We recently connected with Jennifer Morse and have shared our conversation below.

Jennifer , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I have worked on to this point would be the remodel of my parent’s kitchen. My parents unfortunately had a leak in their home while they were away and it flooded the whole kitchen. Though unexpected and frustrating for them, we wanted to jump on the chance to get the kitchen they always wanted…and the one I always wanted to give them. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to give them a new kitchen so I knew I had to take the shot. This was my chance to give my parents a piece of what they gave me. A chance to give them a new kitchen to create more family memories.

Though this project was not just an easy smooth ride, the process taught me the realistic development of a project. It made me take a good look at my processes and allowed me to better myself, my skill and my services. This project was a learning curve for both myself and my parents, but we pushed through and not only got it completed, but it was their dream kitchen.

In the end, this project was not only meaningful because it was my parents and my childhood home, but it was also a learning experience for me and helped me shape my skills and services to better the structure of my business.

Jennifer , 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?

Born and raised in Savannah, GA which is rich in historic architecture & art, I noticed early on my passion for things design and architectural. I was always interested in how things were built especially single family & multi family spaces. The fire within got stronger when my family moved into my childhood home and I immediately hated the wallpaper, I knew I wanted to change it eventually. As I got older, the passion was still there, but decided I should go with a more “solid & safe” career path in medicine. But, when you are called to something, you can’t run from it! After a few years in school, I decided to follow my dream and changed my major to interior design. I went through the design program, graduated and started my journey in the design world. Though it didn’t take off as quickly as we all want, the development process helped sculpt me into the well diverse designer I am today. My well rounded background has allowed me to use my skills to more areas than one and allowed me to work with several clients and developers on different project types.

I am most proud of my ability to translate my client’s vision into reality. It’s one thing to make a space look nice and “pretty”, but it’s another thing to bring a what your client is asking and give them exactly what they pictured in their mind while complimenting it with your personal aesthetic. It makes the client feel like you truly listened to their needs and not just put items together that look good. And it makes me feel like a true designer, not just a stylist. This is what I believe sets me apart from others in my industry.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the early years of business, I had the mindset to take on every client and project that came my way. I felt like in order to get where I wanted I had to do everything and do whatever was requested, even if it didn’t make sense. I didn’t set boundaries for myself and for others, I didn’t know who my target audience was, what kind of clientele I wanted to attract, what my design style was…I had no plan besides just take it all on. This was a huge mistake! This caused me to become overwhelmed and made me feel like I was not cut out for this industry. I had to stop and just take a step back to gather myself and come up with a realistic business strategy and business plan.

By taking this pause, I was able to develop my strategy and completely redirect the path for my business. Doing this allowed my business to become more structured and grow exponentially. My goals and wants are now aligned and understood, which has allowed me to set the parameters for my business for all my vendors, clients, contractors, and more. And by getting my business more organized, it has helped my personal lift feel a bit more organized as well. Not having to deal with the weight of worry regarding my business eases the mind tremendously.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

One of my current goals is to be a designer featured in one of the volumes of Iconic Home: Interiors, Advice and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers. This book features some of the top Black Designers in the nation and allows them to talk about their business and show their work. I feel it would be such an honor to have my business noticed and mentioned alongside some other great designers. But to know that my company has reached national level…or even worldwide, and is thought of as so inspirational to be publicized in a top 50 designers book would truly be a dream come true.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.jayleighstudios.com
• Instagram: @jayleighstudios