Jessica Davis is a garden enthusiast, self-proclaimed yogi, mother of two, and Owner of Atelier Davis and Nest Studio Hardware. She juggles the rollercoaster life between that of a business owner, mom, and her multiple passions and shares inspiration, her eclectic style, and beautiful designs (along with her genuine heart) on social.
Q: What was the best advice you were given when starting out as an entrepreneur?
A: It’s all about hard work. This is so not sexy but it’s true. We all hope for overnight success but ultimately it takes years and years of hard work. Also you need to understand how to measure success. Everyone has different measures. Know what your definition of success is.
A: Again, getting the non-sexy things right is important. When people say cash flow is king, I finally understand what they mean. Especially in an inventory-based business it’s all about terms – how long you get to pay your vendors and how long it takes for your clients to pay you.
A: My google spreadsheet to-do list. I’m a very visual person and I have never been able to find a to-do list app that works for me so I have this color coded spreadsheet that is basically a map of my week – all of my appointments and commitments as well as time blocked off for specific tasks.
A: I read magazines. Nothing can replace the print magazine for me. Scrolling through instagram can be fun, but it’s almost sort of frenetic for me. Looking at a magazine cover to cover and seeing spaces unfold within an entire residence or building is both relaxing and motivating at the same time.
A: At Nest Studio we just launched our Pinch Collection which is a collaboration with Brooklyn-based Plaster artist Stephen Antonson. We were nominated for an Interior Design Best of Year award for this series.
A: I’m always talking to other entrepreneurs and I love collaborating. Hearing about how other people run their businesses even if it’s not the same line of work is inspiring and enlightening.
A: Probably still design – but maybe running a landscape design/gardening business. I love digging in the dirt, learning about plants, and watching them grow.
A: Gardening for sure. Making art. Travel, Exploring new restaurants and cuisines.
A: Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.
A: I do yoga at home or dig in the garden.
A: I have always worked from home so that hasn’t changed, but instead of seeing my employees who would come in a day or two a week, I see my husband (who is now also working from home) and I see my employees virtually. I had been going up to my Nest Studio office in New Jersey every couple of months. Now it looks like I might make it a year before going up there. The amazing thing is how well we’ve adapted and how independent my employees have been.
A: I do yoga every morning. If I don’t get around to it I’ll do it in the middle of the day but if I am unable to do yoga my day just feels off.
