We recently connected with Kacie Cope and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kacie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I didn’t follow the traditional path to becoming an interior designer. I went to college for communications, taught 4th grade for a few years in North Carolina, and then worked at a nonprofit for a decade, where I wore many hats.

Growing up, my parents encouraged me to pursue art school since I was always a creative kid, but I chose to take the conventional route instead—opting for a four-year college and following what I thought were the “rules.” But things changed when I bought my first home with my then-husband. I wasn’t feeling particularly fulfilled in my work, so I threw myself into the house project. It became my personal creative outlet, a blank canvas where I could express myself.

Living far from family and friends, I started a blog to share the progress of the house. What began as a way to keep loved ones updated soon gained traction beyond that circle. People began reaching out, asking if I’d help them with their own spaces. At the time, I had no intention of becoming a professional designer. I didn’t know what I was doing, but I just kept saying “yes” and worked on projects during nights and weekends.

After a divorce, I returned to Pittsburgh and thought I’d take a break from the side hustle to focus on rebuilding my life. Then, the pandemic hit. Suddenly, I had plenty of time to focus on my new (and much older) home—a rowhouse built in 1880. I started renovating and decorating again, and this time, I shared my journey on Instagram. It was more than just home décor; it was a story of personal redemption. Much like before, my online following grew, and this time, I knew it was time to take the leap. Three and a half years ago, I left my job to pursue interior design full-time.

Looking back, I believe what sets my work apart is the approachability I bring to it. I don’t rely on confusing industry jargon or complicated terms. I’m just a woman who loves helping others feel happy and comfortable in their homes. That’s my real passion, and I hope it comes through in every project I take on.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Unlike many designers, I take on smaller projects. I enjoy working on just one room, like a bedroom or a dining room. There’s a sense of accomplishment when we finish a space together. Many clients later ask me to work on other areas of their home, but I appreciate starting with a single room– it helps me get to know my clients better and design spaces that fit their lives.

I don’t think every project needs a full renovation or new furniture. I enjoy working with clients who have family heirlooms—like a grandmother’s credenza—that don’t quite match their style but hold meaning. I believe homes should reflect the people who live in them, not like the decorator just left.

I’m also inspired by travel, not just by design boutique hotels, but by how people live in different cultures. Mexico, for example, fascinates me with its unique use of objects as décor, the vibrant colors, and the focus on family. Homes are designed to have multiple generations living in them– and I think that is beautiful and something to learn from. I try to travel as much as possible, and I hope that influence comes through in my designs.

That’s the approach I bring to my work. I focus on creating spaces that feel personal and lived in. This is why I attract clients who are looking for something unique and meaningful.

What sets me apart is my focus on blending the practical with the personal. I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the homes we’ve created together. I want potential clients to know I’m approachable, passionate, and dedicated to helping them make their homes reflect who they are.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In March 2023, I opened my own interior design shop, The Bold. Just one month shy of its first anniversary, a fire forced me to close the doors. Since then, I’ve pivoted back to client work from my home, moved my inventory to storage, and focused on what I love—decorating and being a creative. I have always loved the relationships I build with my clients, and have been able to really focus in on that area post fire.

The fire was a tough blow, especially since the shop was more than just a business—it was a tribute to my grandmother, my Nunie, who had opened a store of her own decades ago just across the street from my shop. While it feels like closing the shop is saying goodbye to a piece of my history, I’m proud of what I built and the connections I made.

Although I’m still figuring things out and oftentimes feel like I’m falling short, I have to remind myself that is exactly what resilience is: trusting that I’ll find a way forward.

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

It may sound cliché, but the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been to just be myself. My Instagram, my website—it’s all authentically my voice. I believe that being true to who I am helps weed out clients who might not be the right fit, while attracting those who resonate with my style and approach.

Interior design is very personal. People are inviting me into their homes, and I’m often seeing their literal and figurative dirty laundry. That level of intimacy creates strong bonds, and it’s these close relationships that lead to a lot of referrals. When clients feel comfortable and connected, they’re more likely to recommend me to others, which has been key in growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaciecopeinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaciecopeinteriors/?hl=en