With the Woman Wednesday series, CatMax Photography introduces you to exceptional female entrepreneurs who have gone through the CatMax Personal Branding Experience. Today, I invite you to meet Jennifer Looney of JLS Designs.
Jennifer Smith of JLS Designs
Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
The photos of Jennifer Looney from her Personal Branding Experience may be some of the most popular on her business’s social media pages, but to Jennifer, the real star of the show will always be the outstanding final product she delivers—whether that be custom window treatments, a comprehensive remodel, or interior design services.
Changing The Game
A longtime design lover and former fashion student, Jennifer utilized her aesthetic talent to launch JLS Designs 22 years ago. She says, “Time has flown by. I truly love what I do, and my office changes daily.” And after putting her skills to the test for more than two decades and winning multiple Best of Houzz awards along the way, Jennifer continues to thrive on embracing the unexpected, saying, “I love that with each client my creativity is challenged to meet their needs. It's my goal to create the space that is truly theirs!”
One could even go so far as to say that she has a knack for problem-solving. Jennifer has set herself apart in the industry by identifying service gaps and establishing solutions to fill them. For homeowners, this translates to the ability to hire her to create custom window treatments as a singular project or included with full remodel or interior design services. DIYers simply in need of color palette creation, layout guidance, or project planning advice can also turn to Jennifer.
Photo Credit: CatMax Photography
Putting Clients First
As for home-industry professionals, she’s the ultimate secret weapon when it comes to window treatments. She says, “I have built a wonderful relationship with other designers who either don't have the time or the knowledge to jump into the window covering side of the business. I become the little ‘genie’ in their pocket that will come in and measure and install for their clients. I have created a turnkey, truly custom experience.”
Though being a creative entrepreneur gives her plenty of flexibility with her schedule, Jennifer knows her clients are often in the exact opposite situation regarding project timelines. She prides herself on getting every job done on time and within budget.
Understanding her process and all the moving pieces involved with each undertaking has surely played a part in her success and is likely why when asked what advice she has for up-and-coming entrepreneurs, “Take the time to define your process,” is on the list. Additionally, Jennifer says, “Be true to yourself and your process. … Identify your ideal client and market to them and trust your gut!”
In the same vein, Jennifer notes that identifying your brand is equally as important when preparing for a photo shoot like the CatMax Personal Branding Experience so you can make the most of it. “I loved the experience Catrina offered, her eye for the finished product, and the uses of each [photo] as we went through the process,” she says. And when it comes to her thoughts on the final images? “I think the photos helped to elevate my brand and professionalism.”
You can learn more about Jennifer’s Personal Branding Experience and her business by watching an IGTV replay of an Instagram LIVE we did. Click here to see it. You can follow CatMax Photography on Instagram at @catmaxphoto and Jennifer at @jlsdesignstn.
