Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hayes and Jen Rizzo.
Jennifer and Jen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Jen Hayes: I began my career in the design and building industry when I first moved to the United States, starting with my first job working for a custom home builder in Laguna Beach, California. My global view of design gave me a unique approach to dealing with clients from all walks of life, and it is this same perspective and experience that has given me the opportunity to design for clients locally in my hometown of Houston.
It was while I was working in design & building that I quickly realized there was a gap in the market for affordable decorating and design for clients who wanted their homes to reflect a cohesive style and aesthetic but didn’t necessarily have a huge budget to work with.
During this time, I met Jen (Rizzo) my business partner. We actually met when I worked for her, doing custom drapery in her new home, and our personal friendship developed from one of client to great friends over a few months. She was one of the first people to buy into my concept of good design at all price points and also one of my greatest supporters when I started my own design company in 2013.
The first few years of working for myself (as Jen Hayes Design) meant very long hours, lots of sweat equity and many miles driven all over Houston as I built my client base and my resources. I would go from meeting with builders & clients to grabbing a pair of sneakers and unloading trucks of furniture and accessories for a client. It was not uncommon for me to be in a beautiful trade showroom at the Dec Center in the morning and knee deep in plastic unpacking for a client in the afternoon. I learned to keep multiple pairs of shoes in my car just in case I needed to plant a planter or unpack a box!
Toward the middle of 2016 my business had grown beyond the capacity of my small office, laptop and car and so the concept for Feather & Nest Interiors was born. I had dreamed about a wonderful space to bring clients to that had everything I needed right there in one spot. Great fabrics, wonderful accessories and home accents, some furniture and also the perfect gift for someone wanting to celebrate a special occasion. I had spent so much time driving all over Houston sourcing these items for clients over the years and so I knew just what kind of retail space I wanted.
From the beginning I knew that I needed a partner skilled in the administrative & business side of running a company and I found absolute gold in Jen.
Jen (Rizzo) has an accomplished career as an Executive in the Oil & Gas industry and so she really understood the need for strategy and organization when starting a new business.
But most importantly she totally got the vision I had for Feather & Nest and together we have developed that fledgling idea into the thriving business it is today.
From the beginning we have complimented each other in our skillsets as we have built Feather & Nest Interiors and we could not be prouder of what we offer our community.
A collaboration of skill, personal service, partnerships with the best trades & craftsmen and a love of all things home is at the center of our desire to bring affordable design to our community. We are proud to share this concept with clients, neighbors, colleagues and friends as we welcome you to Feather & Nest.
Has it been a smooth road?
My biggest challenge was doing everything myself before I could afford to have help! If it were not for family & friends working right alongside us we would not have been able to open Feather & Nest as efficiently as we did.
I often tell folks that a great designer is only made that much stronger by her team and I have one of the best!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Feather & Nest Interiors – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Feather & Nest has been a dream years in the making. Realizing the need for quality design and décor, at an affordable price point, we have created a space where we can help you remodel your home, re-design a room, find the right window treatment, shop for beautiful accents, select the perfect piece of furniture or choose the perfect gift for a special occasion.
We have a great team that can remodel your home, paint whatever you need painted and also refinish furniture to make old new again.
We pride ourselves on working across all budgets and aesthetics!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We love the cosmopolitan diversity in Houston! As a designer I have met such wonderful people, many of whom who have become friends and long term colleagues.
Houston has so many incredible opportunities to offer and we just love meeting new clients as our business grows.
I would have to say one of the (few) downsides is the traffic! Houston is an ever expanding city and urban sprawl has meant that the traffic extends beyond the center of town into the suburbs too.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3711 Raoul Wallenberg Lane,
#400, Missouri City, TX 77459 - Website: www.featherandnestinteriors.com
- Phone: (832) 987-1894
- Email: jenhayes@featherandnestinteriors.com
- Instagram: @feathernesttx
- Facebook: facebook.com/featherandnestinteriors
- Twitter: @feathernesttx
Image Credit:
Heather Purvis Photography
Mike Stolp Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
