128 | From Economics to Interiors: The Journey to Becoming an Interior Designer With Stef Johnson

Have you ever wondered if you need a design degree or a perfect career plan to become an interior designer? Think again!In this episode, I sit down withStef Johnson, founder ofStef Johnson Design, who shares her inspiring journey from growing up around design to running a successful interior design studio.Stef’s path wasn’t straight—she explored event planning, worked in real estate, and even managed construction projects before finally launching her own business. Her story proves there is no one "right" way to build a fulfilling career in this creative field.Whether you are just starting or thinking about shifting into interior design, this episode will encourage you to take the first step—even if you don’t have it all figured out yet! Tune in and start paving your path in design.Featured Guest:Stef Johnson owns⁠Stef Johnson Design⁠ (SJD), a full-service interior design studio based in North Carolina providing a classic approach to easy luxury in residential and commercial projects.For over a decade, the SJD team has offered a unique combination of design and construction knowledge. They pride themselves on prioritizing clients’ tastes and taking a cost-effective approach to every job. Stef believes a home should reflect her client’s unique personality highlighting objects they love.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to start a design career from any background and navigate the early stages of your interior design career Get practical tips and strategies to improve your design business practices Be inspired to follow your passionCheck out the show notes >>>From Economics to Interiors: The Journey to Becoming an Interior DesignerNEXT STEPS: Join theMy Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me: Email:[email protected] Instagram:@rwarddesign Website atrwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(01:47) Stef’s Background in Interior Design(02:31) Early Career Path & Exploration(06:34) Building Her Expertise & Going Solo(10:29) Handling Client Projects Across Different Regions(14:42) Stef's Design Philosophy & Style(18:24) Lessons in Running a Design Business(19:53) Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers