Meet Julie Beuerlein

We were lucky to catch up with Julie Beuerlein recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

I stopped waiting to feel ready and started recognizing that being ready often looks like showing up before you’re 100% sure. In the beginning, I thought everyone else had some secret formula I hadn’t unlocked yet—but I realized the real difference was confidence, not credentials. I began focusing on the results I was creating: happy clients, beautiful spaces, designs that felt both bold and deeply personal. Every project I completed became proof that I wasn’t faking it—I was doing it. And honestly? I made peace with the idea that imposter syndrome doesn’t fully disappear—it just gets quieter when you trust your taste, trust your work, and remind yourself why you started.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My path into interior design is one that I think many women can relate to. I stepped away from my career to raise my children, and that time with them was truly invaluable. But as they grew older and more independent, I started feeling this quiet pull to rediscover myself—to build something that was just mine. When my oldest went off to college, it felt like the right moment to explore that “what’s next.”

Interior design had always been a passion of mine, something I instinctively loved but had never considered professionally. I enrolled in a few classes out of curiosity, and I was immediately hooked. What began as a creative outlet quickly became a clear calling. I found not only a love for the design process, but also a deep fulfillment in building my own business—something that challenges me daily and allows me to grow. More than anything, I feel proud of what I’ve built, and knowing my family is proud too means everything. That sense of purpose has been my driving force from the beginning.

Style-wise, I’ve always been drawn to the tension between classic and contemporary. There’s something so timeless about traditional design—the architectural details, the craftsmanship, the soul—but I love to give those pieces a fresh, modern twist. That’s really at the heart of what I do: creating modern traditional interiors that feel collected, personal, and livable.

My aesthetic blends structure with soul. I love tailored upholstery, rich textures, natural materials—and I’m never afraid to bring in a bold pattern, a vintage find, or a hit of color to keep things interesting. To me, a space should feel elevated but never overly precious. Beautiful, yes—but always grounded in the way people really live.

At the end of the day, the most rewarding part of my job is helping people connect more deeply to their homes. I truly believe your home should reflect your story—your lifestyle, your personality, and your aspirations. That moment when a client walks into their finished space and says, “This just feels like me”—that’s everything. That’s why I do what I do.

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?

Looking back, there were three key things that pushed me to start my own design business—and honestly, each one felt like a little leap of faith.

First, I realized no one was going to magically show up and hand me a design career. No one was offering to hire me as their assistant and walk me through the ropes. So I decided to teach myself—through trial, error, research, hustle, and a whole lot of gut instinct. I figured if I wanted to do this badly enough, I’d find a way. And I did.

Second, I’ve always had a deep desire to run my own business. I may not have said it out loud at first, but looking back, it’s clear: I never really loved working for someone else. I like calling the shots. I like blending creativity with strategy, dreaming up a vision and then figuring out how to bring it to life. Building my own brand gave me the freedom to explore both sides of myself—the designer and the entrepreneur—and I’ve found so much joy in both.

And third: you truly don’t know what you’re capable of until you go for it. For a long time, fear held me back. I was so worried about failing that I didn’t even put my full name on my business—I used my initials, JKB, because deep down I thought, “Well…if this flops, maybe no one will know it was me.” But as I started moving forward—making mistakes, figuring things out, learning as I went—I realized that failing wasn’t actually the worst thing. Not trying was. And honestly, the learning has been the best part. Every challenge has taught me something new, and that growth has made me a stronger designer, a better business owner, and a more confident version of myself.

If you’re on the fence about starting your own thing, my advice is simple: just try. You’ll never feel 100% ready, but you might just surprise yourself. There’s nothing more satisfying than discovering you’re far more capable than you gave yourself credit for.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

I’m really lucky—I have a handful of people in my life who’ve been instrumental in helping me grow, both as a designer and as a business owner. Some are mentors I’ve looked up to for years, others are peers I’ve met along the way who are building their own paths, just like I am. I’ve learned to be comfortable reaching out to people I admire, asking questions, and having honest conversations about the realities of this industry. Those connections—those “brain-picking” coffees and design deep-dives—have been some of the most valuable learning moments in my career.

I also come from an entrepreneurial family, which shaped so much of how I approach my work. My dad built several of his own businesses, and watching him taught me early on that if you want something, you have to be willing to work hard for it—and go all in. My mom, on the other hand, introduced me to the beauty in everyday things—whether it was how she styled our home or how she dressed. Together, they showed me that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about pride, passion, and doing something that feels truly fulfilling.

I don’t take any of it for granted. It’s a gift to have people around you who believe in what you’re building—and who challenge you to keep getting better, every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. jkbhomedesign.com
• Instagram: @jkb_homedesign
• Facebook: JKB Home Design
• Linkedin: Julie K Beuerlein Home Design, LLC

Image Credits

Ryan Garvin Photography, Public-311 Design, and Jessica Burke Photography