At Heritage School of Interior Design, we’re proud to feature our alumni who have transformed their passion for design into fulfilling careers. Jackie Cary, a Denver-based interior designer and founder of Boffo Design, shares how she transitioned from marketing to interior design, overcame challenges, and built her own business.
1. Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to consider a career change?
I studied communications in undergrad and spent about 13 years working in marketing, primarily for tech startups. I loved the energy around building a business from scratch, but over time, I lost my excitement for marketing. When the pandemic hit, I was ready for a change. It gave me the perfect opportunity to reset and reconsider what I really wanted to do.
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in interior design?
Like many interior designers, I’ve always had a passion for reimagining spaces. I was the kid constantly rearranging my room and experimenting with colors and layouts. When my husband and I bought our first home in 2020, I finally had a real budget to work with. Furnishing our home and managing renovations was a transformative experience. That’s when it clicked—I realized I could do this professionally and actually get paid for it!
3. What personal obstacles did you face while making this career transition?
Most of the challenges I’ve faced have been self-imposed. Imposter syndrome has been a recurring issue, along with fears of starting over, failing, and disappointing myself or others. Building my confidence has been a bigger challenge than honing my technical skills. It’s still a work in progress, but I’m proud to say I’ve built a successful business and learned to channel my fears into motivation.
4. How did your experience at Heritage School of Interior Design prepare you for the field?
Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver, CO, provided me with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of interior design. From color theory and design principles to AutoCAD and 3D rendering, I gained the skills I needed to make a successful career change. I wasn’t in a position to return to a four-year degree program, so the Master’s Certification program at HSID was the perfect fit for me.
5. What type of projects are you working on now?
I currently run my own business and frequently take on new projects. Many of my clients are families with young children who want their homes to be both beautiful and functional. As a mom of two, I deeply understand their needs and priorities, which helps me build meaningful relationships with them. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a design come to life and witness the positive impact it has on a family’s daily life.
6. Can you tell us about your interior design business?
I launched Boffo Design in 2023, focusing on residential projects in Denver, CO. Right now, I’m a one-woman show, although I collaborate with contractors to fill gaps where needed (like bookkeeping!). Over time, I’ve refined my design process and business practices to deliver the best possible experience for my clients. Referrals have been my main source of new projects, and I’m already starting “phase two” with some returning clients!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your design journey?
“Don’t fake it till you make it.” Be honest about what you don’t know, ask lots of questions, and learn from tradespeople and contractors. If a client asks something you’re unsure of, say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” This approach not only builds your knowledge but also establishes trust with your clients.
8. What’s been a proud moment in your design career so far?
In January 2025, one of my favorite projects was featured in Denver Life Magazine! You can check out the article here: Secrets to Designing the Perfect Nursery. Seeing my work in print was a huge confidence boost and inspired me to set even bigger goals for the future. Next stop: House Beautiful, Rue, and Architectural Digest!
9. What are your goals for the future of your design career?
I’m excited to tackle larger, more complex projects that push me creatively. As my business grows, I want to refine my portfolio to highlight my personal design style and build a strong, recognizable brand identity.
To learn more about Boffo Design and Jackie’s story, visit Boffo Design or follow her on Instagram @boffo.design.