Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquin Headen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My business is the exciting culmination of my broad experiences. Interiors by Jacquin is a home décor brand, interior decorating business, and award-winning interior design blog. I have always been passionate about the arts and design, but I ventured into a legal career first before pursuing my true passion full time. Interiors by Jacquin’s tagline is “Stylish living from a global perspective”, which also captures my globetrotting background. I have traveled to countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe where I studied the various local art forms, all of which have contributed to my colorful and contemporary aesthetic. I launched Interiors by Jacquin to share my discerning eye for design, style, and art with individuals looking to make their home POP with stunning décor. I love helping people maximize their homes with thoughtful décor.
Over the years, I have also developed a love for helping other entrepreneurs. During my time in the legal profession, I was trained as a negotiator and I now teach negotiation seminars at conferences to help women and entrepreneurs learn how to effectively negotiate for themselves. Advocating for yourself as a businesswoman can be challenging, but over the years I’ve learned that you are your own best advocate. Helping train other entrepreneurs is my second passion outside of running my own creative business.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I moved to Dallas, I had just launched Interiors by Jacquin and I didn’t know many people in the city. Changing career paths shortly after moving to a new city was definitely a roller coaster. I knew that I would need to really put myself out there in order to be successful in my new creative career path. I decided that publishing a blog would be a great way to circulate my name around the Dallas community and beyond as I moved forward. I attended networking events in the design and art industries and showcased other artists, designers, and businesses on my blog as a way to meet more people locally. Making a plan to meet other people really grew my business and helped me to build a community as a forged my career in decorating. Although entrepreneurship can be daunting, I recommend new business owners, especially women, not to wait until they’ve “arrived” professionally before promoting themselves and networking. You have to start somewhere and delaying putting yourself out there will only delay your success.
I also had to overcome the negative preconceived notion that being an artist or creative could never amount to a career path. I am so glad to have learned that this is the farthest from the truth! I’ve discovered that a lot of young people have also been directed to avoid career paths that explore their creative passions. I now make it my mission to encourage creative youth that they can make a career out of their creative interests. Speaking to students at middle schools and high schools is my way of encouraging young people not to give up on their dreams. I hope that offering young people workshops to explore creative career paths will help them to overcome the same hurdles I faced as a creative businesswoman.
What should we know about Interiors by Jacquin? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Interiors by Jacquin is a luxury home decor brand, a decorating business, and design blog with a unique global focus. I am also an artist and painter with a love of beautifying spaces with fine art. My design style blends warm colors with a fine art aesthetic, perfect for the contemporary design lover. On Interiors by Jacquin blog, you’ll find great decorating inspiration along with home tours, artist interviews, and discussions on the latest design finds. I am an expert tastemaker who goes beyond trends when inspiring people. My perspective on design, art, and style are one of a kind.
My décor brand offers globally inspired décor ranging from my stylish “Fiesta” pillows, which are beautifully embroidered, to my brand’s Japanese shibori-dyed table runners and cotton napkins. I also sell original artwork to accent your home, which are primarily textured, abstract works in stunning color variations. I love blending natural elements like wood and linens with pops of colors for a balanced and sophisticated look. I can both decorate your home and create the décor!
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
When it comes to finding a mentor, there are a lot of ways that you can go about it. Utilizing your college’s alumni network is a great way to find a mentor in your field of work and allows you to expand your search for a mentor beyond just the people you already know. Contacting your college’s career services office is a great way to begin the mentor search. Also, volunteering as an apprentice is also an effective way to receive mentorship and hands-on experience. I volunteered as a design assistant before launching my business, which really helped me to feel more confident. I happened to already have a law degree at that point, but with changing my field of work I realized that volunteering my time in the design industry would only be an asset for me as I moved forward. Nothing beats hands-on experience!
As far as networking is concerned, remember to approach others when at networking events. Don’t just sit back and wait for someone to come talk to you. If people don’t already know who you are, then the odds of them striking up a conversation with you is less likely. Don’t let this discourage you. Be friendly and outgoing and simply go up to other people. Introduce yourself and think of interesting questions that you can ask others about their careers and companies. You’ll get the ball rolling from there.
Pricing:
- Embroidered “Fiesta” Pillows (20″x20″ and 24″x16″): $95-$105
- Shibori tie-dyed table runners: $64-$84
- Shibori tie-dyed cotton napkins (set of 4): $52
- Abstract original paintings (9″x12″ and 16″x20″): $175-$375
Contact Info:
- Website: www.InteriorsbyJacquin.com
- Phone: 214-791-1423
- Email: Jacquin@InteriorsbyJacquin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interiorsbyjacquin/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/JacquinMH
- Other: www.etsy.com/shop/InteriorsbyJacquin
Image Credit:
Esther Huynh, Kendall Zapoli, Julianna Carl
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