Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Benton.
Hi Jasmine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
From a young age, I was captivated by HGTV and Design Star, paying close attention to every detail. My entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, as evidenced by the book “Talking Cats” I created at just 8 years old. However, it wasn’t until later that I fully embraced this side of myself. With the support of my family, particularly my mom and grandma, I launched my career in interior decorating at 11, driven by a desire to make a difference in my community and guided by my faith. Throughout my journey, I seized every opportunity to learn and grow, from internships to collaborating with seasoned designers. A pivotal competition during my teens led me to reevaluate my path, prompting me to pursue a degree in Interior Design. College broadened my perspective, teaching me that design is not just about aesthetics but also about its profound impact on people’s lives. Now, with a degree and significant experience, I am committed to being a designer who uplifts communities and creates meaningful spaces. My journey continues as I work on a book detailing my experiences and aim for a master’s degree. I am dedicated to making a positive impact through design, always guided by my faith.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to success in interior design has been filled with challenges and obstacles, but each one has taught me important lessons and given me opportunities to grow. At first, my personal insecurities and a lack of faith made it hard to move forward. I struggled to find a balance between being independent and asking for help, as well as learning to delegate tasks. On top of that, I faced doubt and skepticism from others, especially as a Black interior designer. Overcoming these challenges required me to be resilient, reflect on myself, and stay committed to my vision and identity. Running a business, pursuing education, and taking care of myself all at the same time was tough. I had to find good ways to manage my time and stay grounded in faith to handle everything. Despite these struggles, every setback taught me something valuable and helped me grow both personally and professionally. My journey to success in interior design has been defined by resilience, determination, and a commitment to making positive changes in the industry through hard work, humility, and faith.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a professional interior designer, I focus on creating spaces that resonate with the unique sensibilities and lifestyles of my clients. My expertise spans various design styles, ensuring each project reflects the distinct preferences and needs of those I work with. What sets my work apart is my unwavering commitment to sustainable design. I frequently incorporate energy-efficient lighting and eco-friendly materials, aligning aesthetics with environmentally conscious practices. A significant milestone in my career was receiving the 2019 Business Venture of the Year award at the NFTE Youth Entrepreneurship ‘Shark Tank’ Competition in NYC. As the sole female entrepreneur recognized, this honor reaffirmed my dedication to excellence in both design and entrepreneurship, motivating me to continually push boundaries. Beyond accolades, my most esteemed accomplishment is my dedication to social impact. I am committed to using design to effect positive change and actively engage in projects for low-income families and marginalized communities. For instance, I have designed community centers that have become hubs for social interaction and empowerment. For me, design goes beyond creating visually stunning spaces; it is about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am driven to push the boundaries of design innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. My ultimate objective is to inspire others through my work and leave a lasting impact on the interior design industry and the communities I serve. I envision a future where every design project, regardless of its scale, prioritizes sustainability and social impact. I am dedicated to leading this transformation.
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I own two businesses: Jenaye’s Interiors, which offers full-service design and renovations, personal shopping, and drafting construction documents, and Precious Home Designs, which focuses on interior decorating, staging, event planning, and refurbishment. Collaboration is essential to me, especially with other design companies and fellow designers from the Black community. Our collective creativity can lead to exciting new ventures.
Currently, I’m working on two significant projects: creating a network for new Black interior designers and architects to provide better support and opportunities, and developing plans for tiny house villages to support homeless individuals and young adults aging out of the system. These projects have the potential to change lives in our communities.
Networking is crucial in this industry, and I’m always looking to connect with other designers, potential clients, and vendors. I aim to join organizations that foster collaboration and growth, such as professional design associations, community development organizations, or sustainability-focused groups. Ultimately, I want to design a wide range of spaces, from homes to public buildings, prioritizing sustainability, and taking my designs global while preserving historical architecture.
Pricing:
- 30-minute Consultation is $50
- 1-hour Consultation is $100
- All Services – Pricing May Very
Contact Info:
- Website: jasminejbenton.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasmine.benton.562/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminejbenton
Image Credits
Black Ivy Photography
