We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaime Zehner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaime below.

Jaime, appreciate you joining us today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

When I started in the industry over 10 years ago, I had the opportunity to work with a variety of vendors and manufacturers and developed a strong understanding of what makes a them reliable and valuable. During those early years, I was fortunate to collaborate with some excellent vendors—many of whom I still work with today. These relationships provided a solid foundation for my career and taught me the importance of trust and transparency in business partnerships.

As I transitioned into running my own business and my design style evolved, I became very intentional about who I chose to work with. I realized that a good vendor isn’t just about the product or service they offer—it’s about their communication, reliability, and willingness to work as a partner, not a source of headaches. For example, I always look for vendors who are upfront about their processes, pricing, and lead times. This transparency helps set realistic expectations for my clients and allows me to build streamlined systems within my own business.

When striking a deal with a new vendor, I always start by asking thoughtful questions about their operations and communication style. I prioritize building a relationship that feels collaborative. I’ve also learned to listen closely to their pain points and to highlight how my business aligns with their goals—this helps create a win-win dynamic.

Looking back, one thing I would do differently is to establish formal agreements earlier in the process to ensure clarity on expectations, timelines, and deliverables. While I’ve had great experiences, I’ve also learned the value of having everything in writing to prevent misunderstandings down the line. Overall, my approach has been to foster long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships that grow alongside my business.

Jaime, 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 began my journey in the building industry over 10 years ago, drawn to the intricacies of design and construction. I loved the work and immersed myself in learning as much as I could. Along the way, my curiosity and desire to grow pushed me to take courses and start working on smaller design projects on the side. A pivotal moment came when I helped my parents build their dream home; a project that deepened my understanding of the emotional connection people have to their spaces and solidified my passion for creating meaningful designs.

Not long after, I worked for one of my favorite designers, where I gained invaluable insight into the art of blending beauty and function and thinking outside of the box. This period was instrumental in shaping my perspective on design and prepared me for the next big step: launching JZ Interiors.

JZ Interiors is a boutique design studio specializing in full-service, layered designs that bring old-world charm to life with a casual California influence. What sets us apart is our ability to blend rich colors, patterns, and textures to create spaces that feel curated yet livable. Every project is tailored to reflect our clients’ unique lifestyles, blending timeless elements with fresh, modern touches.

Our approach to design is deeply intentional. We believe in mixing old and new- cherished antiques with bespoke pieces- to create homes that feel layered, soulful, and one-of-a-kind. We also focus on the details, ensuring that every element, from architectural features to finishing touches, contributes to a cohesive and inviting space.

Carving out a distinct style and building trust with clients in the early days was not without its challenges. But for those who trusted us, the results have been magical. Seeing their joy and connection to the spaces we create remains the most rewarding part of what we do.

I’m proud of how JZ Interiors has evolved organically, driven by a love of learning and a commitment to quality. I’m especially proud of the relationships we’ve developed with our clients and collaborators along the way. These connections fuel our creativity and allow us to keep innovating in our designs.

When you work with JZ Interiors, you’re not just hiring a design studio-you’re partnering with a small but mighty team that’s dedicated to creating a space that feels uniquely yours. We’re passionate about making the design process as seamless and enjoyable as possible while delivering exceptional results. Whether it’s a complete home transformation or a single room redesign, we approach every project with the same level of care and creativity.

At the heart of our work is the belief that a well-designed home is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a place where memories are made, traditions are honored, and life unfolds in all its beauty.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

I’m a creative through and through, and while that’s been the driving force behind my business, it’s also meant navigating a steep learning curve. When I first started JZ Interiors, I knew what I wanted to create but didn’t fully understand the intricacies of running a business. I wish I had known a million things back then; how to charge, what to charge, how to scale- but in hindsight, not knowing is what pushed me to jump in and figure it out along the way.

Those early days were full of close calls. I remember the pressure of staying afloat, especially when I wasn’t confident about pricing my services. I had moments of wondering if I’d be able to make payroll or keep things running smoothly. But those challenges also fueled my determination. I realized I had to learn quickly, and thankfully, I wasn’t alone in the process.

Community became my lifeline. Early on, I discovered a design workshop that not only helped me refine my business practices but also introduced me to a network of supportive, like-minded professionals. That sense of community was a game-changer; it gave me practical advice, encouragement, and a sense of belonging during a time when I was building everything from scratch.

I also learned to see tools like Instagram and Pinterest in a new light. What once were fun downtime apps became invaluable resources for inspiration, marketing, and education. They helped me learn the ropes of running a business while also helping shape JZ Interiors into what I wanted it to be.

Looking back, those near-death moments for the business taught me some of the most important lessons. They pushed me to clarify my processes, understand my worth, and build systems that allowed me to grow sustainably. While I wouldn’t want to relive those stressful times, I’m grateful for the resilience and knowledge they gave me.

Today, I’m proud of how far JZ Interiors has come- from a one-woman operation to a boutique design studio that blends creativity with a thoughtful approach to business. Every close call was a stepping stone and lesson learned and I’m eternally grateful for it.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started, social media felt like a space dominated by perfectly styled images and polished portfolios. As someone just starting out without a full body of work to showcase, it was intimidating. I knew I needed to find a way to share my love of design and connect with others, even if my portfolio wasn’t fully built yet.

In the beginning, I posted a mix of design inspiration, styled photos, and curated images, often highlighting what I loved about them. But I quickly realized I wanted my personality to shine through a little more. That’s when I started sharing snippets of my visits to antique shops, home DIY projects, and travel adventures. These posts not only reflected my passion for design but also gave my audience a glimpse into my world and what inspires me.

Over time, I found my rhythm by leaning into what felt authentic to me. Now, I use social media as a way to weave together everything I love- design, details, travel, and the stories behind them. It’s a space where I get to share my perspective and invite people into the creative process, whether that’s through home projects, favorite finds, or glimpses into my everyday life.

Start with What You Have: Don’t wait for a perfect portfolio. Share what inspires you, whether it’s your process, mood boards, or even someone else’s work that resonates with your style. Authenticity matters more than perfection.

Show Your Personality: People want to connect with you. Share a bit of your story, your day-to-day life, or the small things that bring you joy. It’s those personal touches that make your content memorable.

Engage Consistently: Social media is a conversation, not just a showcase. Reply to comments, interact with your audience, and build genuine connections.

Experiment and Evolve: Your content doesn’t have to be perfect. Try different formats- Reels, stories, static posts- and see what resonates. As your interests grow, let your content evolve with you.

Stay Patient: Building an audience takes time. Focus on creating meaningful content rather than chasing numbers, and trust that your community will grow as long as you stay consistent and authentic.

Social media is such a powerful tool for telling your story and connecting with others. The more you embrace what makes you unique, the more your audience will connect with what you’re sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jzinteriordesigns.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jzinteriordesigns/

Image Credits

Molly Rose. Malissa Mabey, The DelaCatstros