Despite our best efforts to deliver great work and maintain professionalism, the environment became toxic. Eventually, Heather and I had to look at each other and ask: is this worth it? The answer was no. Walking away—especially after investing so much time and energy—was incredibly difficult, but also one of the best decisions we’ve made.

It taught us the importance of trusting our instincts, setting clear boundaries from the start, and not being afraid to say no—even when the stakes feel high. We’re grateful we learned that lesson early in our business. Protecting our energy and values ultimately allows us to show up fully for the right clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.damainteriors.com
• Instagram: dama_interiors

Image Credits

Shelby Bourne, Lance Gerber, Sara Tramp, Lauren Taylor