Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathan Bailey.
Hi Johnathan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m Johnathan Bailey, and my journey began in Joliet, Illinois, where I was raised with a strong sense of community and ambition. After high school, I took a leap and headed south to attend Tuskegee University. It was there that I not only earned my degree but also built lasting friendships that shaped who I am today.
Post-college, I moved to Washington, DC, and began working in IT—a stable path, but one that never quite fulfilled my creative spirit. I knew there was something more for me. That moment came when Nikki Amini extended an opportunity that would change the course of my life. She introduced me to the world of interior design, and I haven’t looked back since.
Eight years later, I now lead TBG Interior Design, a practice rooted in bold vision and thoughtful aesthetics. I split my time between Mexico City, Atlanta, and Dallas—drawing inspiration from each place and continuing to grow a business that feels deeply aligned with who I am and what I love to create.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—this journey has come with its fair share of ups and downs. Building a career in a creative industry, especially one as deeply personal as interior design, means constantly pushing through uncertainty, doubt, and the pressure to prove yourself. There were moments when the path wasn’t clear, when resources were limited, or when I questioned if I was moving in the right direction.
But through it all, I’ve always let my faith in God guide me. That foundation has kept me grounded, focused, and open to the opportunities meant for me. Every challenge has been a lesson, and every setback has shaped me into the designer and leader I am today
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m John Bailey, founder and principal designer of TBG Interior Design, which I’ve proudly owned and operated for the past eight years. My work is rooted in creating meaningful, inspired spaces that reflect the people who live and work in them. At TBG, we don’t just design interiors—we bring out the soul of a space.
I specialize in residential and boutique commercial design, working with amazing humans to transform their environments into something both functional and deeply personal. Every project is a collaboration, and I’m proud to say that my clients often become long-term partners and friends. What I’m most proud of, though, goes beyond the spaces—we’ve created a studio culture that values mentorship and community. I make it a point to support up-and-coming designers and artists by offering guidance, tips, and real-world insights I wish I had when I was starting out.
What sets me apart is a deep belief that great design is as much about people as it is about aesthetics. I listen closely, lead with empathy, and design with intention. TBG isn’t just about interiors—it’s about impact
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely, like many people, the COVID-19 crisis brought both challenges and clarity. One of the biggest lessons I learned is the importance of adaptability. In a creative industry like interior design, we’re used to pivoting—but the pandemic pushed that to a new level. I had to rethink timelines, client communication, sourcing, and even how we present and experience design.
It also reinforced the value of home. More than ever, people realized their spaces needed to support their well-being, not just look good. That shifted how I approach design—not just creating beauty, but creating comfort, flexibility, and purpose in every square foot.
On a more personal level, I learned to slow down and be present. The stillness gave me space to reconnect with my “why” and to invest even more in nurturing the next generation of designers. That’s something I’m carrying forward, pandemic or not.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.tbginterior.com/
- Instagram: @johnbaileyy / @tbg.interior
