Gigi Chapman of deGuise Interiors

CW: When did you decide to go into the business you are in?
“My Mom was a very talented interior designer, and I always loved seeing her create beautiful spaces, so I would have to say I have always wanted to do interior design.”

CW: How do you find your passion?
“It was easy, growing up in historic downtown Charleston. The architecture and culture — inspiration was everywhere.”

CW: What habits do you implement in day-to-day life that you attribute to success?
“Being honest and treating people how I want to be treated.”

CW: What things do you find difficult?
“Making a big deal over the design that I do. I love to create beautiful spaces for my clients, and I prefer being in the background.”

CW: How have the past year’s challenges changed you?
“The past year has been very humbling. I have been overwhelmed with support from our customers and clients.”

CW: What inspires you?
“Delivering my clients’ dream spaces.”

CW: Tell us about how you grew up and what or whom shaped you into the woman you are today.
“I grew up in downtown Charleston and was surrounded by creative people and artisans.”

CW: If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or passed away), who would it be and why?
“My grandmother, Sage. She was my heart and kept me grounded.”

CW: Tell us about your family.
“I have a son, BJ, who lives here in Mount Pleasant, and owns Coastal Living Consultants Insurance Company, and my daughter and two beautiful grandchildren live on James Island. My daughter, Sage, is a pediatric occupational therapist, and partner in Aqua Vita and Lowcountry Male.”

CW: Give us some success tips for someone just starting out in your line of work.
“Your job is to create a client’s vision in good taste. The home/space should reflect the client’s personality and lifestyle. While making a space beautiful is what we do, space management and functionality are just as, if not more, important.”

CW: Can you tell us some information about the business?
“deGuise Interiors is a fine home furnishings store. We feature the largest wallpaper library in Charleston and all types of furniture, from upholstery to case goods. We have a large selection of lighting and decorative accessories, and we will be launching the only complete gift/wedding registry in Mount Pleasant. Our fabric library is extensive and always available to the public. And we are a complete interior design firm. There is always a decorator on the sales floor to help and answer any questions a customer has.”