Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jackie Barnes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jackie , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Supportive friends and family: My friends and husband have always been my biggest cheerleaders, encouraging me to follow my heart and take bold steps, even when I wasn’t entirely sure of myself. Their support isn’t just comforting; it’s foundational. I truly believe I couldn’t have pursued my passions or taken risks without knowing they were in my corner. Having that kind of encouragement gave me the freedom to step outside my comfort zone, try new things, and—most importantly—grow my confidence along the way. Each time they believed in me, it helped me believe in myself a little more.
Learning from mistakes: Confidence doesn’t come from getting everything right; it comes from getting things wrong and still moving forward. I’ve made my share of mistakes, but each one taught me something valuable. Over time, I learned not to fear failure, but to see it as a teacher. I always say: it’s okay to make a mistake, just try not to make the same one twice. Growth happens when you apply the lesson, take ownership, and keep evolving.
Perspective with age: As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that no one has it all figured out—truly no one. We’re all doing the best we can, juggling responsibilities, relationships, and dreams, often behind the scenes. Realizing that even the most “put-together” people are still navigating their own uncertainties helped me let go of perfectionism. It’s liberating to embrace imperfection and know that showing up as your authentic self is more than enough.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve always had a thing for design, I knew I wanted a career where I could create beautiful spaces. But like many kids, I was “encouraged” (read: pushed) to take a more practical path. Design was always tugging at my heart, though, and it wasn’t until a good friend—who happens to be an architect—showed me the world of interior design as a real career option that I had my lightbulb moment. From there, there was no looking back.
Today, I run Jackie Barnes Design, a full-service interior design studio where we get to transform houses into homes that actually feel like home. What excites me most is that we’re not just picking out pretty fabrics and paint colors (though we love doing that too!)—we’re creating spaces that help people live better. Your home affects everything—your mood, your relationships, even your health. I’m passionate about helping people understand that good design isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for a happier, healthier life.
We’ve got some exciting things on the horizon! Through Design Cincinnati, we’re reviving some old favorites like the Antiques Festival and launching fun, interactive events like hands-on workshops, and in the future, designer showcase homes.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: I want people to love being in their homes. Because when your home feels right, life feels a little easier—and a lot more joyful.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Curiosity I’ve always been curious—not just about design trends, but about how people live in their homes, what makes them feel good in a space, and how small details can completely transform an environment. That curiosity keeps me learning and evolving. For anyone just starting out, I’d say: never lose your sense of wonder. Ask questions, explore new ideas, and stay open to learning from every project (and every mistake!).
Resilience Let’s be real—running a design business isn’t always as glamorous as it looks. There are setbacks, difficult clients, projects that don’t go as planned, and moments of self-doubt. But every stumble has been an opportunity to grow. Resilience is what keeps you moving forward when things get tough. My advice? Don’t be afraid to fail. Mistakes are part of the process; just make sure you learn from them and keep going.
Relationship-Building This business is all about people—clients, contractors, vendors, fellow designers. Building strong, genuine relationships has been one of the most impactful parts of my journey. It’s those connections that open doors, build trust, and lead to lasting success. For those early in their careers: be kind, be professional, and never underestimate the power of a thank-you note or a thoughtful follow-up. People remember how you make them feel.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always looking to collaborate with people who are passionate about creating beautiful, meaningful spaces—whether that’s fellow designers, architects, builders, artisans, or brands that share our values of thoughtful design and intentional living. We’re also making a big push right now to connect with more design-build agencies in the Cincinnati area and beyond. Our goal is to create seamless partnerships that ensure the journey for our clients—especially those building their dream homes—is not only smooth but comprehensively joyful from start to finish.
If you’re someone who believes in the power of collaboration and designing experiences that truly elevate how people live, I’d love to hear from you! You can reach me by email at [email protected], visit my website at www.jackiebarnesdesign.com, or message me on Instagram @jackiebarnesdesign—I’m always up for a conversation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jackiebarnesdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiebarnesdesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jackie-barnes-design/
Image Credits
Mid century modern kitchen- @parisiimages
Mudroom- @clairemarieandco
Jackie & designers: @clairemarieandco
Powder room with burgundy wallpaper: @clairemarieandco
Yellow dining room: @rvp_photo
lower level with island and pool table: @haileybollingerphoto
Blue dining room: @rvp_photo
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
