We were lucky to catch up with Jodi Cohan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jodi , thanks for joining us today. Do you take vacations? How do you keep things going – any advice for entrepreneurs who feel like they can’t step away from their business for a short vacation?
Yes, I do. Video calls, in-the-cloud business platforms and simply having a laptop or tablet can keep your business going while you are not in the office. Sometimes I feel like I never stop working, even when on vacation, but having the flexibility to travel allows for a change of scenery, which I think is always a good thing. Every business is different. With Interior Design, there are critical times when I know I need to be on-site to make sure renovations and installations go smoothly. But other times, as long as I am accessible to clients, communicating with vendors and keeping up with deadlines, I can do that from anywhere. I’ve had the travel bug since I can remember. My vacations fuel me and inspire me. It’s a big part of who I am what inspires my work. I love seeing how different materials are used around the world, how space is used and how people interact with it. I learn something from every place I go, taking notes and photos of architectural details or furnishings in hotels, restaurants, bathrooms and friend’s homes. I store all of these ideas away, until the next perfect moment to use them. I think my clients benefit from my travels as their projects are more interesting because of it.
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.
I am originally from Marin County, just north of San Francisco where my love of art, nature and history all started. I obtained a BFA in Painting & Printmaking. My first business of five years in the Bay Area was in the Decorative Arts, specializing in lime plaster and special painted finishes, gilding, murals and color consulting. It was the perfect combination of art and architecture and I fell in love with the world of design, collaborating with architects, interior designers and working with clients. I was a hands-on artist, but there was a hunger to design everything within a space, not only the surfaces, so I started taking Interior Design courses at UC Berkeley’s extension program in SF before completely making the leap to Interior Design. I decided to further my design education in New York City. To me, it was the most European place in America, with amazing architecture, history, energy and opportunity. I moved with no job or place to live. Looking back on that now, it was pretty risky, but that bold move and everything that followed for the next 20 years there is what I’m most proud of. Making something out of nothing, just determination and a dream. I immediately found a job at a furniture showroom in SoHo and then got a tiny studio in a West Village walk-up. It took four years of hard work and focus to earn my degree from New York School of Interior Design while working full time. I then honed my craft at Thom Filicia’s interior design firm during his Queer Eye days and next onto Studio Sofield, a dream come true. Later I started JAC Studio, specializing in residential Interior Design, working on new builds, full renovations and furnishings. There are so many aspects of Interior Design that I am passionate about. I love the opportunity to design architectural details and custom furniture, to specify materials and incorporate decorative finishes when possible. Once in a while I still get to do plaster and paint finishes, there’s something so satisfying about working with your hands. I’m very passionate about textiles and always look to put my stamp on a design by upholstering furniture in custom fabrics. Connecting with artisans and craftsmen in the industry is one of my favorite things, being in their workrooms, behind the scenes where things are made. I don’t feel confined to one style or get too directed by trends. I like to use historical references in a modern way. People tell me my style is refined and elegant, I guess that is the thread that runs through all of my projects whether they are modern and minimal or layered and eclectic. Taking a space from an empty shell to a thoughtful, well-lit, art clad environment is exciting every time. It’s important to me that each project feels like it has a soul and that the client feels comfortable and inspired to be in a space. I try to make things as easy as possible for clients, editing an overwhelming market and also helping them step outside their comfort zone a little to choose something unexpected or unique. It usually ends up being their favorite part. Every part of my journey has ended up informing my work and it feels great that it’s all coming full circle.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Almost all of my work has been referrals from other clients. I believe in fostering authentic relationships built on trust. I believe in educating my client’s about what they can expect in the process, managing their expectations, being open with them when issues arise and working as a team to solve problems. I love to have fun with my clients and want to enjoy what can sometimes be a stressful time for them, making big decisions and spending a lot of money. I think my clients see that I am their advocate and will deliver a high quality project.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Learning to say “no” was incredibly difficult for me. I want to please, I like challenges and want to feel flexible. But after years of learning what is realistic, how much time things take or how much things cost, whatever the situation may be, it is not always best to say yes. Sometimes it’s good to not take on a project, sometimes it is good to tell people something they don’t want to hear. People respect you when you lean on years of experience, say what you know is best and have confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jacstudionyc.com/
- Instagram: jacstudio
