We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jean-Marie Andrews. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jean-Marie below.

Alright, Jean-Marie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business, Facets by JèM: Consulting & Design, originated from a reconnection with a dear friend from art school. We had attended art school together 20 years ago, and our reunion sparked a profound realization within me. She inspired me to revive the artist within after decades of working solely to support my family. While it was both scary and exciting, the process came naturally and quickly by the grace of God.

Facets by JèM is a reflection of my multifaceted nature and abilities. The concept of “facets” symbolizes the different aspects of my work and my dedication to serving others through various creative avenues. My business encompasses interior and landscape design, transforming spaces into personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments.

One key aspect of my business is the Facets of Grace: Divine Design Gift program. This initiative, which includes the Gift of Thrift, allows me to offer sustainable design solutions by transforming thrifted and upcycled items into beautiful, functional spaces for those in need. This program aligns perfectly with my mission to serve others and make a positive impact in their lives.

In addition to these services, I also offer professional services such as resume writing and content curation, custom art, and creative workshops. Soon, I will be incorporating art therapy into my offerings, once I receive my certification. These diverse services reflect my multifaceted approach to design and creativity.

Throughout this journey, God has always been at the forefront, guiding and inspiring me. He gets all the glory for the success and fulfillment I find in my work. Every aspect of Facets by JèM is driven by His vision and purpose, reminding me to use my gifts to serve others and honor Him.

The Gift of Thrift initiative, in particular, was born out of a moment of quiet reflection and prayer, where God realigned my vision with His. He reminded me that my gifts were not just for my benefit but to bring hope and beauty into the lives of others. This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of God’s grace and the blessings that come from following His lead.

In all that I do, my goal is to turn dreams into a brilliant reality, all while giving God the glory for His guidance and inspiration.

Jean-Marie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey. My name is Jean-Marie, and I am the founder and creative force behind Facets by JèM: Consulting & Design. My entry into the world of design was reignited by a serendipitous reconnection with a dear friend from art school, where we studied over 20 years ago. This reconnection rekindled my passion for art and design after decades of focusing primarily on supporting my family. It was a leap of faith that was both thrilling and daunting, but driven by my God-given gifts and passion, the transition felt natural and seamless, thanks to God’s grace.

Facets by JèM is a multifaceted design and consulting business that reflects the diverse aspects of my creativity and dedication to serving others. My services encompass a wide range of offerings:

1. Interior and Landscape Design: I transform spaces into personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environments. Whether it’s revamping a home’s interior or creating a stunning outdoor landscape, my designs are crafted to meet the unique needs of my clients.
2. Facets of Grace: Divine Design Gift Program: This initiative includes the Gift of Thrift, where I transform thrifted and upcycled items into beautiful, functional spaces for individuals and families in need. This program embodies my commitment to sustainability and community service.
3. Professional Services: I offer resume writing and content curation services, helping clients present themselves and their ideas effectively.
4. Custom Art and Creative Workshops: I provide bespoke art pieces and conduct workshops that inspire creativity and artistic expression.
5. Art Therapy: Soon to be included in my offerings, art therapy will be available once I complete my certification. This service will integrate creative processes to promote emotional well-being and healing.

On a personal note, I am a single mother of two wonderful children. Balancing my business and personal life has been a journey filled with both challenges and rewards. In addition to running Facets by JèM, I lead praise and worship at my church, a role that brings me immense joy and fulfillment. I am also an author, having written several books that explore the intersection of faith, creativity, and personal growth. Furthermore, as I continue to grow and develop my business, I work full-time as a data architect, which has provided me with valuable skills and insights that complement my design work.

What sets Facets by JèM apart is my holistic and heartfelt approach to design and service. I don’t just create beautiful spaces; I aim to transform lives by aligning my work with God’s purpose and vision. Each project is a testament to the power of faith and creativity, and a reflection of the multifaceted nature of my capabilities.

I am most proud of the positive impact my work has on my clients and the community. Seeing the joy and transformation in the lives of those I serve is incredibly fulfilling. My commitment to sustainability, community service, and creative excellence are the cornerstones of my brand.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Facets by JèM is driven by a deep passion for design and a dedication to serving others. My mission is to turn dreams into a brilliant reality, all while honoring God’s guidance and grace in everything I do. I strive to create spaces and experiences that are not only beautiful but also meaningful and transformative.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story and the heart behind Facets by JèM. I look forward to continuing to inspire and serve through the gifts and vision that God has bestowed upon me.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My management and entrepreneurial thinking are profoundly influenced by my biblical worldview and perspective. The Bible is my main source of wisdom and guidance, shaping my approach to leadership, decision-making, and serving others.

Scriptures such as Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight,” have been foundational in guiding my business journey. Additionally, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” reminds me of the strength and support I have in Christ, empowering me to face challenges with confidence.

Colossians 3:23-24 also resonates deeply with my work ethic: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This passage underscores the importance of putting my heart into my work and doing it for the glory of God.

Proverbs 1:5 states, “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” This scripture highlights the importance of being open to receiving wisdom, knowledge, and teaching from various sources. Additionally, Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” This verse emphasizes the value of seeking counsel and learning from others to ensure success.

In addition to the Bible, I highly value continued learning and personal growth. I believe that we must remain open to new knowledge and perspectives to grow as entrepreneurs and leaders. I make it a point to take advantage of any webinars and workshops that I come across. From learning sessions led by designers and business coaches to insights shared by financial advisors and other entrepreneurs, each offers valuable lessons that can enhance my skills and broaden my understanding.

We can learn so much from the experiences and expertise of others. It’s essential to stay open to receiving knowledge from various sources and to apply these lessons to our own context. Whether it’s a new design technique, a business strategy, or financial management tips, I continuously seek out and integrate these learnings into my practice.

In essence, while the Bible remains my primary guide and inspiration, I also actively seek out opportunities for learning and growth through contemporary resources. This blend of timeless wisdom and modern insights helps me stay grounded and innovative, ensuring that I can serve my clients effectively and honor God in all I do.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Building Facets by JèM: Consulting & Design has been a journey of dedication, hard work, and resourcefulness, particularly when it comes to funding. Unlike many entrepreneurs who secure loans or investors, I’ve had to build my business without any external funding. This meant relying heavily on my own efforts to gather the initial capital needed.

I’ve managed to support the growth of my business by working my 9-5 job as a data architect. This steady income has been crucial in covering my living expenses and allowing me to invest in my business. However, to accelerate the process, I took on various side gigs such as Amazon Flex and DoorDash. These gigs provided additional income, which I funneled directly into building my business.

For a short time, I also worked with my friend who inspired me to start my business. She runs an organizing business, and by assisting her, I not only earned extra money but also gained valuable experience and insights that helped me shape my own venture.

This approach required a lot of long hours and hard work, balancing my full-time job, side gigs, and the demands of launching a business. But it also instilled in me a deep sense of perseverance and resourcefulness. Every dollar I earned and invested felt like a step closer to making my dream a reality.

I firmly believe that when God gives you a vision and positions you to do something, He will also provide the means to achieve it. This belief has been my guiding light throughout my journey. As Philippians 4:19 states, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” This scripture has given me strength and assurance that God’s provision is always available for those who trust in Him.

Through this journey, I’ve learned the importance of managing time and resources efficiently and the value of hard work and determination. Building my business from the ground up, without relying on external funding, has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to the fact that with dedication, faith, and a clear vision, it’s possible to create something meaningful and impactful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.facetsbyjem.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/facetsbyjem
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553664231417
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-marie-a-7416031b9
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@facetsbyjem?si=maWhntWbTmAZHwXi
• Other: https://blinq.me/xafXSwzdUxYFnVfCUxRA