Meet Amy Owens | Principal Designer & Founder, Hidden Gem Design Group

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Owens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, why did you pursue a creative career?
Well, I took the scenic route to get here—I took the “play it safe” path first. Growing up in a conservative rural town, I was encouraged to choose a practical career, so I went straight to college to get a business degree and then into the workforce and spent 20 years in Hospitality and Human Resources. I worked hard and built a stable career, but I always had this nagging feeling: I wasn’t doing what I was meant to do. and, honestly, there was no joy in it.

Since middle school, I’ve been obsessed with design. I’d rearrange rooms for fun, help friends with their homes and I even got into real estate so that I could be in more homes—but I treated it like a hobby, not a career. Eventually, I realized that I was never going to thrive in a job I didn’t love. Once I gave myself permission to pursue design full-time, it felt like coming home.

Now I run Hidden Gem Design Group in Las Vegas, helping clients create spaces that reflect who they are and how they want to live. It’s the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hidden Gem Design Group is all about designing homes that feel like you—but leveled up. We specialize in helping homeowners, especially those relocating to or investing in properties in Las Vegas, turn their new house into a home that supports the life they want to live. We blend lifestyle-driven design with thoughtful renovation strategy to make sure our clients not only love the look of their space but how it functions for their everyday lives.

What sets us apart? I like to say that we bring the heart and the homework. We really get to know our clients—how they live, what matters to them, and where they want to go—and then we get strategic about how to bring that vision to life. Our designs are as personal as they are practical. I’m not here to chase trends. I’m here to help people come home to themselves.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I launched this business after a major career shift, with no formal design school background—just years of self-education, on-the-job experience, and a whole lot of grit. I’ve had to learn everything from the ground up: how to price my services, how to set boundaries, how to market in a way that feels true to me. And while none of it was overnight, every challenge pushed me to grow in ways I’m proud of.

What I’m most excited about today is the level of trust my clients place in me. Some have handed me the keys to their home for years at a time—and that kind of relationship doesn’t come from pretty pictures. It comes from consistency, care, and a genuine commitment to making their lives better through design.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about my story, it’s this: You don’t have to follow a traditional path to be wildly successful. You just have to follow the one that’s honest—and then show up, day after day, ready to do the work with heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ohhh, buckle up—Las Vegas is so much more than casinos and neon lights (though we might sprinkle a little of that in too!). If my best friend came for a week, I’d give her a full tour of the hidden gems that make this city so special—pun intended.

We’d start the mornings with coffee and pastries from Gäbi Coffee & Bakery or Makers & Finders, then head out for a walk at Red Rock Canyon or Springs Preserve to soak up some desert beauty. One day would absolutely be dedicated to a design stroll through the Las Vegas Design Center and the Arts District—there’s nothing better than scoring a fab vintage find or getting inspired by local art. We’d grab lunch downtown at Le Thai—hands down the best Thai food in Vegas.

For dinner, I’d book North Italia (because their bolognese is basically therapy), then head downtown for drinks at ECHO or maybe a dive bar night with pizza and live music at Red Dwarf. Add in wine on my patio and lots of laughter—and you’ve got the perfect Vegas week.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I could’ve made this leap on my own. First and foremost, my husband has been my biggest cheerleader. When I decided to walk away from a long, stable corporate career to pursue design full-time, he didn’t flinch. He believed in me—even in the moments when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself—and that kind of support is everything.

Early on in building my business, I also made the decision to hire a coach—Lisa Chastain—and her influence has been truly transformative. When you’re building something from scratch, especially solo, having someone to bounce ideas off of, talk through challenges, and dream about what’s possible is absolutely essential. Lisa has been that lifeline for me. Her guidance, perspective, and belief in my vision have helped me push through the growing pains and stay focused on what really matters. I truly couldn’t do it without her.

Website: https://HiddenGemDesignGroup.com

Instagram: @hiddengemdesigngroup

Image Credits
Kayla Bowen Photography