Here is a recent interview with me conducted by Christine Kim, owner of Adeline's Room! Adeline's Room is a baby boutique and learning community for new and expecting moms. Christine has put a lot of research and thought into every product she carries and has created a welcoming environment for all moms. I helped Christine with the design concept of the store and classroom and will be teaching Nursery Design classes there starting March 24.
Jodie Shields, a local Evanston resident and instructor at Adeline's Room (!), has just joined that 10.1 millions after starting her own interior design firm, Home and Haven. Here is a short interview with Jodie about her new life adventure!
- What kind of business did you start and why did you start it?
I started an interior design business. I had been working at high-end design firms, both building my portfolio and confidence as a designer, until I realized that I felt comfortable enough to implement my own ideas rather than my boss'! The companies that I worked for all worked on really high-end, high price point projects. However, rather than being discouraged that people like myself and my friends couldn't afford design, I felt that good design is available at all price points, it just takes a bit of a creative eye to put it all together. I decided to make it the core of my business to make design services affordable.
- What has been your biggest challenge so far? What has been your biggest help?
The biggest challenge is overcoming the fear of the unknown. Whether it be information that I don't know or don't have experience with, or knowing whether anyone will want to hire me! Often this fear is paralyzing and when you work at home for yourself, there is no one to guide you through taking it one step at a time. The biggest help has been finding a surrogate "partner" - a friend who is also an entrepreneur. She understands the challenges and hurdles and the emotions that go along with them. In addition, she is there to celebrate the successes, even if it is as small as opening up a bank account
- What has surprised you about the journey so far?
I've always been told starting your own business is a ton of work. But it is true - when you love what you are doing, it doesn't feel like work (well, most of the time!).
- You are not a mom now, but how has motherhood been a factor in starting your own business, if at all?
Absolutely. I decided to start a business before having children with the hopes of growing it enough to have a foundation in place when kids do enter the picture. This way, I am able to both set my own schedule, take on as much work as I feel comfortable with, and choose the right balance between work and family life, while still having my career in the picture.
- What excites you about starting a family? What concerns you?
There are so many things that I am excited about when it comes to starting a family - the feeling of unconditional love that comes along with it, learning to be a parent alongside my husband, and I'd be remiss to say that decorating the nursery isn't something that I'm also excited about! I am also scared about how overwhelming life will feel once I am not only responsible for myself, but also for a child.
- What was the best advice you ever got about starting a business?
That everything is a decision. The bottom line is, you choose how you do what you do. Non-action is a decision in itself. This was very empowering to me - it gave me permission to take control over my decisions.
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