This post is part of our #BreakTheMold series, where we celebrate the lives and work of trailblazing women. Check out the rest of the series here.
How Mom & Business Owner Jessica Davis Breaks the Mold
One of the pillars of our newly launched #BreakTheMold campaign is featuring real women who are Breaking the Mold every day—whether they’re women we meet on the road like Becky from Marfa, Texas or women who find their way to us (like today’s featured story), we’re excited to celebrate these real women for exactly who they are.
Jessica Davis is many things—a mother, a business owner (of Nest Studio), and a woman who supports other women. Today, we’re sitting down with Jessica to hear how she Breaks the Mold by running a business out of her home, takes on projects that others may find daunting and juggles both work and her family like a boss.
What was your “aha moment” with Nest Studio? How did you know this was something you should devote yourself to?
I realized that there was not nearly enough cool hardware on the market when I was looking to select knobs and pulls for my interior design projects. I have a good technical background and figured I could design something that was cool, but also functional. I started with a series of mixed acrylic and brass pulls and some very geometric / deco inspired items and have expanded to several new series many of which are modern takes on classic motifs from the past.
What is the hardest part of running a company?
In a company that carries inventory and has up-front costs (hardware has a high cost of entry), cash flow is our biggest challenge and the least fun part.
What’s your method for work-life balance?
I wouldn't say I am good at multitasking, but I am good at switching from one task to another. This gives me the ability to shift between personal and work stuff very quickly. And, by having my office at home, it's easy to switch back and forth (plus I am a crazy list person, which helps me feel a little more zen).
Besides running your business, what’s another way that you #BreakTheMold and stray away from the conventional?
I love a good DIY project, and:
“I am not afraid to take on things that other folks might deem to be scary.”
Most recently I painted and stenciled the tile floors in my kitchen and couldn't be happier with the results, but it was definitely a big project—and a risk.
What's one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I'm a second alto and only sing male-lead songs at karaoke!
What piece of advice do you have for women just starting out in their career?
“Don't let anyone tell you you can't be a mom and do what you love. There are many different roads to success.”
What quotation or saying inspires and motivates you to be yourself and #BreakTheMold?
Work is fun!
What’s next for Nest Studio?
We are working on some great artisan collaborations creating a ceramic hardware line with a New York-based ceramic artist and a wood hardware line with a wood carver on the West Coast.
Extra Credit
What is the most-used app on your phone—and why?
Instagram—I use it for work and it's great eye candy!
What’s the first thing you do every morning?
Give the phone to my kids to watch Youtube kids so I can get an extra five minutes of shut-eye.
What book could you re-read over and over?
What is your go-to bra style?
Definitely a T-shirt Bra—but after two kids a little Push-up is helpful.
Finish the sentence: I #BreakTheMold by _____.
I #BreakTheMold by having a business run solely by mothers.
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