We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Conway a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am extremely happy as a designer. I couldn’t see myself doing anything but interior design. Do I sometimes wonder how it would be to work a “regular job”? Absolutely. When it comes to me being caring, nurturing, helpful, and personable- I don’t have to worry. What would worry me is how bored and unmotivated I would be. Now I’m not saying that a regular job is boring and un-motivating, what I am saying is because I am creative my mind is constantly going at what feels at 90mph and I would have to try to find something to occupy me which might potentially distract me from the tasks that I’m supposed to be doing. So is a regular job for me? Probably not.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi, I’m Jessica Conway! At the age of 8 years old I knew I wanted to be an Interior Designer. I grew up around my father being in the trade whom soon became an architect. I’d say he was my biggest influence. I remember going to job sites in Sacramento and the Bay Area with him and seeing the structural beams, walking me through the process of the project and my envisioning how the space would look with hard materials and furnishings. I’d carry a notebook, I’d sketch and sketch designing the “room”, I’d start finding materials around my house and creating a “living space” inside of shoe boxes. This is all I’ve wanted to do. I went to school here in San Diego, recieved my degree and my first job after college was a “color consultant”. Through there I was able to build relationships with clients and contractors throughout the county. Those clients became family, they’ve returned and I’m still working with those contractors today! I do more remodels than anything, rarely do I decorate, nonetheless enjoy it! I help clients with flooring, hardware, lighting and lighting fixtures, paint colors. I walk them through color theory, textures, longevity, everything from start to finish so that way there is no confusion and they feel comfortable with everything we’ve discussed. I think what sets me apart from other designers is me using a lot of color. Don’t get me wrong, I love neutrals and I think it’s safe, I think neutrals emphasize other colors used in the space, but I love bold colors, jewel tones, and an eclectic look.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Absolutely. I wish I learned to market myself sooner. I’ve been in business and I’m just now making time for marketing. It still isn’t grand but it’s in the works.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Just creating a different, unique, and fun space. Something you don’t see everyday.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Polishedpalaceinteriors
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/jessicaconwaydesigns

Image Credits
JESSICACONWAY