Today marks six months since the launch of Neilson Design Studio, so I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself further.

You probably won’t see me in front of the camera much, except for the occasional pic in my Instagram stories – when the lighting is right or I’m feeling my hair and want to rock a selfie.

I’m Jenny. I have been designing things as long as I can remember and have always dreamed of opening my own design firm. This year I took the leap and it’s been amazing so far.

I live in beautiful historic Perth, Ontario. I grew up here, left, and inevitably came back. My husband and I renovated a home here that we have raised our two beautiful girls in for the past 11 years.

Other facts about me:

I have known since grade 4 I would be a designer – but I originally thought it would be in fashion. Particularly wedding dresses and evening apparel. You wouldn’t guess it, because my favourite piece of clothing is my jeans.

I didn’t go straight into Architecture for post secondary, even though it was my first choice, because despite trying I couldn’t get my advanced Grade 12 math. My career and education (along with a boat load of determination) took me on a path that got me to a place where I can design all the things I want to anyway. Life can do that for us and I’m grateful for it.

I feel most at home near water, having grown up on a river in the country.

I will never turn down tacos.

I have a growing list of about 100 books I would like to read someday, and a stack of about 14 next to my bed at any given time. I love reading and have great intentions, but don’t have nearly enough time in a day to read as much as I would like to.

I love pottery and have taken classes for about 5 years with a local potter. I am always full of creative ideas and would love to design and market a tabletop collection through NDS someday.

I’m looking forward to being able to share some of the projects I am working on right now; the process from concept to completion takes time and patience. In the meantime, I will continue to share the designs that inspire me, in hopes that they inspire you too.

xo. J.

I’d like to tell you a story about a woman. A woman I know intimately as Jenny. You might know her too (hint: it’s me!). About 5 years ago Jenny noticed a little niggling deep in the core of her gut. This little niggle was an idea. A sweet, little glimmering light begging for attention. Begging to be seen. Working so hard to be seen that it was actually making Jenny uncomfortable. Jenny kept ignoring it, she begged it to go away, she said “not now” and “I’m not ready.”

But that little light was persistent, and despite Jenny’s best efforts it would continue to show itself here and there until one day it brought a burst of inspiration that snuck through the cracks of Jenny’s mind and into her heart.

You are meant for bigger things, it said. Later is NOW, it said.

This is the story of how Jenny (aka, Me, Myself and I) decided to start her own interior design business.

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Fast forward 5 years to today. The official launch of Neilson Design Studio. Is it how I thought it would be? Definitely not. Did I anticipate a worldwide pandemic would be happening when 4 months ago I officially set the wheels in motion? Not a chance. Am I scared? Holy crap am I ever.

But it looks like I am learning my first lesson in being a business owner. There will be set backs, but giving up is not an option if the intention is to move forward. Innovate. Adapt. Be ready for change.

So, here I am and I’ve never been more ready. Pandemic or not, this business is going to move forward, even if it means it doesn’t look exactly how I thought it would. Those little twinkly lights are bright and ready to party.

I am a designer. I am ready to design the future I have always envisioned for myself – and it starts today.

Join me.

With love, twinkly lights and mass quantities of green tea,

Jenny