We were lucky to catch up with Jocelyn Polce recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jocelyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were starting over, the first thing I’d do differently is hire sooner and get my processes and systems out of my head. In the beginning, I felt that if it wasn’t me doing the work, it wouldn’t be as good or as personal. But I’ve learned that relinquishing control doesn’t make the work any less mine. In fact, hiring people with different skills and strengths allows you to serve clients better.

For me, the joy comes from being client-facing and executing their vision. Bringing in a team earlier would have helped me focus on what truly lights me up while reducing overwhelm and building the business more efficiently.

This approach also accelerates growth because you’re not bogged down by tasks that someone else could excel at. By focusing on what you love and hiring others who complement your skills, you can get to where you want to be faster, with less stress and more satisfaction.

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?

Jocelyn Polce, the founder of August Oliver Interiors (A|O), brings a deep passion for people and design to every project. With a background deeply rooted in customer service, Jocelyn’s focus has always been on creating positive experiences for others—something she learned from her parents, both of whom worked in retail. This people-first approach naturally transitioned into her career as an interior designer, where she combines her love for design with a commitment to making clients feel heard and supported.

Jocelyn feels that she’s doing what she was destined to do. Her journey into design began in childhood, building Barbie houses out of pizza boxes and imagining how she would transform the spaces in the open houses her family visited on weekends. These early experiences, along with sharing a room with her sister and constantly rearranging it to maximize space, laid the foundation for her career. At her core, Jocelyn is still doing what she’s always loved: creating spaces that reflect the personality and needs of those who live in them.

August Oliver Interiors stands out for its tailored services and collaborative spirit, which streamline the design journey and reduce overwhelm for clients. A|O designs spaces that are timeless, blending high-quality neutrals with rich textures and subtle pops of color. Jocelyn’s designs also incorporate vintage treasures and family favorites, adding warmth and character to every room. She takes pride in creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, and built to withstand the demands of family life without sacrificing sophistication. Every design is a reflection of the client’s unique story, crafted to provide an elevated living experience that endures.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has always been referrals from happy clients. I believe this comes from the strong relationships I build during each project. My ideal client is someone I genuinely want to stay in touch with long after the project is complete, not just a “get in and get out” scenario.

I truly care about my clients, and it’s more about improving their lives than just completing a job. Whether it’s a full-service project or a consultation, I hold their hand every step of the way because I care deeply about their experience. This level of personalized customer service, combined with a clear process, not only helps me achieve great results but also ensures clients feel supported throughout, leading them to refer others to us.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that there “isn’t” enough time, especially as I tried to balance being a business owner and a mom of five boys. I used to think that having a large family meant there was no time to accomplish anything, but I’ve realized it’s not about having more time—it’s about being consistent. By clearing out the clutter tasks and focusing on small, needle-moving actions, I’ve found that consistency and intentionality are the real keys to progress.

Investing in hiring has also been crucial, as it keeps me accountable and ensures that I’m not letting my team down. If something is important, we’ll find the time to make it happen. It may not happen all at once, but little by little, with intention, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.augustoliverinteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/augustoliverinteriors
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-polce-68848011/

Image Credits

Abby Cole Photography