Today we’d like to introduce you to Janine Rivero and Karina Gonzalez.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Janine and Karina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
KJ Design Collective started as an idea while we were both working together at a hospitality procurement firm in Miami in 2014. We had been long-time friends since high school and knew we each had a huge passion for the design world. Janine received her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, and Karina receiving her Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts was just the start of our careers.
Working together at the procurement firm on the same team was an incredible experience. It not only allowed us to fully work together in a capacity outside of our friendship, but it also gave us hands-on field experience together. We did not know it then, but we were slowly forming the foundation of our company. Fast forward five years later, we decided to take the plunge and go into business together.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being in business for the first year definitely is an exciting time, but it also comes with some tough lessons. Tough lessons that small business have to go through in order to grow the success of the company and brand. We’ve been extremely lucky to have each other through this journey (two heads are better than one). Together we bring over 8 years of experience working in different aspects of the design field. This has definitely helped us in identifying potential problems before they arise, red flags and providing time-sensitive solutions.
The most important lesson we have learned is that time is the most valuable asset you can offer, both professionally and personally. With our clients, we want to ensure we are making the best use of their time. Our client’s time is extremely important as it allows us to define expectations, goals and ultimately provide us with the ability to create an unforgettable design experience for them.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with KJ Design Collective – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The company is in it’s first official year of business with a number of residential projects under our belt. We are a full-service interior design firm specializing in renovations, and interiors using a modern and transitional aesthetic.
At our core, we are a team that values hard work and dedication. We meet every project with excitement and passion for original design while bringing a collaborative experience between our process and our clients’ needs/wants.
Our firm is available to assist in all aspects of a project from start to finish, including renovations of all sizes, decorating, styling and interiors for all.
We believe home is where the heart is, and your home should reflect your personal style and be a functional space you feel positive in. We think design can be affordable and budget-friendly and we pride ourselves in providing cost-effective solutions to the table. We are all about mixing high and low pieces to create a cohesive and beautiful home.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We always try to have a one year, three years and 5-year goal list/plan in place. However, this will obviously pivot as goals are met and new opportunities come knocking. We would love to one day open a small boutique that carries specialty home goods from artisans all over the world and a few trendy clothing lines. We envision the retail to be an extension of the brand that is tied to our design firm. That would be a five-year goal for sure, but it’s something that both us feel strong about.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/kjdesigncollective/
- Phone: 7863763737
- Email: kjdesigncollective@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjdesigncollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KJdesigncollective
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