Just as I wrote last week: I really enjoy the fact that I meet people through social media; via my blog, twitter, instagram, etc. Yet another case in point: Jessie D. Miller, whom I met when I stumbled upon her instagram account: @designdaredevil.
Her bio on instagram simply reads, “Bass Ass Interior Designer.” After learning what I needed to know and scrolling through her feed, I hit the follow button. To give you a bit more of her bio, however: Jessie D. Miller is a St. Louis tastemaker, interior designer, and stylist, well-known for her starring roles on the national television design shows HGTV (Design) Star and The White Room Challenge. She is also the author of The Design Daredevil, a lifestyle blog on which she shares the inspiration for her fearless approach to life, and interior design.
NAME, OCCUPATION, LOCATION.
Jessie D. Miller, Interior Designer, Decorator, Stylist. St. Louis, Missouri.
MOMENT YOU KNEW YOU WANTED TO BE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER.
I was quite happy and successful working in the residential development industry for many years. When the market crashed I had a large mortgage and bills to pay, out of desperation I took a a completely unappealing job working for a tax credit developer. I was beyond miserable and bored out of my mind, then ended up getting fired from the job I absolutely hated. A week later I was on a plane headed to Vegas to celebrate Halloween (my favorite holiday), and was doing some soul searching. I reflected on what it was that I loved so much about residential real estate, it was creating someones home. I decided that if I had what it took to make so much money for other people doing what I loved then I could certainly make a little bit of money for myself doing it. I’ve never considered doing anything else since.
STEPS TAKEN TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY.
Self promotion. Self promotion. Self promotion. There is no shame in my game.
A beautiful example of lifestyle photography, styled by Jessie.
SURPRISES UNCOVERED DURING PURSUIT OF YOUR DREAM.
I LOVE thrifting and antiquing. I was flat broke when I began to rebrand myself as an interior designer, but needed to create some sort of portfolio to get started. I redecorated rooms in my loft on the cheap and ended up discovering how much I love vintage. It started with shopping at Goodwill and now I covet sources like 1st Dibs.
ELEMENTS OF YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE.
Black and white, mixing antique with modern, brass, statement lighting, over scaled artwork, animal prints, and unique accessories. I am very attracted to moldings and trim work, if a space is cookie cutter I will add architectural elements to give it some soul. I’m in the middle of some incredible projects that are by far my best work. Stay tuned, I can’t wait to show them off!
MILESTONE(S) THAT REMIND YOU THAT YOU’RE LIVING YOUR DREAM.
Every single time a client signs a proposal and hands over a check. I am so blessed to earn a living doing work that I am endlessly passionate about. I am grateful every single day.
TOOLS / PRACTICES THAT OPTIMIZE YOUR LIFE ON A DAILY BASIS.
Regular exercise is non-negotiable in my schedule. Working out is by far the best stress reliever, it makes me feel strong, powerful, and fierce.
LIFE ADVICE THAT YOU HOLD DEAR.
I love this quote from Richard Branson “If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later.”
Jessie’s two dogs.
WAY YOU LOVE TO SPEND THE DAY OR EVENING AT HOME.
Way you love to spend the day/evening at home. Well, since this is a “Live the Life You Dream About” series, I’m obliged to tell you what my “Dream” evening at home would consist of… My amazing husband and I have our diverse and interesting friends come over for a good, old fashioned board game night. We all nosh on yummy food and sip fabulous cocktails under perfect lighting with stimulating music on in the background. After our friends have left and the dogs have been walked, the night ends with pistachio gelato and hot sex with said amazing husband. For now, I’m still working on that part of my dream life. In the meantime, my day is over around 9:30 and I usually eat popcorn for dinner while watching Real Housewives with my two chihuahuas.
YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON LIVING THE LIFE YOU DREAM ABOUT.
Philosophy on living the life you dream about. Fake it till you make it. I am a naturally confident person and I am fearless when it comes to trying new approaches in design. I don’t like to repeat applications and look at every major design project as an opportunity to create something new. My carpenter and I were just joking that I literally make every job as difficult as possible. He will ask me if I want to build something the way we did it the last time and I’m like “Why would we do that?! It needs to be different!” The downside is I never really know what the hell I’m doing, but that’s what it takes to become an innovator. And I guess that is what I dream about.
SECRET ABOUT YOU.
I constantly talk to myself. I have my whole life, it’s really weird.
THANK YOU, JESSIE!
Photo Credits:
Headshot
Jessie at
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