You know, there are some people who enter a room and change the energy immediately—Jillian O’Neill is one of those people. Jillian, an interior designer and product designer with roots in Chicago, joined us for this episode of The Design Dash Podcast, and let me tell you, this conversation went everywhere (in the best way possible). From her start as a sixth-grade math teacher to her journey through design school, Jillian has worn so many hats in life. And while most might consider these shifts a “pivot,” Jillian sees them as following her instincts, choosing creativity over convention every single time.
Jillian’s story resonated with us because her journey challenges the very notion of what a career “should” look like. There’s no straight path; no “right” way. And for anyone who’s ever thought about burning it all down and starting fresh, Jillian’s perspective is a must-listen.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
1. A True Reinvention: From Classroom to Design Studio
Jillian O’Neill didn’t start her career in the design world; she was actually a math teacher. “I loved my students, but I quickly knew that wasn’t my forever path,” Jillian shares. So, she went back to school for design, launching a residential design firm while still in her final semester. That leap of faith was what catapulted her into an incredibly rewarding, and at times grueling, career.
“You don’t have a lot to lose at 23, but what fascinates me now is watching colleagues make these pivots later in life, knowing they’re taking a bigger risk. That takes courage.”
2. Balancing a Demanding Career with Family Life
As designers, we understand the all-consuming nature of the industry, but Jillian’s journey is particularly inspiring. Not only did she grow her design business, but she did so while raising four kids—two boys and two girls, each as independent as she is. And while her life may look perfectly balanced from the outside, Jillian keeps it real: “It’s busy all the time, but I’m at a place now where I can let go a bit and focus on what brings me real fulfillment.”
3. Embracing Change and Letting Go of Linear Goals
This episode hit home when we got into goal-setting—or the lack thereof. Jillian’s philosophy on goals is refreshing, especially in an industry that’s so achievement-focused. She shared how “loose goals” and being open to life’s surprises have been far more fulfilling than rigidly mapping out every next step.
“The biggest moments of joy in life aren’t planned. Letting go of that control, allowing creativity to lead—that’s where the magic happens.”
In an era where the design world can feel overwhelming and competitive, Jillian’s journey reminds us to embrace a more fluid approach to growth and success. As designers, it’s easy to feel the pressure to “make it” by ticking off certain milestones. Jillian flips that on its head. Her idea? Focus less on the milestones and more on what makes you feel alive in your work.
This episode is for anyone who feels stuck, who’s questioning the “next step,” or who simply wants to know they’re not alone in navigating life’s nonlinear paths. Jillian’s story is a reminder that you can succeed outside the traditional playbook, that creativity doesn’t have to be confined, and that real fulfillment might just be waiting outside the carefully laid plans.
If you’re a fan of honest conversations, reflections on growth, and a few laughs along the way, you’ll love this episode with Jillian O’Neill. Whether you’re in the design industry or just dreaming about your next big leap, this is one you’ll want to hear.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
