Meet GALEY GRIMES

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to GALEY GRIMES. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

GALEY, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

There have been many rooms where I didn’t quite fit the mold; rooms where I was the youngest, the only woman, or the only person without hands-on experience in construction. At times, I was all three.
When I launched Galey Grimes Interiors, I knew I was building more than a design firm; I was building trust in a space that often felt gatekept and dominated by tradition. I stepped onto job sites with a newborn strapped to my chest. I reviewed millwork plans while bouncing a toddler on my hip. I negotiated custom cabinetry, lighting, and lead times with seasoned contractors who, at least initially, underestimated me.
What I’ve learned is this: your presence in the room doesn’t have to match the people around you to be powerful. It just has to be anchored in purpose.
I don’t try to prove myself by speaking the loudest or pretending to have every answer. Instead, I lead with clarity, preparation, and deep respect for the craft. I ask the questions others might be too proud to ask. I advocate for beauty and function. And I’ve built a business and a reputation on being collaborative, detailed, and fiercely committed to the client’s vision.
Being “the only one in the room” has taught me how to listen differently, how to advocate thoughtfully, and how to carry myself with quiet confidence, even when doubt creeps in. My work doesn’t speak louder because of who I am, but it is shaped by it, and I’ve learned to see that as a strength.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi, I’m Galey Grimes, the founder and principal designer of Galey Grimes Interiors, a full-service residential design studio based in Memphis, Tennessee. At GGI, we design homes that feel deeply personal and effortlessly elevated, with a signature blend of historic charm, layered textures, and refined functionality.
What makes our work special isn’t just the beauty of the finished product; it’s the intention behind every step. We approach each project as a creative collaboration rooted in storytelling, crafting environments that reflect how our clients truly live. From architectural consulting to custom furnishings, our process is as detail-driven as it is heart-led.
Right now, we’re honored to be designing the 2025 Vesta Home Show house – a concept centered on honoring the past with design for today. It’s a huge moment for our studio, and we’re partnering with some incredible vendors and artists to bring it to life.
Whether we’re restoring a 1930s bungalow or helping a family build their forever home from the ground up, our goal is the same: to create meaningful, lasting spaces that tell a story and feel just as good as they look.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resourcefulness
In the early days of Galey Grimes Interiors, I didn’t have a team, a warehouse, or a handbook on how to build a design business from scratch, but I did have grit. I learned to figure things out on the fly, ask the right questions, and find creative solutions even when I didn’t have all the tools yet. My advice? Don’t wait to feel fully ready. Start where you are, use what you have, and stay curious.

2. Emotional intelligence.

Designing someone’s home is incredibly personal, and the ability to listen well, read between the lines, and communicate clearly is often more important than the design itself. Empathy, patience, and knowing how to navigate tension with grace will serve you in every client meeting, trade relationship, and vendor partnership.

3. Boundaries.
This one took time (and a few hard lessons), but setting boundaries around your time, energy, and value is critical. When you’re early in your journey, it’s tempting to say yes to everything, but growth comes from learning to say yes to the right things. Trust your gut. Protect your calendar. And don’t be afraid to charge for your expertise —even before you feel “established.”

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a circle of people who have supported me in ways both practical and profound, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.
My parents gave me a foundation of resilience and creativity. They encouraged me to chase ideas, to work with my hands, and to trust that there was value in building something that didn’t yet exist. Their belief in me, even when the path wasn’t clear, gave me the courage to take the leap.
My husband is my rock, steady, patient, and endlessly supportive. He’s the one who holds the fort when I’m on job sites late or deep in design mode. And my two young children, in their own unexpected way, have shaped me into a more intentional designer and a more present human. They’ve taught me to embrace imperfection, to slow down, and to build a life (and business) that honors what matters most.
Success, to me, has never been a solo pursuit. It’s been a mosaic of people, moments, and encouragement, and I’m endlessly grateful for all of it.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Builder: Chris Dickens, DickensBuilt
Photography: Jennifer Saltsman Photography