Podcast Summary: “Corey Damen Jenkins is all in on everything”
Business of Home Podcast – Host: Dennis Scully | Guest: Corey Damen Jenkins
Date: October 13, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Dennis Scully sits down with acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins. The interview follows Corey’s remarkable journey from being laid off in the automotive industry during the 2008 Great Recession to becoming a celebrated designer with a MasterClass, two published books, and high-profile media and licensing deals. Themes discussed include perseverance through adversity, the evolution of Corey’s design business, industry gatekeeping, the impact of design media, and cultivating a legacy rooted in generosity and inclusion.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Resilience and Reinvention During Hard Times
[02:43-09:23]
- Corey’s design business was born out of necessity after being laid off during the automotive collapse in Michigan.
- He reflects on the fortitude required to pursue interior design, especially when familial support was absent and the industry was conservative and competitive.
- Corey’s story famously includes knocking on 779 doors before landing his first client:
“I said, okay, let me just start afresh. … And then I set about knocking on the 779 doors. I had set a goal for myself of 1,000 doors.” — Corey, [11:21] - Perseverance paid off with a life-changing project, eventually landing him opportunities with HGTV:
“At the 779th door, a wonderful couple ... invited me in, offered me a cup of coffee and a scone ... That home, got it professionally photographed ... three weeks later ... the HGTV casting executives discovered my work and then cast me on my first television show.” — Corey, [13:07]
2. Building a Career Amid Gatekeeping and Skepticism
[14:00-16:14]
- Corey recounts the lack of mentorship and gatekeeping within Michigan’s design community:
“... the old guard of interior design, they saw me as basically a fad. ... There’s a tremendous amount of gatekeeping.” — Corey, [14:00] - Despite being dismissed as a "fad" and struggling for referrals, he pressed on, dedicated his book to his first clients, and stressed the importance of relentless outreach.
3. Establishing a Design Identity and Client Relationships
[17:13-19:46]
- Early work was diverse out of necessity; Corey refined his creative vision by focusing on building a cohesive brand:
“If a designer designs everything, then they stand for nothing.” — Corey, [17:30] - He navigated the prevalence of neutral trends in Michigan despite his maximalist instincts, highlighting the tension between personal style and client demand.
4. Transition to the NY Market & Kips Bay Breakthrough
[20:27-25:15]
- A combination of national features and show house involvement catalyzed Corey’s expansion to New York, with the 2019 Kips Bay Decorator Show House marking a major turning point:
“We were given the library on the parlor level … it was a huge deal to be in what I believe is the Met Gala of show houses here in the United States.” — Corey, [23:11] - He now serves as a trustee for Kips Bay, underlining his commitment to giving back:
“We do what we do to help serve the needs of our nearly 12,000 kids at our clubs in the Bronx and New York City.” — Corey, [23:11]
5. Business Philosophy: The “Mariah Carey Principle”
[25:56-33:25]
- Corey lays out his clear fee structure and approach to client management: “My job is not to save you money. My job is to help you spend your money wisely.” — Corey, [25:56]
- He cautions against underpricing and undervaluing the range of work designers do, advocating for billing not just for design, but implementation, likening it to a songwriter paid for writing, recording, and performing: “Why are you only charging a flat fee for just writing the music? You should be billing hourly for making the music to bring it to life … That’s the Mariah Carey principle.” — Corey, [32:47]
6. Media, MasterClass, and Content Strategy
[33:25-38:26]
- Corey credits his first Rizzoli book for leading to his high-profile MasterClass and relishes the brand reach from new media platforms: “MasterClass came about by way of my first Rizzoli book… It was aired on Delta for ... a year and a half … being viewed by between 7 and 10 million passengers a month.” — Corey, [33:56]
- His new book, Design Reimagined, is notable for launching alongside a companion YouTube streaming series, which quickly outperformed expectations.
- He emphasizes the continuing appeal of print, despite industry skepticism: “Long live print. ... People still love books.” — Corey, [38:26]
- The timely integration of print, streaming, and social media has expanded opportunities and client reach.
7. On Brand Building & Strategic Partnerships
[41:23-44:14]
- Corey discusses his careful selection of product licensing partners (such as iHoltz) and the importance of nurturing meaningful partnerships over broad but shallow engagements.
- International opportunities and active travel schedules highlight his global reach and growing influence.
8. Personal Resilience, Leadership, and Team Culture
[44:14-48:56]
- Corey credits his relentless work to a passionate love for design, the support of his husband Adam, and strong team culture: “I am all in with everything I do… When you empower your teammates to share the microphone, it takes nothing away from you as the lead vocalist.” — Corey, [47:06]
- Delegation and trusting staff are crucial for managing a sprawling business and personal life.
9. Vulnerability, Legacy, and Lifting Others
[48:56-54:36]
- Corey opens up about family rejection after coming out, reminding listeners that outward success never tells the full story: “When I came out to my parents, they disowned me … I haven’t had my family on either side except for one biological aunt all these years.” — Corey, [52:34]
- He wants his legacy to be one of inclusion and generosity: “I want to leave a legacy that is encouraging to others … holding open the doors of opportunity.” — Corey, [51:25]
- Offers a memorable metaphor for optimism: “Life will always have a torn corner, but you still have three great corners to lean into.” — Corey, [50:32]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Pushing Through Rejection:
“I went through a ton of rejections. … I had one situation, actually, a couple of situations where people let their dogs out to chase me off the property.” — Corey, [11:58] -
On Client Education:
“No one loses more money faster than those who are trying to not spend money. … This is a luxury business, and it’s not a must-have.” — Corey, [26:06] -
On Legal Protection:
“It’s important to have a really solid LOA in writing to protect yourself as a designer. ... We found that the biggest time sucks were where we did not enforce our contract.” — Corey, [30:28] -
On Delegation:
“I let the team do their thing, and that’s how I’m able to get, I think, so much done.” — Corey, [48:22] -
On Perspective:
“Broken crayons still color. Delays do not mean denial.” — Corey, [48:56] -
On Family:
“You may not have all the people that you were supposed to have in your orbit from a biological standpoint, but you can amass an army of advocates and loves and allies.” — Corey, [53:34]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [02:43] – Reflections on surviving and thriving through economic upheaval
- [05:15] – Early career in automotive industry and the tough transition to design
- [11:21] – The legendary “779 doors” story
- [13:07] – Landing first clients and the break with HGTV
- [14:00] – Discussing Michigan’s gatekeeping and a lack of support
- [20:29] – Moving into the New York market and the impact of the Kips Bay Show House
- [25:56] – The “not here to save you money” philosophy
- [32:47] – The Mariah Carey Principle for service-based billing
- [33:56] – The origin and impact of Corey’s MasterClass
- [38:26] – Print books, YouTube and modern design media strategy
- [41:23] – Strategic partnerships and the global expansion of Corey’s brand
- [44:14] – Corey’s travel, teamwork, and personal routines for stamina
- [48:56] – Vulnerability about family and the significance of chosen family
- [51:25] – Legacy: keeping doors open for others
Conclusion
This episode of Business of Home is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of remaining “all in” as a creative and entrepreneur. Corey Damen Jenkins offers a candid, inspiring look at the real challenges beneath outward success, the non-negotiables for building a strong design firm, and the importance of leaving a legacy based on generosity and inclusivity. His memorable metaphors and actionable advice make this a standout episode for designers and creatives at any stage of their journey.