Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Pujala.
Hi Brian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For most of my career, I built my professional life in Corporate America while nurturing a deep passion for interior design on the side. Design was always my creative outlet; something I turned to instinctively, not because I had to, but because I loved the way thoughtful spaces could transform how people live and feel. Nearly two years ago, I made the decision to turn that lifelong passion into my profession, stepping away from the conventional path to build a business rooted in creativity, purpose, and personal meaning.
Launching my own interior design studio was more than a career shift – it was the realization of something deeply personal. I named my company after my two dogs, Chloe and Arlo, creating a brand that honors the unconditional love I have for them and the inspiration they bring to my life while building something meaningful that I hope will live on far beyond their days on earth. Today, my work is driven by the belief that great design should not only create beautiful spaces, but also tell a story: one that is authentic, lasting, and deeply connected to the people and passions behind it.
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?
Thankfully, the journey has been a relatively smooth one, and I feel incredibly fortunate for that. I’ve been blessed with wonderful clients who trust me to step into some of the most personal spaces in their lives and creatively curate environments that feel both beautiful and meaningful. That level of trust has been one of the greatest rewards of building this business.
Of course, like any career path, there have been moments of doubt when challenges or unexpected obstacles made me question whether it was all worth it. But I’ve come to see those moments as part of the process: opportunities to grow, strengthen my faith, and prove to myself that I’m capable of pushing through. I truly believe those experiences test your resilience and commitment, and each time, I’ve chosen to keep going. For me, giving up was never really an option, it’s those very challenges that have helped shape both me and my business into what they are today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the founder and creative force behind a design business built from two of the deepest loves in my life: beautiful, intentional design and my dogs, whose impact on my heart inspired the very name of my brand. My work spans residential interior design, event planning, and thoughtfully curated tablescapes, each one rooted in the belief that the spaces and experiences we create should feel deeply personal, emotionally resonant, and unforgettable.
At its core, my business is about more than aesthetics. It’s about creating homes that tell stories, gatherings that leave lasting impressions, and designs that feel both elevated and meaningful. I specialize in blending beauty with intention, designing spaces people live in and moments people remember.
What I’m most proud of is that I built this business from love. Naming it after my beautiful dogs was one of the most personal decisions I’ve ever made – a way to honor the joy, loyalty, and inspiration they’ve given me while creating something lasting, something bigger than myself. This brand is my hope of building a legacy rooted not only in design, but in love. That purpose extends beyond my clients. Giving back is woven into the foundation of what I do, which is why 10% of all profits are donated to The Sato Project, an organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs in Puerto Rico. Supporting their mission allows my work to contribute to something deeply important to me: creating beauty in the world, both through design and through compassion.
What sets me apart is that my business is personal. Every project, every event, every detail is approached with heart, intention, and a desire to create something that not only looks beautiful, but feels meaningful. I’m not just designing spaces or styling tables, I’m building a brand that reflects love, purpose, and the belief that the most powerful creations are the ones rooted in something real.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Without question, the success and growth of my business would not be possible without the extraordinary people who have believed in me from the very beginning.
My husband, my family, and my closest friends have been my greatest foundation; truly the kind of support system everyone dreams of. They have championed me at every step of this journey: encouraging me when I doubted myself, celebrating every milestone, constantly recommending my business, showing up for me, and reminding me of my potential even before I fully saw it myself. Their belief in me has been unwavering, and having that kind of love and encouragement behind me has meant everything. They are not only my biggest cheerleaders, they are a huge part of why I’ve had the courage to build something so deeply personal.
I’m also incredibly grateful for one person in particular, Karen McLoughlin of Distinctive Image in New Jersey. Karen is both family and mentor, and her role in my journey has been immeasurable. As an accomplished interior designer herself, she has been a guiding force, a trusted source of wisdom, and a steady rock as I navigate the challenges of building my business. Her mentorship has offered me not only industry insight, but also reassurance, perspective, and the confidence to continue growing into the designer and business owner I aspire to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chloeandarlo.com
- Instagram: chloeandarlo
