EP 120 | Growing Your Interior Design Business on Your Own with Jaime Galapo
What does it take to leave a large design firm and successfully build your own interior design business?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jaime Galapo about her transition from a large corporate design firm to launching a successful boutique practice in South Florida. Jaime shares practical lessons on business growth, relationship-building, networking, and creating a strong team to support long-term success.
From developing industry expertise to building valuable connections, Jaime explains why growth often comes from curiosity, preparation, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
In this episode, we learn:
• Why building strong relationships is essential for growing a successful design business
• How curiosity and a commitment to learning create new opportunities and expertise
• Why your network is one of your most valuable business assets
• How evaluating and building strong trade partnerships strengthens your reputation
• Why surrounding yourself with talented professionals creates a stronger client experience
• How outsourcing specialized tasks can free up time and support business growth
• Why business ownership should create flexibility and opportunities that align with your goals
Design Intervention
Jaime Galapo says, “My mother gave me the best advice when I started my career. ‘Present yourself with how you want to be seen’. In all ways—your everyday appearance (wardrobe, nails), and your presentation to clients. It all matters and it must be impeccable. Someone that wants to make their home pretty, wants someone ‘put together’ to do just that.”
Galapo Group Design, LLC is an Interior Design Firm founded on the principles of integrity, passion and professionalism. Award-winning Interior Designer and Renovation Consultant Jaime Galapo is a born artist with a keen eye for design and a passion for perfection.
With over 14 years of experience, Jaime has extensive knowledge and expertise in kitchen and bath design as well as construction, plumbing and electrical planning. Additionally, Jaime creates beautiful living spaces with the use of furniture space layout, decor, and window coverings.
Galapo Group Design utilizes state-of-the-art software and technology to generate precise three-dimensional renderings, while working with the most esteemed experts in the industry to bring their clients’ dream spaces to life.
Jaime has a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The University of Florida and spent a semester studying Design in Florence, Italy. Jaime also graduated from The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale with a concentration in Interior Design.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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