Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Jacobson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Sarah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes, I make a full-time living from my interior design business now—but it definitely wasn’t always that way. Over the past 15 years, I’ve gone through different seasons where I had to take on part-time jobs to help pay the bills when things were slow. At first, I saw that as a setback—like I was failing somehow by stepping away from my business. But in hindsight, every time I did that, I came back stronger. Those jobs not only helped me financially but also expanded my network and gave me new skills that ultimately benefited my business.
There were honestly a few points where I seriously considered walking away altogether. The rollercoaster of entrepreneurship can be exhausting, and I’d get tempted by the stability of a full-time salaried role. But every time I thought about it, I realized how much I value the freedom and flexibility of working for myself.
The real turning point came about three years ago—ironically, when I was at one of my lowest points financially. I had a newborn at home, my income had dipped lower than it had in over a decade, and I was seriously debating whether to keep going or move on. I even made it through several rounds of interviews for a senior role at another firm. But something in me said, “Try one more time—really try.” So I committed. I poured all my energy into the business, treated it like a business instead of a side hustle, and gave it everything I had.
That’s when things started to shift. I refreshed my website, collected testimonials, got back on social media, and made an effort to show up more consistently. Leads started coming in—seemingly out of nowhere—and for the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely excited about the work I was doing.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I’m Sarah, founder and Principal Designer of DS2 Studios, a boutique interior design firm based in Los Angeles. I work with both residential and commercial clients, creating spaces that are beautiful, functional, and truly reflect the people or brands behind them. My style leans modern and laid-back, with a strong focus on livability and intention. Whether I’m designing a family home or a retail space, I care just as much about how it feels as how it looks.
I’ve been in the design world for over 15 years, but my love for interiors started way back when I was a kid obsessed with The Sims. I studied interior design at The Art Institute of Los Angeles, graduated with honors, and jumped into the industry headfirst—landing three commercial projects just a month out of school. Like many creatives, my path hasn’t been linear. I’ve co-founded a firm, burned out, restarted solo, taken part-time jobs to stay afloat, mentored interns who helped grow my business, and ultimately rebranded as DS2 Studios after realizing I needed a business that worked for my life—not against it.
Today, I offer hourly consulting and custom design services that allow me to choose projects that truly inspire me. I love working with clients who value collaboration, thoughtful design, and spaces that tell a story. I’m most proud of building this business from the ground up—not just once, but multiple times—and continuing to love what I do while raising two boys and running a business that now feels aligned with the life I want.
At DS2 Studios, I don’t believe in cookie-cutter design. I believe your space should reflect you, not just the latest trends. My goal is to create interiors that feel timeless, personal, and well-lived-in—spaces you want to return to again and again.
Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?
There was a point when I couldn’t make payroll and had to borrow money just to cover it. Not long after, I had to make the painful decision to lay off all my employees and take a part-time job just to stay afloat. It was one of the lowest points in my business, but it forced me to rethink everything—how I ran the company, how I managed finances, and how I wanted to move forward. That reset ended up being the turning point that led to rebuilding DS2 Studios in a much more sustainable way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Honestly, the most rewarding part of being a designer is getting to collaborate with homeowners, builders, and architects to solve real-life problems every day. It’s such a unique mix of creativity and practicalityq—finding beautiful, functional solutions that truly improve how people live and experience a space. Knowing that each design decision can make someone’s daily life easier and more inspiring is what keeps me in love with this work.
I also find it incredibly fulfilling to create spaces that reflect my clients’ stories—whether it’s a growing family, a small business, or a brand with a bold vision. After years of building (and rebuilding) my business, I’ve learned that good design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that support people’s goals, routines, and dreams. That’s what keeps me grounded in the work: knowing that thoughtful design can truly change how people feel and function in their lives and spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ds2studios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ds2studios/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ds2studios
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/DS2Studios/
Image Credits
Headshots: https://www.instagram.com/byshandrafleming/?hl=en
Kitchen Interior: https://www.instagram.com/byshandrafleming/?hl=en
Modern House: Estrin Hinds https://www.estrinhinds.com/