We were lucky to catch up with Jenae Berg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jenae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the story of how you went from this being just an idea to making it into something real.

I’ve been an interior designer for 17 years, but for the past four, I’ve been running my own business. The idea of going out on my own wasn’t some sudden revelation—it was more of a slow burn. I had spent years working for boutique firms, pouring everything I had into each project. I wasn’t just designing—I was managing full-scale projects, hiring and training team members, and being the sole point of contact for clients, vendors, and trades. At some point, I realized I was essentially running entire projects independently. That gave me the confidence I needed: I knew I had it in me.

Once I made the decision to take the leap, the next steps came quickly. I remember the first few days were a blur of logistics—registering the business name, figuring out legal structure, setting up accounting, and building the foundations for something I wanted to last. I spent late nights working through contracts, researching tools and platforms, setting up systems I knew I’d need, and reaching out to vendors and contacts I’d built relationships with over the years.

The first year was full of hustle. Every decision was mine to make—from the design direction to the business strategy—and that was both thrilling and daunting. I had to figure out how to manage the business side of things while still delivering the creative, detail-driven work I was known for. But through it all, I worked exhaustingly hard and just kept going.

Now, four years in, I’ve built something I’m really proud of. It’s still growing, still evolving, and while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth every bit of effort. I took a risk on myself, and it’s paying off in ways I never imagined when I first stepped out on my own.

Jenae, 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’ve been lucky to be involved with many projects that range in style/design from single small space re-do’s to ground-up new build construction so I feel very comfortable working on varying projects and teams. I’m also originally from the Los Angeles area but spent a significant time in San Francisco. My style reflects both places – from buttoned up tradition to wildy eclectic to quiet modern to coastal casual. My experience from both places has allowed me to be very versatile, giving me the confidence to execute any style and scope level. My goal is to take what my client is looking for and make it the best version of that, serving form and function.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had the confidence and felt more free to ask previous bosses or other senior designers in my circle for advice and guidance. I felt very shy at the time and felt the need to hide this huge leap that I was taking in fear not being taken seriously or that they’d point out I was already doing something wrong. In hindsight, I wish I took advantage of their knowledge and taken a deeper look into their journey with them. It’s so important to respect and learn from those who have walked before you.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Organization to be able to manage a project with less room for errors, really listening to clients so they feel heard, and hard work and determination to make it all happen!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paperboatinteriors.com
• Instagram: paperboatinteriors
• Facebook: Paper Boat Interiors

Image Credits

Ryan Garvin