Today we’d like to introduce you to Marjan Sattarzadeh.
Marjan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always been captivated by color and texture and how people were affected by and interacted with their surroundings. I studied Interior Design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and worked in New York City for the first five years of my career. I spent my 20’s traveling as much as I could. My inspiration comes from travel, nature and my background as an Iranian American.
Most people in design will agree that there is a healthy dose of psychology involved in design and designing for people. The interplay of psychology, as it weaves into the process, is one of my favorite aspects of being a designer. This amalgamation of human psychology and their design choices exists at all levels, whether I am selling you a product, service, or an idea. In 2015, I incorporated Jan Studio in the state of New York out of my East Village apartment. I was designing prints, product, spaces. I rarely said no to work and I still rarely do. I was born in Miami, as a child of immigrant parents. A profound entrepreneurial spirit lives inside of my soul and moving back to Miami meant more opportunity to cultivate growth and expansion –– as well as more physical space. In 2017, Jan Studio officially had a new home, Miami.
This move was the start of many things. I began to travel back and forth to India where I was sourcing and designing my line of products and shortly after that I launched jan-studio.com. Our home collection includes a curated selection of ceramics, wooden products, textiles, stationery, even some apparel and lifestyle items. I see my brand as elevated basics, items that age well, appeal to all demographics and are timeless. One thing that was always important to me is where and who is making my product. All of the materials are natural, renewable and sustainable. All of the factories that I work with are considered SA8000 factories. This means ensuring the highest quality of social compliance in their supply chains and international labor laws. As the brand evolves, and product range expands, we will uphold our key values by bringing quality products to the market. Keeping handicrafts alive, providing jobs, and bringing good design to people, is what matters most.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Is being in business ever smooth?
Fear and control are very real things. These things drive people, decisions, motives and so much more. Speaking to yourself kindly and with compassion is very valuable when you are running the show. I constantly remind myself that it is ok to feel and to fear but this has been one of my biggest struggles. As a business owner, you find yourself having to make decisions every day, both big and small. To make the right decisions, you must make sure you are thinking clearly and not emotionally. This comes with practice and patience.
Please tell us about Jan Studio.
Jan Studio is a multidisciplinary studio, we focus on product development, interiors and design licensing. What sets Jan Studio apart from others is accessibility. I stand behind the product. I use the product and design for myself. What would I wear? What would I buy? I want the consumer to feel connected to me, the product, the source and to truly be a part of the journey. The well-designed product does not have to come with a big budget, my job is to bring that to you.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Time is very valuable. If I could have done one thing differently… I would have managed my time better but managing your time efficiently comes with experience and practice. Now, I try to remember to give attention to the problems and solutions that will make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3001 West Hallandale Beach Blvd
Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 - Website: jan-studio.com
- Phone: 954-900-1255
- Email: hello@jan-studio.com
- Instagram: @marjansattarzadeh
Image Credit:
Mike Kholmanskykh, James Jackman
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