Check Out Jennifer Schmidt’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Schmidt.

Hi Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I worked at Nordstrom for 13 years, it was actually my very first job. I started in sales, worked my way up to management, and eventually discovered my love for visual merchandising. In that role, I handled everything from window and in-store displays to holiday setups and event activations. We hosted everything from celebrity appearances, fashion shows to speaking panels. Being part of that world sparked my passion for events, though at the time, I didn’t quite know how to turn it into a career.

In my final year at Nordstrom, I started noticing the shift in retail and decided to explore the luxury space. I joined Valentino as the West Coast Visual Merchandiser, overseeing everything from Canada to Hawaii, including department store shop-ins and freestanding boutiques. That role also included events, but on a different level, charity galas, luncheons to pop-ups. It gave me a whole new perspective on brand experiences.

While planning my own wedding, I discovered Archive Rentals through my venue HNYPT as they were on the preferred vendor list. I connected with one of their designers, and soon after saw they were hiring for a Los Angeles-based designer. I was immediately curious, how could I take everything I loved about retail and visual storytelling and pivot into events? I wasn’t sure I had the right experience, but I went for it anyway.

I actually took my first phone interview at the San Francisco airport after a long week of merchandising. I instantly connected with Rochelle, my (now) boss, and she loved that my background was different from the rest of the team. I started in November 2019.

Just as I was finding my footing, COVID hit and the entire industry changed overnight. What I thought would be a focus on large scale corporate and entertainment events suddenly disappeared. But soon, small weddings and elopements started coming back, and we adapted. I spent the next couple years working closely with couples, helping them plan some of the most meaningful, intimate events. It was such an honor to be trusted with one of the biggest moments in their lives. To this day, seeing those same couples now having babies and letting me design their showers and birthday parties fills my heart.

Around that time, I also started working with Erica Marie Events as a lead designer. She was actually one of my first Archive clients. Together, we focused on just a few luxury weddings each year, really diving deep into the details with our clients. It has been such a creatively fulfilling experience. I feel so fortunate to be able to do both jobs.

As the years went on, corporate business in LA roared back, and that’s where I’ve been focusing lately. It took about four years to build a solid client base. I showed up to every networking event I could, and to this day, connecting with new people in the industry is my absolute favorite part of the job. When I’m not meeting with clients in person, I stay in touch on social media. It’s been such a powerful way to build real relationships beyond just emails.

I always say I have the best job in the world. Designing beautiful spaces, meeting inspiring people, and never quite knowing what each day will bring. It’s a gift, my younger self would be so proud!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started at Archive just a few months before COVID hit, and at the time, I thought I’d be jumping right into large-scale events. Our LA business was growing faster than ever. But when the team was laid off in March 2020, everything came to a halt. I wasn’t sure what to do, should I go back to retail? Try to find something in an essential field? I had been working nonstop since I was 18, so even the idea of taking a week off felt foreign to me. In the end, I decided to wait it out, knowing events would eventually return in some form.

A few months later, we slowly got back to work, this time with small scale events and elopements. While I missed the energy of our corporate events, getting to work so closely with couples during such an emotional time was incredibly special.

As corporate work started picking back up, I focused on building my client base but it wasn’t easy. No one was taking in person meetings, and trying to get someone to hop on a Zoom through a cold email was a whole new challenge. I had spent nearly 14 years in retail, rarely behind a computer, so learning how to translate my warm, in person energy into an email took some serious trial and error. But over time, I figured out how to let my personality come through in writing, and that was a huge turning point in building real digital relationships with clients.

From day one, I’ve had a dream list of clients I wanted to work with. Some of those opportunities have been delayed whether it’s because they were exclusive with another rental company, or something totally out of our control like the writers’ strike shutting down premieres. But I’ve learned that staying connected in a genuine, low-pressure way has made all the difference. Some of the clients I first reached out to five years ago are just now coming around. I always say, better late than never!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an event designer specializing in corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. With a background in luxury retail, I approach every event with a fashion-forward lens. I’m used to thinking several seasons ahead, and I bring that same foresight and intentionality into my event designs.

I don’t believe in having a perfectly curated Instagram grid or sticking to just one design aesthetic. What I’m most proud of is my ability to design across a wide spectrum. Whether it’s an NBA star’s birthday party, a whimsical princess-themed celebration, or a multi day corporate summit.

One of my strengths is translating a client’s vision. Even the quick, passing comments into thoughtful, cohesive design elements. I love gently pushing their creative boundaries, often introducing bolder color palettes or unexpected pairings that they never would’ve imagined on their own.

My time in retail also taught me how to multitask like a pro. From managing daily emails and site visits to networking events and client calls, I’m always juggling a lot while still making every client feel seen. I constantly check in, give status updates, and make sure they feel like a top priority, no matter how full my schedule is. As a mom of a toddler, I often hear, “I don’t know how you do it all!” and honestly, sometimes I wonder that myself! But it’s easy when you do what you love.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband has always been my biggest supporter when it comes to taking leaps in my career. He sees how passionate I am about what I do and never hesitates to encourage me to take the risk. No matter how big the goal, he always makes me feel like I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.

My mom is where my creativity and social spirit come from. She raised me as a single mom, and I watched her work incredibly hard while still being thoughtful, kind, and generous to everyone around her. She’s always nurtured my creative side and taught me the value of showing up for others.

At work, my biggest cheerleader is my “work wife,” Lauren. When I first started at Archive, I’d show her my design boards and she’d give me honest, constructive feedback. Over the past six years, she’s been there to celebrate the wins, talk through tough days, and indulge every design idea without ever getting tired of the conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://archiverentals.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifermariefoxdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archiverentals/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-schmidt-75567b8a/

 

Image Credits
PHOTO 1 (twinkly lights) Planning + Design: @ericamarieevents + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photographer: @stevesteinhardt

PHOTO 2 (goop x ruggable) Planning + Design: @n00rz + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photographer: @annasokol.photo

PHOTO 3 (yellow couch) Planning + Design: @heartthrob_events + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photography: @jemerlingweddings

PHOTO 4 (green napkin) Planning + Design: @ericamarieevents + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photographer: @kellybrownweddings

PHOTO 5 (orange chairs) Planning + Design: @heartthrob_events + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photography: @margotlanden

PHOTO 6 (white umbrella) Planning + Design: @whambamevents + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photography: @teresannphoto_

PHOTO 7 ( clear flatware) Planning + Design: @jennifermariefoxdesign Photography: @davidmendozaiii

PHOTO 8 (blue plate) Planning + Design: @savoiragency + @jennifermariefoxdesign Photography: @onemoreshotevents