Meet Tahl Powell

We were lucky to catch up with Tahl Powell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tahl, 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.

When it comes to imposter syndrome, I think it’s something that sticks with you, no matter how far along you are in your journey. I mean, even when you’ve reached the top, you might still have that nagging voice in your head saying, “Do I really belong here?” The key, I’ve found, is to acknowledge it, give it a little nod, and then keep moving forward anyway. In my experience, overcoming imposter syndrome in interior design was a mix of rolling up my sleeves, doing the work, and allowing myself to grow along the way.

It was easy to fall into the trap of endlessly scrolling through Instagram, admiring other designers’ work and comparing myself to their beautiful finished projects. But here’s the thing—what you’re seeing is the final product, not the process. What you don’t see are the moments of doubt, the messy sketches, or the countless hours spent working out systems behind the scenes. I realized that the way forward for me was just to start. I put pen to paper, committed to the process, and dove into real projects.

I started with my own home and took on a few friends’ places—one of which was a full gut renovation (talk about a crash course!). It was a huge learning curve, but it helped me understand my own style, my process, and my confidence in decision-making. It also helped me get clear on what kind of work I enjoy, and more importantly, what I’m best suited to do.

For example, I learned that sourcing one or two items for an already established room just wasn’t the right fit for me. Sure, I could find the perfect throw pillows, but in the end, it didn’t provide the value that either my clients or I needed. The time spent sourcing and presenting was far outweighed by the impact of a final product that didn’t feel cohesive. So, I began to focus on projects where I could make more significant changes, projects that allowed me to fully express my design philosophy and provide real value.

In short, I think overcoming imposter syndrome is about embracing the uncertainty and putting in the work, even when you feel like a fraud. Eventually, with time and experience, you realize that everyone is figuring it out as they go—and that’s okay. I’ve come to accept that I’ll never be free of the imposter syndrome entirely, but now I know how to use it as fuel to push myself forward.

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

Hi! I’m Tahl Powell, and I’m a full-time working mother of two energetic girls, aged 4 and 6. Between school drop-offs, pick-ups, activities, and making time for my husband, life is always buzzing around here! Juggling motherhood with my career keeps me organized, efficient, and always on my toes. But it’s the balance between family and work that really drives me and fuels my passion for everything I do.

Professionally, I come from a background in asset management, but my path took a big turn when I joined our family’s real estate firm transitioning into property management and development of apartments in Los Angeles. It was a steep learning curve, dealing with everything from apartment management to working alongside my parents—it definitely taught me the value of self-management and time organization since there wasn’t a boss overseeing my day to day. I also pursued my Master’s in Business at USC during this time, which was challenging but incredibly rewarding. Working full-time and attending a master’s program for three years was no joke, but it was an experience that shaped my professional growth.

After nearly a decade in the real estate business, I found myself drawn to the development side, particularly the design and renovation of our units. When I had the opportunity to remodel my own home, I truly fell in love with the process—researching, decision-making, and finding small yet impactful changes. This passion led me to take on a friend’s gut renovation, which really helped me hone in on residential design. The final result was not only a transformation but also a learning experience. Seeing my client’s excitement and satisfaction from pushing her out of her comfort zone was incredibly fulfilling.

Currently, I’m focusing on whole-room or house furnishings and construction projects—anything from better layouts and bathroom additions to final finishes. I love working with smaller spaces, especially turning a tiny powder room into something special. Right now, I’m designing one that will be completely transformed with wallpaper, a custom sink, and exciting finishes that create a mini-vacation feel—tasteful, of course!

As a mom of young children, I also bring a thoughtful, family-oriented approach to my designs. I know how important it is to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, even in homes where messes are inevitable! I focus on making sure that pieces are durable and timeless, so they’ll last as the family grows.

One of my favorite things to do is walk into a blank space and imagine what it could become. I love working with clients to help them visualize potential transformations—sometimes, they just need that extra boost of confidence to see the possibilities. Lately, I’ve started offering small-scale consulting projects for clients who want to confirm their decisions or explore alternative options. These typically start with a 5-hour minimum, but for the readers of BoldJourney, I’m happy to offer a 3-hour minimum.

All in all, I’m passionate about creating spaces that inspire and feel truly functional, while balancing the demands of family life and work. It’s a journey, but one I’m excited to continue on!

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?

I would say the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my journey are empathy, motivation, and practice.

Empathy is key, especially when working in people’s homes, which are often their most intimate spaces and largest financial investments. Listening to your clients—really hearing their needs, wants, and even reading between the lines—is vital. Often, life changes like pregnancy, marriage, or divorce happen during a home project, and sometimes, you have to wear a bit of a therapist hat. Being able to sit and truly listen can be just as valuable as the actual work itself. Understanding their emotional and practical needs not only helps create a space they love but also gets them to the finish line in a way that feels right for them.

Motivation has been a driving force for me. Starting my own business was a step toward something that brought me joy and personal fulfillment. I thrive on overcoming obstacles, and the thought of being a good role model for my daughters keeps me motivated every day. I want them to see how hard their mommy works and understand the value of perseverance and dedication. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, motivation becomes a natural part of the process. The key is to start—when you really want to accomplish something, you just have to take that first step, even if it’s small.

And that leads to practice. Before I was comfortable presenting renderings or visuals to clients, I spent hours practicing. I would study homes online, visit open houses, and even create my own version of design renderings. It wasn’t always perfect, but getting feedback from family, friends, and colleagues helped me refine my skills and build my confidence. For anyone just starting out, I would say practice is essential. Do it in your own time, at home, and keep pushing yourself until you’re confident enough to share it with the world. Confidence comes with time and repetition.

Lastly, networking is another vital part of growth. I’ve been fortunate to surround myself with a wonderful group of people from diverse fields—photography, accounting, marketing, writing, and more—who have contributed to my growth and success. Learning from others, exchanging ideas, and leaning on their experiences (both successes and failures) has been invaluable. I think that’s key for anyone early in their journey: building a solid network and always being open to learning from others.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was instilling a strong sense of independence. As the oldest of three, I naturally found myself in a leadership role within my family, but my parents really honed in on fostering my ability to stand on my own, from a young age. They encouraged me to make decisions for myself—everything from what I wore as a small child to what I was passionate about and, as I grew older, how I managed my finances.

Both of my parents have always worked full-time, often long hours, and they take great pride in what they’ve built as individuals and partners. One key lesson I learned from them was that if I wanted something—whether it was a new pair of fancy jeans in high school or anything else—I had to earn it myself. This led me to take on a retail job at a local boutique as a teenager, where I worked for several years. I was fortunate enough to have many repeat clients, including customers from the television industry, which was always exciting.

Looking back, I realize that job taught me so much more than just financial independence. It gave me the opportunity to connect with people, understand their needs, and learn the art of empathy. Helping clients feel confident in what they were buying—whether it was for an event, their body type, or just because they wanted to treat themselves—taught me how to listen and how to make people feel good about themselves. I learned that empathy is not just about understanding the person, but also about making sure they walk away feeling better than when they arrived.

That job, while helping me stay financially independent for those “fun” teenage purchases, also laid the foundation for the work I do today with clients—understanding their needs and helping them feel confident and empowered in the choices they make. My parents’ emphasis on independence has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to guide me personally and professionally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PowellHomeStudio.com
• Instagram: @Powell.Home

Image Credits

Personal Photo Credit to Dana Hanley Photography