An Inspired Chat with Janiece Lonvelin of Orange County

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Janiece Lonvelin. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Janiece, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of the roots I’m building in my business — the parts no one really sees. I often think of it like a tree: the behind-the-scenes systems and processes, healthy finances, happy clients, and long-term vision are what keep everything grounded and able to grow. It’s taken a lot of hard work, sweat, and vulnerability to get here, but I know these roots are what will allow everything above the surface to thrive.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Janiece, and I’m the founder and principal designer of Velène Design House, a boutique residential design firm based in Orange County, California. We work throughout Orange County and Los Angeles, creating homes that are both personal and liveable.

I started the business in 2021 after completing my own full home remodel in 2020 — a pivotal moment both personally and historically. That season was challenging for everyone, but through the process, I fell in love with interior design. There was something incredibly comforting about creating a space I could control — a place full of peace, joy, and a sanctuary I could call home.

In 2021, I studied interior design with British designer Jo Chobrack, who gave me the guidance and push I needed to start my own business. Launching a business was definitely scary, but also a lot of fun. Though I had intended to begin slowly with e-designs and smaller projects, I was very blessed to find clients who trusted me with larger-scale remodels.

Before this, I spent over a decade as a fashion designer, creating apparel for various brands across Southern California. Design itself was never a challenge — it was the business side that really stretched me. Building Velène has grown my confidence in ways I never experienced working for others, and the most rewarding part has been helping families create homes and sanctuaries they truly love.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is definitely the one I have with my mom. I’m so lucky to still have a strong bond with her, and I’m incredibly grateful for our friendship. She had me very young, so we often joke that we’re each other’s best friends — and it’s true!

She’s always been supportive of my dreams and goals, but she’s also been the voice of reason when needed. Like when I told her I wanted to join the Peace Corps, or when, at 10 years old, I insisted I wanted to name my future daughter “Brunette” because I thought it was a pretty name. She’s always known when to let me dream and when to guide me with the right kind of direction.

I’ve inherited her strong work ethic, but also her free-spirited side — the part that gives me the courage and curiosity to take the leap as an entrepreneur every day.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: have confidence in yourself. Speak up, trust your voice, and don’t let others intimidate you — because you are just as talented, strong, and intelligent as anyone else. As a young adult, it’s easy to second-guess yourself and doubt your abilities. I know I often feared sharing my thoughts, especially in work settings, but I wish I had known earlier that my perspective truly mattered.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In interior design, it’s important to differentiate between trends that are fleeting and shifts that have lasting impact. Fads might be certain colors, patterns, or styles that are popular for a season, while foundational shifts reflect how people live and interact with their spaces — like prioritizing comfort, multifunctional layouts, or sustainable materials.

At Velène, I focus on creating homes that feel current but are rooted in timeless principles. I love incorporating subtle, contemporary touches, but I always design with longevity in mind, ensuring the spaces I create remain beautiful, functional, and relevant for years to come.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely — I’ve always believed in doing everything to the best of my ability, a value I’ve carried throughout my career and now take even further as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Every detail in a home matters, whether anyone notices it or not. The spaces I create are meant to be lived in, loved, and felt, which means giving my best to every decision, every finish, and every design choice. Even the behind-the-scenes work — planning, sourcing, and coordination — sets the tone for how a space feels and functions.

For me, the reward isn’t always in immediate praise; it’s in knowing that the home will bring joy, comfort, and ease to the people living in it. That commitment to excellence, even when unseen, is what defines meaningful design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://velenedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/velenedesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/velenedesign
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vel%C3%A8ne-design-house-anaheim
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@velenedesign