EP 429 | From Beer to Design: Making a Bold Career Pivot into Interior Design with Alexis Vitale
May 20, 2025
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Leaving a stable corporate career to start an interior design business takes more than talent—it takes courage, clarity, and a willingness to risk comfort for fulfillment. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Alexis Vitale, who made the bold leap from the corporate craft beer world into running her own interior design studio.
Alexis shares what her corporate background gave her—structure, sales skills, and business acumen—and what it couldn’tprovide: creative fulfillment and ownership of her future. This conversation explores what really matters when making a major career transition, how to manage fear without letting it lead, and why relationships play a critical role in building a successful design business.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late—or too risky—to make a change, this episode offers both perspective and encouragement from someone who’s done it.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
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Why taking a calculated risk is less dangerous than staying stuck in fear
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Why being “just okay” isn’t enough when you’re capable of more
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How relationship-building fuels opportunity and long-term success
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Why consistent networking matters more than perfect timing
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What helped make the transition from corporate life to design ownership successful
DESIGN INTERVENTION
Have a board; people you value from different parts of your life. Use them to gain new insights and use it when it’s needed. People you can trust, people you respect, but all offer different opinions and support you value.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.