Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Felicia Wallace-Benton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Felicia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I was told by my first client that I should name my business after my gift — the ability to design a space as someone envisions it.
Here’s the story:
I went out to meet my very first client, who had been referred to me by my mentor — also an interior designer. I was eager to apply everything I’d learned in college and from my mentor. But when I arrived, I was unexpectedly nervous. I don’t know why — I was prepared — but I found myself fumbling through the consultation.
The client asked me to simply share ideas for the space. So, I regrouped and came back for a second appointment with drawings and a mood board. But during that meeting, I could immediately tell something was off. She looked at the presentation and said, “This is not what I want.”
I asked her what she did want, and she admitted, “I really don’t know.”
So, I asked for another chance. I asked her to describe a space she loved. Tell me the colors, the feeling, and any items she’d want in the room. Then I went back and created a new floor plan and mood board. At our next meeting, everything changed. She was impressed — she said, “You have a gift – I loved it”.
During the final appointment, we laughed about how rocky our first meeting had been. I told her I just wanted to show her what I was capable of; the ability to design a space that truly reflected her style. She smiled and admitted she hadn’t been much help at first because she didn’t know what she wanted either.
As she was writing the check, she asked me, “What’s the name of your business?”
I told her, “Benton Interiors.”
She laughed and said, “Be creative. You should name it after your gift — the ability to design a space as someone envisions it.” That was when Designing Your vision was born.

Felicia, 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 creative person that loves designing spaces. But more than anything, I love making people happy. So, becoming an interior designer was a natural choice for me.
As an interior designer, I’m deeply committed to bringing my client’s unique vision to life. I use my innate ability to see the hidden potential in any space. This gift allows me to look beyond what is and imagine what could be; always with my client’s lifestyle, dreams, and preferences at the center.
To do this, I take the time to truly get to know my clients. This is the foundation of everything I do. Through thoughtful conversations, questionnaires, and active listening, I uncover what really matters to them, their desires, their habits, and what makes a space feel like home.
I don’t just create a “look” or follow a trend. I design a space that reflects my clients’ style, their spirit, and their story.
Every project includes detailed floor plans, elevations, and renderings to help clients visualize the design. My keen eye for detail and passion for fabric, texture, and color help me weave together layers that reflect not just beauty, but personality.
For clients who feel unsure of what they want, I gently guide them. I show them how their space can reflect who they are, even if they can’t yet articulate it themselves.
Is it always an easy process? Not always. But one thing I’ve been told time and again is that I’m incredibly patient and a great listener. I use those strengths to dive deep with my clients, helping them uncover what they truly love — and bring that vision to life.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As an interior designer, I had to release the fear of charging my worth. After speaking with a business coach, I realized I was significantly undercharging for my services. It took a lot for me to confidently ask for what I truly deserved when speaking with clients. I had to let go of the fear that someone wouldn’t value my work or that I’d lose opportunities. It was one of the most uncomfortable things I’ve done—but once I started charging what I’m worth, everything shifted. Now, I charge in line with what a professional designer should.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle did turn into my full-time business. I had been doing it on the side for over 10 years. I always wanted to have my own business, but I was too scared to fully go out on my own. Plus, I needed the income and security of a full-time job to help pay the bills and student loans I had taken out while in school.
Most of the business I received came through referrals. These were small projects like paint consultations, furniture placement, and accessorizing. I would meet with clients after work and on weekends. Those early projects helped me build confidence. Over time, those small jobs led to larger projects. One was a hair salon. This gave me the confidence to work with small business owners and help them create the spaces they envisioned.
It wasn’t until 2022 when I noticed changes at my full-time job that I entertained going out on my own. After a lot of soul-searching, encouragement, and prayer, I finally made the decision in 2023 to go out on my own. It’s a decision I sometimes second-guess, but every time I do, I’m reminded that this is exactly what I’m meant to do. That reassurance keeps me moving forward on my journey as an entrepreneur—creating the spaces my clients envision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.designing-your-vision.com
• Instagram: designingyourvision4
• Facebook: designing your vision
• Linkedin: Felicia Wallace-Benton