We recently connected with Jacqueline Thornton and have shared our conversation below.

Jacqueline, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

I love this question because I can really relate to it on a personal level. I started my interior design business at what felt like the perfect time—one of those rare moments when everything aligned just right. I was in a job that wasn’t fulfilling me, and it had started to take a toll. Then, unexpectedly, I was laid off. It was incredibly scary—I had never been laid off before—and to make things even more uncertain, my husband had just finished anesthesia school, so we were both in a phase of starting over. It was overwhelming, to say the least.

But looking back, that layoff felt like the universe giving me a push out of the nest—and as it turned out, I already knew how to fly. I made a promise to myself that I would never apply for another job again. I had worked for so many companies where I wished I could’ve done things differently, but I didn’t have the authority to make those decisions. I wanted to be the one leading—to create a better design process, to make clients genuinely happy, and to build something that reflected my vision.

So no, I wouldn’t say I wish I had started sooner or later. I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur—even right out of college. But year after year, I struggled to take that leap on my own. In the end, getting laid off was the push I needed. It felt like the universe’s way of saying, “This is your time.”

Jacqueline, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For anyone who doesn’t know me, I’ve been immersed in the world of construction for as long as I can remember. Even as a high school senior, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to become an interior designer. My passion for design was sparked early on—growing up, I watched my father and grandfather design and build a second-story addition to our home. Witnessing that transformation firsthand was both inspiring and formative. That project, like many DIY endeavors, took time—almost 11 years to be exact—so my family and I lived through the construction process day in and day out!

This experience gave me a strong foundation in not just the aesthetics of interior design, but also in how homes are physically built—from framing to plumbing to electrical work. That exposure gave me a unique perspective and helped me enter the design field with a well-rounded understanding of construction.

I went on to study interior design at La Roche University. Initially, I was drawn to commercial design and accepted a position at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a store planner, where I developed layouts for locations across the country. While it was a valuable experience, I quickly realized I was missing the creativity and personal connection that comes from working directly with clients.

That realization led my husband and me to Arizona, where I landed my first role in high-end residential design in Scottsdale. It was truly a “boot camp” experience—I learned an incredible amount about what it means to be an interior designer in the real world. Eventually, we moved back to Pittsburgh, and I continued to grow in residential design through positions at two design-build firms here in the city.

At this point, I’ve had the privilege of working in residential design for many years. What matters most to me is the experience and satisfaction of everyone involved in a project—my clients, contractors, business partners, and team members. Design and construction can be overwhelming, so I make it my mission to create a process that feels collaborative, smooth, and even enjoyable. That’s why I work closely with trusted contractors and build strong relationships that help bring every design to life seamlessly—from concept to completion.

While I’m especially known for kitchen and bathroom design (they’re my bread and butter), I also work on a wide range of spaces, including living rooms, dining rooms, home offices, bedrooms, and more. If you’re considering working with my firm, I want you to know that I partner with incredible contractors I trust, who share my commitment to quality and care—so that your vision becomes a reality.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been through social media. It allows me to showcase not only my design aesthetic but also completed projects that highlight how real families are now living and functioning better in their transformed spaces. Additionally, building strong, trusting relationships with current clients has been key. When clients feel supported from concept to completion, they’re much more likely to refer me to friends and family. In fact, many of our new clients come from past client referrals. That’s why I believe the best way to grow your client base is by genuinely investing in the clients you already have.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One of the first books I read while growing my business was Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It outlines a straightforward and practical approach to managing finances, especially when starting out. The core principle is simple: every time your business receives a deposit from sales, you immediately allocate a predetermined percentage as profit. Some other key concepts are to pay yourself first, the small plate principle, bank balance accounting, rhythm and discipline, gradual percent change, and destroying debt. A great and easy read that has helped me so much!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thorntoninterior.design
• Instagram: @thornton_interiordesign
• Facebook: Thornton Interior Design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thornton-interior-design-llc/

Image Credits

Studio Lithe, LLC
Karl Hudson