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

Jason, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

Buying Out a Business Partner: A Journey to Independence and Growth

In 2010, I embarked on a business venture with a partner, filled with optimism and entrepreneurial spirit. Together, we faced the inevitable challenges that come with differing design styles, logistical approaches, and office cultures. Over the next 11 years, our business slowly but steadily grew majorly due to my efforts in networking and connections, mirroring my own growth as both a designer and a business owner. However, it was the disruptive force of Covid-19 that served as a catalyst for profound change.

As the world navigated through uncertainty, I saw an opportunity to redefine the trajectory of our business. The potential for growth in the direction I envisioned became glaringly apparent. It was a pivotal moment where I realized that to fully realize this vision, I needed to part ways with my business partner and forge ahead independently.

The decision wasn’t made lightly. It marked the end of a chapter characterized by collaboration and compromise but also signaled the beginning of a new era of autonomy and focused direction. The journey to buy out my partner was emotional, financial, and strategic. It required careful negotiation, legal counsel, and financial planning. Yet, through perseverance and determination, I emerged with sole ownership of the business.

Fast forward three years, and the decision has proven to be transformative. With newfound freedom to steer the company according to my vision, I assembled a team that shares my passion and commitment. Together, we have cultivated a harmonious work environment and crystal-clear business strategy. Clients have taken notice, with many returning for projects, drawn to the renewed energy and creativity that defines our work. It was not only the clients who have been keeping track of our success; developers, contractors and industry professionals alike recognized the drastic improvement in our design aesthetics and have reached out to collaborate.

Venturing solo was undoubtedly a risk, but it was one that has paid off beyond measure. The business has not only survived but thrived in an increasingly competitive market. Reflecting on this journey, I have no regrets. It stands as a testament to the importance of strategic decision-making, resilience in the face of challenges, and the transformative power of seizing opportunities.

For anyone considering a similar path, navigating the process of buying out a business partner requires careful consideration of both personal and professional goals. It demands clarity of vision, meticulous planning, and a willingness to embrace change. Ultimately, it is a journey that, when navigated with courage and foresight, can lead to unparalleled growth and fulfillment, both personally and within the business realm.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

JL Interiors is a LA-based creative/diverse firm that specializes in residential interiors. JL Interiors empowers homeowners to design their dream home that they can be proud of! The design isn’t just about making things beautiful; it’s also about making things work beautifully. JL Interiors offer services that include planning and consulting, new constructions and remodels, interior design / project management, and e-design services to help our out of state clients (does not require designer travel and accommodations.)

Jason’s role as Principal Designer is influenced from more than 15 years of experience in the design industry and his marketing background. He has mastered an array of styles; from contemporary to traditional and anything in between. If you show him an inspirational image and dream big he will make it reality. He is a driven and focused designer that brings his style to life while still thinking about resale value and keeping in mind his clients goals. Jason’s clients will tell you that he is adaptable, relatable and humble and extremely organized.

He had the pleasure to feature his designs on television shows such as, Bravo’s “Best room wins!” which he took the crown for contemporary design, “Million dollar Listing LA”, and “Open house” on NBC showcasing his personal home in Santa Monica, CA. Jason has also been featured on Taste Made home “Weekend Refresh” showing his design skills to the world. His work has also been on Los Angeles Times, Elle Decor, Pasadena Now, The Global Design Post, Locale LA, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and other published magazines. Jason recently collaborated with Kilz in a new 4 part web series called “Destination Restoration: A New Kind of Home Improvement Show” which demonstrates breathing new life into an older home through restoration and not through demolition.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Word of mouth! Be so outstanding that our clients refer us to their friends, family and neighbors. We are extremely proud of our work and we take pride in knowing we are always one step ahead of our clients. Whether it is providing answering questions before our clients ask, grasping the clients likes/dislikes while being able to successful incorporate any genre of design and sprinkle JL’s flare to it, and to being realistic and mindful of the client’s budget.

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

Social media. In additional to posting our finished project pictures, we show the progress of each project through our Instagram stories. This shows the potential client the big picture of the finished product, but still keeping the reality of the work that goes into renovating a space. The glitz and glam of HGTV’s final reveal may leave a fairytale impression that transformation is easy and fast. However, there is so much more that goes on behind the scene. The logistics, the material sourcing, the communication with vendors, purchasing, delivery, installation, collaborating with contractors and their subs. Despite all the work, we still have a ton of fun doing what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jlinteriors.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonlaiinteriors
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLinteriorsdesign/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jl-interiors-santa-monica
• Other: Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/jlinteriorsdesign
  Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/JLinteriorsdesign/

Image Credits

Jennifer Esteban