We were lucky to catch up with Jennifer Aos recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Staying healthy and fit has always been important to me and I believe there is a connection between physical and mental stamina. I workout daily, am vegan and also avoid processed foods. This helps me maintain focus and provides energy to keep going when things are challenging. I also never had a fall back plan, which means failure is simply not an option. I have reinvented myself several times and been knocked down without anyone to help. This forced me to learn how to do things myself such as designing my website, search engine optimization, marketing, tax laws, Photoshop, etc. It’s amazing how you can learn almost anything once it becomes crucial to your survival. Obstacles can be an illusion.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I studied fine art at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and also studied music before earning a degree in interior design. I had a decade long career in the luxury furniture, fashion and art industry before launching my interior design business in 2004. I recently started creating one-of-a-kind art using reclaimed luxury fabric samples and other discarded items, striving to divert waste from landfills and transform these materials into works of art. My entire business has pivoted towards Eco-Friendly interior design in the last decade. I am also a California Green Certified Business and LEED accredited. My projects have included new construction, remodels, historical renovation, live/work lofts, public spaces, real estate staging and set design for special events. I have experience with a wide range of styles and budgets.
In my leisure time, I enjoy hiking, yoga, dancing, music, art, wine tasting and a plant-based, vegan, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1) Understanding the business side of interior design. I took a very detailed course on contracts and other legal and financial aspects of the business. It’s easy to be swept away by the creative process and never really be profitable or have consistent growth. Do not underestimate business education- or a partner who has these strengths. 2) People skills! Without this, you will never have a successful design business. People hire who they like and trust. So be like-able, ethical and a great communicator.
3) Cross training. It was helpful to gain experience from many angles of the industry to learn how they all fit together. I sold fabric, furniture, flooring, art, window treatments and closet systems- both wholesale and retail. Learned how to make cold calls and how to do a quick makeover on a dime. Varied experience will help in your communication with other vendors and contractors because you will understand multiple perspectives, not just your own. You also never know what skill you may have to pull out of your back pocket, so learn as much as you can from everyone.
The industry is unpredictable, so be ready for anything.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client understands value and is not afraid to invest time and money in their projects. Most clients play it safe regarding budget and level of design risk. Return on investment is always at the forefront of their minds. While I understand the logic, it would be fun to shake things up a bit and work with a client who wants to do something outrageous. After-all, most people will not be selling their home anytime soon. By the time they do, a new buyer will want to update anyway- or may just fall in love with it as is.
Another ideal client would be an eco-friendly person who wants to build a green home.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aosinteriors.com/about
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aosinteriordesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anatomyofstyle/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferaos/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jendesignerla
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtvvd8QV5yJuYoC-3P-zDg
