Conversations with Jenny & James Atkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny & James Atkins.

Hi Jenny & James, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Coco Du Sol really started as a bit of a happy accident. My husband and I run an interior design firm in Los Angeles, and while working on a project in Zuma Beach, we were searching for shade solutions that felt natural and elevated. Everything available was synthetic—plastic-looking, harsh, and totally at odds with the coastal, organic feel we were designing for. It was disappointing, especially knowing the environmental toll of those materials.

Years earlier, we had lived and worked in Indonesia, and it had left a deep impression on us. We remembered how natural shade was such a part of everyday life there—beautiful handwoven panels made from coconut fiber, crafted by local artisans using simple, time-tested techniques. It was not just sustainable—it was thoughtful, honest design that blended seamlessly with the land.

So for that Zuma project, we reached out to the community we had known back in Indonesia and imported a few pieces. The moment we installed them, people started asking where they could get their own. We refined the design, tested the durability, and ordered a few more. The interest kept growing, and two years ago, we brought in our first full container—and that’s when Coco Du Sol was born.

Now, we’re proud to support the same community we once lived in, working directly with artisans to bring a piece of that natural beauty and practical wisdom to outdoor spaces here in the U.S.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of our biggest obstacles, honestly, is that we’re not natural salespeople—we’re designers, creatives, outdoor enthusiasts, and eternal optimists. That mindset is great for dreaming up beautiful spaces, but it doesn’t always translate into building a scalable business or polished online presence.

Coco Du Sol started as a side project, a passion-fueled extension of our design work—not a fully mapped-out business venture. So hiring a big team or making major upfront investments wasn’t part of the plan. Instead, we spread the word the old-school way—by telling friends, collaborating with other designers, and installing our shades in local shops and showrooms. That grassroots energy helped us grow organically, but it also revealed some gaps—especially online.

We were getting tons of interest, but our website, which we built ourselves, wasn’t really answering people’s questions or showing off the product the way it deserved. We recently brought on Emily, an amazing marketing and website guru, to help us refine our messaging, strengthen our web presence, and meet our customers where they are.

At the end of the day, our love of creating beautiful spaces goes beyond just architecture or the next design trend. We’re constantly looking for new ways to integrate lifestyle into outdoor environments—with sustainability always top of mind. Whether it’s using reclaimed building techniques, vintage pieces, or natural materials, we’re passionate about helping people live better, more connected lives outdoors. That keeps us going—even when we’re figuring it out as we go.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We’re interior designers by trade, but more than that, we’re creators of environments—spaces that feel alive, intentional, and deeply connected to their surroundings. Our firm is based in Los Angeles, and we specialize in high-end residential and boutique hospitality design, with a strong focus on indoor-outdoor living. We’re known for blending natural textures, vintage elements, and sustainable materials to create spaces that are both refined and relaxed—spaces you want to live in, not just look at.

One of the things we’re most proud of is our ability to approach each project with fresh eyes. We don’t have a “signature look”—instead, we design around the client’s lifestyle, the architecture, and the landscape, always striving to create something personal and lasting. That flexibility, paired with a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship, is what really sets us apart.

What really drives us is the belief that beauty, functionality, and sustainability can all exist together—and that good design can have a real impact on how people live, gather, and connect

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I think finding a mentor is really about staying curious and putting yourself in environments where inspiration lives.

For James, one of the most meaningful mentor relationships came early in his career, when he had the chance to work under architect Scott Mitchell. Scott’s ability to combine bold, sculptural architecture with serene, minimalist materials had a huge impact on James. That kind of mentorship—hands-on, generous, and creatively aligned—is invaluable.

For us both, networking has never been about big events or forced connections. It’s more about forming real relationships over time—whether that’s collaborating with other designers, supporting local makers, or simply showing up and sharing what we’re working on. Some of the most impactful relationships have come from chance conversations or mutual projects where values and aesthetics just clicked.

Our advice? Be generous with your own knowledge. In creative industries, relationships are everything—but the best ones are built on mutual respect and shared curiosity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cocodusol.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coco.du.sol
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coco.du.sol