We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Duce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
The biggest step for me after launching my own company was hiring help. It’s scary to take that leap and feel responsible for someone’s livelihood, I probably took too long to make the decision but I wanted to have a savings back up if work became lean so I could still support my team. I’m so glad I hired help. It had only helped me grow and be a better Designer for my clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
I grew up with a Interior Designer Mother. In my youth I was determined to be different. After I went to college I worked in a bank. The manager liked the way I decorated my office area and asked me to help her. Eventually I was restyling bank offices more than my actual job. I had my children and worked on our home. Neighbors would ask me for help. Eventually it grew into a job. A design firm in our area saw pictures of my work and asked me to join their firm. I was terrified and I felt so different from the professionally trained team at the firm. My husband encouraged me to be brave. I ended up being a Lead Designer with a great and loyal clientele. I left the firm 7 years ago and I still help some of those past clients today. I’ve been doing Intwrior Desifn for almost 15 years. During that time I started helping clients with their vacation rentals. This had turned into a additional business. I also own Vacation Rental Designers. We travel coast to coast designing and styling vacation properties for ow wet and property managers.

As a small business owner, I have learned to pivot when needed, learn as much as I can all the time, and value every relationship with clients and trade.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m newer to Texas. We moved here and 2 months later the world shut down with Covid. We are still learning Texas. I am currently working on some VRBO’s in Wimberly. I really like that area. This would be a fun getaway with a friend.

If we stayed local, we enjoy walking the parks with our dogs and then enjoying dinner at El Tempo or The Chefs Table.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m truly blessed to have a supporting family for my small business. I started when my kids were young. They have helped me many times. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and his support is a significant contributing factor to my success. My Mother was a Designer. She has always encouraged me and I’m so grateful.

Having a family that respects what you do and cheers you on is a pretty powerful thing.

Website: Www.jducedesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jducedesign/?hl=en

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/JDuceDesign/

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