Meet Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design!
Photo by Roohi Photography
“Let’s be real— leopard print is a neutral.” This is perhaps the best way to sum up Lisa Gilmore of Lisa Gilmore Design and it’s in her own words, babes! She is bold, colorful (her hair is bright red and she doesn’t need an excuse to wear pink suede shoes on a Tuesday afternoon), & she’s not afraid to take a leap of faith. I’m so excited to introduce you to her properly— she went to design school straight out of high school and left her home in Lakeland to try her hand in the Windy City. She really thought Chicago was going to be it for her. Lisa was designing big projects and living in a big city and that had always been her dream, but life changes and brought her back to Florida where she moved to St. Pete in 2011 just when the city was really starting to grow and she launched Lisa Gilmore Design.
Six and a half years later and she’s kicking butt & taking names in a way she never knew was possible for herself. She and her team designed Tampa Bay’s coolest office— literally— The Penny Hoarder was voted 2018’s coolest office in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Business Journal. That’s one of Lisa’s proudest moments and you can understand why! Another proud moment was when she was able to offer her team 401k’s. Lisa is the first person to tell you that how important having a strong support system is and she attributes staying grounded to her amazing design team and her business coach whom she meets with on a weekly basis. I know you’re going to love getting to know Lisa, including her advice for other business owners & what keeps her inspired. Enjoy her words and stay boss. xx -G
Take a peek into Lisa’s daily life!
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
I'm an Interior Designer with a passion for travel, fashion and anything a little bit out of the ordinary. I'm naturally attracted to the eccentrics in life and crave pattern, color and texture. I am so fortunate to work with clients on a daily basis that not only trust my design direction, but are attracted to the unique design we can provide for them.
How did your business begin?
I honestly relocated back to Florida with the intention of working for another firm. However, as I searched I couldn't find a firm that was pushing boundaries and creating designs that were not repetitive and expected. So Lisa Gilmore Design was born or of the desire to really offer something different.
What’s 1 challenge you’ve faced and 1 success you’ve had since you’ve created your business?
Learning to delegate was a large challenge. However, it has also turned into a great success. That and building systems with my team that work. Another large success is being regularly featured on Forbes.com!
And of course, return clients are the greatest success!
When are you at your happiest?
That’s a tough question - I really try to find happiness in all the little things, sometimes it’s a coffee cup, sometimes it’s the smell of a candle burning on my night stand, sometimes it’s paddle boarding or walking my pup or being lazy with my cat. A lot of times it’s when I’m around like minded people. But my most happiness is during travel. It rejuvenates me, inspires my work, resets my clock and I love diving into the local scenes.
What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?
It’s all gonna work out - there is simply no other way.
What are you grateful for?
My team. Oh my goodness my team. They are my back bone. They cheer our company on like no other. They pulled me through some really tough personal moments and they celebrate with me like no other.
What’s 1 personal goal and 1 business goal you plan to accomplish this year?
Allowing myself to not feel guilty about personal time. To be present and enjoy that time.
More out of state projects on our client roster!
Where can you be found on a Tuesday afternoon?
Usually in my office working or on a job site.
Where can we find you on a Friday evening?
It varies - sometimes I’m at home having a chill night or other times I’m out with friends enjoying wine or finding something else fun to get into.
Where can you be found on a Sunday morning?
Drinking coffee on a long walk with my pup.
Photo by Roohi Photography
Finish these sentences:
I love: wallpaper.
I’m always looking for: the perfect red lip color.
My inspiration is: Diana Vreeland, Iris Apfel and Kelly Wearstler.
I’ll never: eat raw tomatoes.
