Meet Jessica Nakata: Interior Designer

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

Hi Jessica, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
My answer to work life balance, and when it changed for me is a common one. When I was 23 and entering the world of professional Interior Design, I was young and this goal was everything to me. I was fortunate enough to receive a hands on crash course in the industry by working very closely with two successful high end residential designers right out of school. I worked long hours, did a lot of the work and didn’t get much of the credit. Appropriate for that time in my life and career. After doing that for about six years I knew I wanted more and having my own Interior Design store/studio was a bucket list item. I dove into that , searching for the right space, renovating it and filling it with Interior Design items that I curated. Again, long hours, working weekends and sleepless nights worrying if I was giving my private clients enough and the store enough at the same time. When my lease ended I was ready to return to 100 percent private design clients and start a family. Since having my Daughter ten years ago, I have realized that I was fortunate to have a professional passion that also allowed me to create my own schedule. I can’t count how many times I have been told that I was smart to pick a career that allows me flexibility’”. Well, I’ve wanted to do this since I was redesigning my dollhouse even when I never saw myself being a Mother. The most important thing I have learned is not work harder but to work smarter. Someone being in an office for 8 hours a day isn’t necessarily getting more accomplished than I am with my creative schedule. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always wanted to do this, even before I knew Interior Design was a profession. I worked hard and put in my time learning from others, doing the bulk of the work and having the credit taken but I always knew that was part of my crash course as a young Designer. It was challenging however what I took from those situations was invaluable. I think the best lesson was not to take anything personally. This is especially important when it comes to clients. While I have been fortunate to work with wonderful people , there have also been clients that have been upset by long lead time, manufacturers mistakes and even paying my bill. I am most proud of my relationships. Working on someone’s home, and having their full trust is something I truly value. I also pride myself on being brutally honest (in the nicest way) with my clients. More than not, they tell me how much they appreciate that honestly as it makes me very efficient and they know I have their projects best interest first and foremost.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend coming from outside of Colorado to visit, there are many wonderful places in my adopted home I would show them. The days would likely start with a Cardamon latte from Devils Food on Gaylord. I love to hike, so perhaps we’d go to Boulder’s Chautauqua park to walk among the flatirons. Visiting the beautiful Mountains would be a must, a hike in Vail on The Cabin Trail followed by lunch at Mountain Standard or Mountain Flying Fish in Breckinridge. Since eating out is a hobby (pre-Covid), Sushi Den on Pearl Street might be a spot on repeat. Another must have meal would be the decadent brunch at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. To walk off some of that brunch, we would hit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo which is one of the best zoo’s I’ve been to!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being young and entering the professional stage of your life is scary. I was lucky to have a supportive Husband who encouraged me to pursue a creative profession and follow my passion for Design.

Website: WWW.theblkdoor.com
Instagram: Theblackdoorinteriordesign

Image Credits
Kathy Schuh Photography