Meet Caileen Uznis | Interior Designer

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

Hi Caileen, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Work-life balance is one of the key reasons I chose to start my own business. As a parent of two children, having flexibility in my schedule was essential. I initially expected that my balance would shift over time, giving me more bandwidth to grow my business as my children got older, but the truth is, being present in their lives remains just as important now that they’re in high school as it was when they were little.

That awareness has made me more intentional with how I manage my time. I plan my week every Sunday, prioritizing key tasks early on and staying mindful of commitments outside of work. During business hours, I focus fully on my clients and responsibilities. Once the workday ends, I intentionally unplug so I can be just as present for my family. Maintaining that clear boundary helps me stay fulfilled in both parts of my life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’ve always approached both my personal and professional life with a strong sense of responsibility and integrity. Whether it’s a small detail or a big-picture decision, I give each task my full attention, because I truly believe that every client deserves my highest level of care and service.

One of the things that sets my business apart is that I embrace being a small operation. I intentionally take on only a few projects at a time so I can be fully invested in each one. This allows me to build close relationships with my clients, understand their vision deeply, and create a collaborative process that feels personal and meaningful. Even as my business has grown and I’ve taken on larger, more complex projects, I’ve stayed committed to that same boutique-level
attention and service.

I’m especially proud of the long-term relationships I’ve built. Many of my clients return again and again, and they often refer me to others who are looking for that same level of trust and connection. Those word-of-mouth referrals are a huge compliment, and they often lead to high-quality projects where creativity can really thrive.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t always easy. Like most small business owners, I’ve faced challenges—juggling time, growing sustainably, learning when to say no, but I’ve grown through each one. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the process matters just as much as the outcome. Creating a beautiful finished product is important, but so is how you get there.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that I genuinely care. I care about the work, the people I work with, and the experience we create together. That’s the heart of everything I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Malibu, I feel like we get the best of both worlds, breathtaking nature and a laid-back, small-town vibe, all just outside the buzz of Los Angeles. When my best friend comes to visit, I would curate a week that blends the beauty of the outdoors with some of the area’s hidden gems.

We’d start the day with a hike on one of the lesser-known stretches of the Backbone Trail, surrounded by mountains, wildflowers, and ocean views—it’s peaceful and never too crowded. If it’s a Saturday, we’d swing by the Thorne Family Farm, a charming little farm stand tucked away in the canyon, then wander next door to Zuma Canyon Orchids to browse their tiny apothecary and floral studio. Brunch would be at Malibu Farm on the pier. There’s nothing better than farm-to-table food with a view of surfers catching waves at Surfrider Beach. Afterward, we’d stroll through the Malibu Country Mart and pop into Surfing Cowboys for a few vintage treasures and California-cool design pieces. Later in the day, we might want to visit a winery and do some wine tasting, my favorite is The Barn at Cielo Farms – the view is unreal! We’d wrap the day with dinner at The Old Place, a cozy, historic cabin tucked in the hills that feels like a hidden piece of Old California.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is an important source of inspiration. Apart from getting a personal sense of satisfaction from my business, I want my children to know what it’s like to have a working mother and to see that I am an individual outside of being their mother. I want them to grow up seeing the value of hard work, resilience, and the pride that comes with building something of your own. My husband has always been a true partner from the very beginning. He’s always made space for my ambitions, whether that means stepping in during busy weekdays or taking over on weekends when I need to focus. His encouragement and willingness to share the load at home has given me the freedom to fully show up for my business and my clients.

Website: https://www.caileendesigns.com

Instagram: @caileendesigns

Facebook: caileendesigns

Image Credits
Ryan Garvin