Meet Jennifer Medoff | Interior Designer & Business Owner

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

Hi Jennifer, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As a parent, the most important thing I hope I’ve done, aside from show my kids how to do their own laundry and cook me gluten free brownies, is to model how to identify and reach for what lights them up. There were a lot of people along my path who thought I might be a starving artist, or who believed a design degree to be impractical. But I believed my creative, nurturing personality would thrive in this field. I hope they have learned to listen when their heart talks, risk when opportunity strikes and believe in what they want to share with the world. Hard work when following a dream breaks ceilings – and no one has to believe it but them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHERS:
There is so much interior design talent out there and each client wants a different experience. What I offer is a desire to not only create beautiful spaces, but to also really focus on happy clients. It is so important to me to read the individual needs of each homeowner and tailor my approach accordingly. Some clients love in-depth discussions about my recommendations, and some prefer the “three best options” strategy. Knowing this and other working style preferences early-on creates a smooth project process. I work hard to read between the lines and glean a client’s true desires for their space. Balancing these with functional design creates a quality, individual result.

WHAT ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT?
I love working in different design styles. Starting a new project with a new visual direction keeps it fresh for me, and provides new challenges. Currently, I would be excited to work in the colorful, eclectic style of furniture designer Julian Chichester. In these spaces, I could also incorporate my passion for repurposing existing finishes and furnishings. The freedom of combining bold colors and textures as well as bringing the energy of pieces that have had a previous life adds soul to a room that is not found in “catalog” spaces.

WHAT ARE YOUR BUSINESS CHALLENGES AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Being an interior design business owner is challenging. I have found that being a creative, people person is not enough. This business requires a knowledge of financial laws, building codes, marketing, accounting, drafting, project management and a knack for organizing the chaos that multiple design projects, in multiple phases, entails. Managing project flow is terrifically difficult because many outside entities influence the ultimate schedule. I have learned along the way to meticulously plan daily tasks, go with the flow when things change, breathe when possible, and Just. Keep. Going. I have had to develop my analytical side, and ask for help with the tasks I’m not great at. The satisfaction of my clients when they move into their spaces keeps me motivated to navigate these challenges and go the extra mile.

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?
The Colorado Front Range has so much to offer, it would be easy to fill a week long visit (admittedly, mostly with food and music). In our hometown of Longmont, we would recommend our favorite Local coffee shops, like Juniper Goods, Java Stop, Red Frog Coffee and Cavegirl Coffee House, which is a dedicated gluten free eatery. For a more hearty breakfast, we would head to Lucilles Cafe for an Eggs Benedict and Mocha that I’ve yet to find better versions of.

We would also take visitors to walk Main Street in Longmont and see the up and coming boutiques, art galleries, and bookshops, talking with the friendly business owners (and their dogs!) along the way. In the afternoon, I would reserve a pickle ball court at 3rd Shot Pickleball, lunching at the in-house CHUburger. for my favorite burger in town.

Dinner out in Longmont has surprisingly diverse options. We are lucky to have award-winning Mexican Food, our favorites being Teocalli Cocina, Rosa Cantina and Summit Tacos, who also offers vibrant live music and Pro Wrestling events that we bike to. Our favorite sushi restaurant is Sumo Sushi & Grill off Ken Pratt Blvd, and we can’t forget the more intimate atmosphere at Sushi Box off Hover Rd., offering gluten free sauces and personalized service. We love Flavor of India on Main Street for the Tikka Masala, and Rosario’s is a favorite for Peruvian food.

A week long visit would not be complete without attending a music event at Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Boulder Theater or Chautauqua Auditorium. Longmont is close to the hip RINO district in Denver, and equidistant to Fort Collins, where I would get tickets for a CSU Football or Volleyball game (as alumni!) or take the bus up to the Mishawaka Amphitheater for an intimate music concert in the woods.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so much gratitude for my family, who has been willing to share me with my business and clients. Nothing along the way has provided as much encouragement and support. I have been inspired by so many interior designers during my career, but none of my business success would be possible without the support of my family during variable work hours, impromptu client calls or travels to out of state projects. My office is also cluttered with fabrics, shipments, tile samples and paint decks, which they graciously tolerate (most of the time).

Website: https://www.dragonfly-info.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonflydesignshome/

Image Credits
Photography by Susie Brenner Photography and Emily Minton Redfield