Today we’d like to introduce you to Felicia Wallace-Benton.
Hi Felicia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When people ask me about my story, I begin by telling them I took a leap of faith.
In 2005, I left my corporate job and went back to school to study interior design. At the time, I had no real idea what an interior designer did—or even what the profession truly involved. I quickly learned it was far more demanding than I expected, and much harder than I had anticipated. But I loved every moment of it.
After graduating, I found myself unemployed for nearly a year. I took on small projects here and there, but it was my mentor who gave me my first client and the encouragement I needed to start my own business.
My business began as a side hustle. For nearly ten years, I met with clients after work and on weekends, taking on small projects that gradually grew into larger ones. Many clients believed in my vision so deeply that they extended their timelines just to achieve the look they truly wanted.
In 2023, I made another leap of faith and transitioned into a full-service interior design firm—no more side projects. This became my full-time focus. The last two years have been a whirlwind, and in October 2025, I was reminded that I had officially been in business full time for two years. It was mind-blowing how quickly the time had passed.
Every day, I thank God for the opportunity to do what I love. That’s why I firmly believe that when you do what you love, the money will follow. It takes faith, patience, and daily learning—but the journey is worth it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some people think what I do is glamorous—that I get to pick furniture, fabrics, and beautiful finishes all day. While that is part of the job, it’s only the surface. One designer explained it best by comparing our work to an iceberg. What people see is just the tip, but beneath the water lies the massive foundation—the work that often goes unseen.
This profession is not easy. It requires long hours—very long hours. Preparing construction documentation, specifying and sourcing products, managing projects, purchasing, addressing damages, visiting job sites, measuring spaces, and yes, getting dirty. On top of that are all the responsibilities of running a business: accounting, networking, marketing, and so much more.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past two years is how to charge my worth—and stand firm in it. I had to remind myself that clients hire me for my expertise. While interior design is a luxury service, it is my responsibility to value the knowledge, experience, and problem-solving I bring to the table. I invested in a course with a business coach who is also an interior designer, and what I gained was priceless: the confidence to say and truly believe, “I am a badass at my job.”
I do more than create beautiful spaces. I educate my clients, guide them through complex decisions, and help them understand the long-term benefits of thoughtful design. That’s why I am clear and transparent about my value from the very beginning—so my clients understand exactly what they are investing in.
Interior design is both an art and a discipline. It requires vision, technical knowledge, resilience, and faith. While the finished space may look effortless, the process behind it is anything but—and that is where the true value lies. I love what I do. I’m proud of the work and expertise I bring, and although the days are long, I truly enjoy the journey that continues to shape me every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love being an interior designer because it allows me to combine my passion for creativity with my love of making people happy. I also enjoy solving problems, and as an interior designer, I’m faced with them every day—most often helping clients overcome challenges within their spaces. I take the time to actively listen and truly understand what my clients love, what they dislike, and the potential they see in their space.
Creating a design goes far beyond aesthetics. It’s about understanding the client and building a dialogue between the space and its owner. By combining this insight with my keen eye for detail and color, I create interiors that reflect the vision my clients have for their homes or businesses. I don’t just create a “look”—I design spaces my clients genuinely want to live and work in.
This collaborative process allows me to develop an overall design concept alongside my clients, which builds trust. When clients are honest with me, they begin to see that every design decision I make is guided by their best interests, the overall vision, and their budget.
What sets me apart is my understanding that a home or office is more than just a space—it’s a reflection of the people who inhabit it. That’s why I craft interiors that tell my clients’ stories. Every texture, every hue, and every detail is thoughtfully chosen to create a space that feels personal, intentional, and uniquely theirs.
Whether it’s adding the perfect pop to energize a living room, managing a large-scale renovation, or designing a new workspace, every choice is made with my client’s unique taste in mind. The goal is always to ensure the final design truly reflects who they are. That’s why my greatest joy comes from that aha moment—when clients see their vision come to life. That’s when all the hard work truly pays off.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I had a fun and creative childhood. I loved riding my bike, but I especially enjoyed playing with Barbie dolls—dressing them in different fashion outfits and experimenting with colors and textures. I had the most fun redesigning the bedrooms and living spaces in my Barbie mobile home and cottage.
I also loved following my father around the house as he fixed things or built projects. I was fascinated by learning how things worked. On top of that, I was constantly asking him to rearrange my room. I would draw out where each piece of furniture should go, and he would move it for me.
At the time, I had no idea that the things I loved doing as a child would later become the very skills I would develop and use as an interior designer—proof that I’ve come full circle, doing something I truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designing-your-vision.com
- Instagram: designingyourvision4
- Facebook: www.facebook@designingyourvision
- LinkedIn: Felicia Wallace-Benton
- Youtube: bit.ly/designingyourvision
