We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristen Bonney-James. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristen below.

Kristen, appreciate you joining us today. If you’re open to it, can you talk to us about the best (or worst) investment you’ve made. What’s the backstory and the relevant context behind why you made the investment?

I noticed a massive difference in my business when I started to invest in myself. This meant outsourcing the tasks I don’t enjoy or don’t come as naturally to me. As business owners, we have to wear so many hats but this doesn’t mean we have to do absolutely everything ourselves. Hiring a bookkeepeer was one of the best investements I made but I waited too long. Ultimately, I spent more money having my bookkeeper “undo” what I started. I could have saved a lot of time, energy and money if I invested in her sooner. In the beginning it can be financially dificult to hire, but sometimes waiting can cost you more in the end.

Kristen, 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 started my career as a Buyer in the Fashion Industry. After working 10 plus years for a catalog (Anyone remember those??!!!) and for a high-end specialty retailer, I took some time off to raise my two children.

I really enjoyed my career as a Buyer becuase it was a nice blend of the business side (strategic planning, forecasting) and the creative side (design, assortment planning and product developemnt). At the time, I had no idea how much this would help me in my business today.

My second act began organically. I always loved everything home and started posting photos of spaces that I styled on my instagram account. I was soon hired to help a friend “pull her space together.” Home styling evolved into full- room design. The design portion came naturally to me, but I wanted help with the business end. I enrolled in courses, attended trade shows and hired a business coach to develop my processes and procedures. Investing in myself has made me a more confident Designer and has enhanced the overall experience for my clients.

Ultimately, it’s all about delivering feel- good spaces to my clients. This means creating a home that is beautiful, functional and comfortable for years to come.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not around. I think it takes time to build a brand but I always operate with my clients’ best interests at heart. I stay true to myself and deliver what I say I’m going to deliver. I think this is the best way to build a strong reputation and brand.

It’s also important to get to know your local design community. I’m a member of IFDA and belong to the DC chapter. It’s been a great way to get to know other designers, vendors and trades. I love developing these realtionships and sharing ideas and resources.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

In the beginning I had some mindset hurdles to overcome. I was afraid to be too assertive. I’ve learned that I can be still be nice and ask a direct question. People are hiring us becuase they want direction, so it’s important to be the leader in the room.

Contact Info:

• Website: kbjinteriors.com
• Instagram: KBJInteriors

Image Credits
Christy Kosnic, Mary Pat Collins, Melody Yazdani