Jenna Davis
Creative Consultant / Visual Merchandiser / Set Designer
Los Angeles, CA
www.jennadavisdesigns.squarespace.com
instagram @itsthemodernmake
Q What do you do?
“I help people bring their creative visions to life.”
Whether styling a living room or designing+executing a retail store buildout, I'm your go to gal for the job. I've done everything from hand marble 250 planters for an HBO premiere party to design build and style an intimate wedding for 6. A lady who never stops learning and loves a challenge.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My formal training comes from years in the retail world, both as a Manager and Visual Merchandiser. Over fifteen years of my career were spent fostering and maintaining client relationships, all while creating an inviting retail environment to shop in.
My free time, was me time. I began honing in on my DIY passions, I learned how to screen print, created my own children's clothing line and picked up wood working. The more time I spent doing what I loved, the more I realized it was time to do, well, more of it! I began taking freelance work, and invested energy in what truly drives me.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
For me it comes down to passion. When I'm invested in something I give it my all. 4 days of internet research to find the perfect chandelier? Sure! Driving in rush out to find the perfect shade of "Barbie" pink? You betcha. I won't stop until the client gets exactly what they envision, and nothing makes me happier then when they do.
Q What are you working on right now?
I currently have two jobs for upcoming HBO premieres, where I'll be heading up the event activations for guests. I'm also in the midst of a small scale bathroom renovation and brushing up on my plaster skills for an upcoming commission project.
Q What’s your style?
I love minimal Scandinavian design. Clean lines, with fun pops is what I'm all about. As a retired color enthusiast, I'm currently drawn to earth tones. I love to subtle comfort they provide. Warmth, in a cool way.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I love woodworking. My passion for it really began when planning my intimate wedding back in 2019. I had a Pinterest board a mile long of ideas, but couldn't fathom paying someone else (a LOT of money) to create my vision. That's the moment I really decided to focus my energy on learning new skills that scared me.
I began following accounts on social media that inspired me, and before I knew it I had purchased my very one miter saw. Now 3 years later, I can now look back at photos of my wedding with a sense of pride. That moment was when I really took the time to invest in what brought me joy, and in turn help others on their creative journey.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think my biggest frustration is figuring out the freelance world (which is precisely why I've landed here!) With other jobs I've had resources to find new work. There's been paths to upward mobility. But the freelance world is SO different. When's the next job coming? How do I connect with people who can get my website into the right hands? It's a new challenge I'm still figuring out.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Hmm, probably babysit my child ; ) I have a wonderful, energetic and inquisitive 1 year old who so. much. energy. She's my light, but it's hard to do much else when she's staring up at me!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
You've got this! A lot of my early career was spent second guessing every step I took. There was a definitive "cool girl" mentality amongst the creatives at a former employer and I just never felt good enough. Maybe I focused too much on the numbers part of the business and not enough on the aesthetics, but I now know that I'm such a better person for it!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I would love more insight on networking. I've got a great circle of people who have really gone to bat for me in forging a new creative path, but at times I'm lost with how to connect outside of my circle. I'm still trying to figure out just how to answer the, "so, what do you do?" question in less than 15 minutes ; )
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I love visual merchandising, whether in a retail setting or a home library. Expanding on that note, interior design is a passion of mine, and one I would love to delve into more. I've loved event activations (walking guests through an art project at events) and enjoy building small scale sets for parties or retail.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I've had numerous friends of friends reach out via social to help spruce up their spaces and I love it! The conversation is organic and the work collaborative, something I really enjoy. I love working WITH people, not just for them.
Q What is your rate?
It really is dependent on the work, but my typical fee has been $60/hour
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
email: jennafdavis@gmail.com I'd love scope of work, timeframe and budget
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I try something new every chance I get!
This member profile was originally published in December 2022.