We recently connected with Jahanna Nichols and have shared our conversation below.
Jahanna , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I think it comes from reflecting back on the obstacles, challenges and even the fails I’ve faced in life to this point. It’s the realization that most of us are tougher than we think we are. The secret is to have the right attitude! Regardless of what comes our way, it can always be used as an opportunity to learn, grow and move towards being the best version of ourselves that we can be. This approach really applies both personally and professionally.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Ive been in business for over 20 years now. My parents were both artists and they worked along side many interior designers while I was growing up. Looking back there is no doubt I was influenced by that. My senior year of college I took an introduction to Interior Design class and I was hooked! From there I took as many design classes as I could. I initially worked at a furniture store. It was mostly awful but I did learn that I loved the feeling of working with clients. There is something so special about that feeling you get when you witness how much joy you can bring someone by transforming the space they live in. It really is about the client for me! From that first job I went on to work at two design firms where I furthered my knowledge in materials, asthetics, construction and space design. This eventually led me to open my own design studio. Having my own studio has really given me the opportunity to work without restrictions. This translates into a curated design for each unique client that resembles them and makes their space feel like their home.
We are working on so many exciting projects right now. We always have several kitchen and baths going. Currently we have a Med Spa going for a local surgeon. A few vacation rentals which is semi new territory for us. Besides our in house projects, we have recently collaborated with a really great architectural firm and we’re assisting them with several really wonderful projects. It’s been a great to get to work along aside them, furnishing these amazing spaces for their clients.
We also have a different kind of project brewing that is much more personal. We wanted to engage one more sense when walking through a space we design, so we are in the process of developing a candle. This is truly proving to be far more difficult than anticipated. One of the reasons I love to design for clients is because I love so many different styles. I have realized the same proves true for candles and scent profiles. As each client and project is unique, perhaps their candle should be as well. It’s very possible we may end up with more than one signiture candle. Stay tuned!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
If I were to advise anyone starting on a new professional path I’d say that working under a mentor, even if for free, is probably the most important career move you can make. I truly believe in todays world, it quite possibly could help you more than a degree. You need that real life experience. So many of the day to day tasks I do we’re not things I learned in design school. Aside from that I would say one needs to get some software trading, whether it’s CAD, Sketch Up or Revit, there are so many right now. Clients like never before expect a visual to assist them in making decisions. The third skill or quality one needs it perseverance. Don’t give up! If you have a dream and work hard I believe there is place in the design world for you to use your talents.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Hmm both are important. I think we need to be well rounded. We need to have a basic understanding of all aspects of the design world. For example, when working with contractors we need to understand a bit about their world or it will be disastrous. Having said that it’s impossible to know it all and even more impossible to be good at it all. Learn about as much as you can but then find your niche and become the best at that. It took me way too long to learn this lesson. However, when I stopped trying to do it alI and instead brought on good people who excelled at the things that were not my strengths, everything changed. My business grew, I had more joy and my clients got a better experience and end result. The best design is collaborative!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jahannanicholsdesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jahannanicholsdesign/
Image Credits
photos by Meghan Beierle-O’Brien
