Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Okun.
Jodie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a love for design. Even as a young girl I was involved in all of the decorating decisions for my room and spent hours antiquing with my mom. After college, I was fortunate enough to work with some very talented designers who taught me the business of Interior Design. In 2000, I started taking on my own clients and haven’t stopped since. In 2005, my husband and I, and our young twins had the amazing experience of living overseas in Naples, Italy for four years. Being engrossed in the European culture definitely influenced my design sensibility.
When we arrived back in the states, I decided it was time to start my own design business, and Jodie Okun Interiors was born. I continued with design clients in the Washington, DC area until 2013. Then my family had the opportunity to move overseas again. This time to Bahrain, a small, country in the Middle East. In Bahrain, I once again immersed myself in the local culture and started working on design projects. I also had the unique opportunity to work with a high-end furniture store on the island.
I was solely responsible for designing the retail space and I traveled with the owner each year to High Point Market, to select all of the furniture for the year. During my time in Bahrain, several of my client projects were featured in Arabian Home Magazine. In July 2017, my husband’s job brought us to Ventura, CA. Once again I am working with new local clients and with a handful of previous clients from the East Coast.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would say it’s been a “winding” road:) The hardest part for me has been picking up and moving every four years. It takes time cultivate client relationships and to establish valuable resources. So, leaving all of that behind has been challenging each time.
However, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The experience of living in different cultures has been invaluable to me, both professionally and personally!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Jodie Okun Interiors – what should we know?
Designing interiors is as much about relationships as it is creativity. Listening to my clients is the most important part of my job, along with building trust. I love pairing my vision with my clients’ and coming up with a design that pleases us both. At the end of a project, I want them to come home to a space they love and be surrounded by things that represent who they are.
Moving around throughout my career has allowed me to be very flexible with my designs. I am open to taking on a variety of projects and love the challenge that comes with each one.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This is a really good question! I have had so many people help me along the way. My husband has been my number one supporter from day one. Always believing in me and my talent, even when I couldn’t, His support has been so important as we have navigated moving so often.
I have had many design mentors along the way who have given me amazing advice that I use everyday. My clients are by far my biggest cheerleaders. I wouldn’t have the success I do as a designer without my client’s encouragement. The saying “it takes a village” definitely holds true with me!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 805.946.6773
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodieokuninteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jodieokuninteriors/
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