I am thrilled to announce that today marks the one year anniversary of my interior design business, Jeanne Campana Design, and I have to say…what a difference a year makes! Years ago, after graduating from design school and working in New York City on some of the most amazing projects, I decided to leave the world of design after the birth of my first son. It wasn’t an easy decision but one that I thought was best for my family. Being a stay at home mom has it challenges but has also been one of my most rewarding experiences. I have no regrets. Without a doubt, a full time mom is a full time job. I was lucky enough, throughout the years, to have had the opportunity to design two of my own homes as well as homes for friends and family. It was my creative outlet. I would buy tons of decorating magazines, search the web for ideas and read as much as I can in order to stay up to date on current trends. Having my own business was just a dream and I wasn’t sure if it was ever going to happen.

I have thought about starting this business for years, but as a busy mother of three children, it was hard to find the confidence to pull the trigger. How would I ever balance being a mother, take care of my family and run a business all at once? How would I find the time to meet with clients, draw, source furniture and fabrics and still be home on time for the bus, take my kids to their baseball practices, football games and ballet classes? How will I find the time to make dinner?

So how did it all happen?

Last year, after taking on a major kitchen remodel in my own home, I realized how much I missed working in the design industry. I loved the whole design process of my kitchen from start to finish. From simple sketches to detailed drawings, material selections and construction management, seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying. The end result was the kitchen of my dreams and one very happy family. It means the world to me to see my family and friends gather in kitchen and enjoy my accomplishment as much as I do. So with the support of my amazing husband…my biggest cheerleader, who gave me the courage to do what I love, has hugged me when I felt overwhelmed and high fived me whenever a new job opportunity came along…I convinced myself to take the plunge. I showed my kids how to do their own laundry, put their dishes in the sink, and made sure they kept their rooms clean. Sometimes (ok, more than sometimes) they still need daily reminders and a little bit of help (ok, a lot of help) but everyone was on board with my business venture. It hasn’t been easy…early mornings, late nights and a lot of carpooling in between…but it‘s all worth it and here I am one year later.

Fast forward to today…

Here at Jeanne Campana Design, I are moving into the final stretch of my current projects that I will be finishing before the end of the year (fingers crossed) and putting together ideas for new projects that will begin in the new year.

Some of the projects we have been working on…a spa bathroom, a traditional living room, a living and dining room makeover, a basement remodel, a coastal modern family room and a living room fit for a fashionista. I am also in the midst of designing my very own home office that I am so excited to share with you once it’s complete. There will be lots of photo shoots coming up, as well as the addition of some new services on my website and of course, my blog, “At Home with Jeanne Campana”, which I hope to grow over the next year. The blog has been a place where I can share my current projects and offer designer tips and inspiration. I am so grateful for all of you who stop by and take the time to read it. I’m just getting started so be on the lookout for these new projects over the next few months.

I am blessed to have the opportunity to share my love of interior design and so very thankful for the support I have received from my family, friends, colleagues, clients and my blog readers to make my dream of having my own business a reality. Thank you all so much!!

So if you are not already doing so…

Visit my Website for updates on my latest projects and new services, enter your email at the sidebar and follow my blog, like and share my Facebook page and send me your questions and comments. I would love to hear from you. You can also follow me on Instagram for a peek into my daily life as a designer and mom and head over to my Pinterest page, where I am constantly pinning new images on a daily basis, for ideas and inspiration. And if you, or someone you know, is thinking of starting your own business, please share my story. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed and take the plunge. I’ll be right there rooting for you. Go ahead, go for it, you got this! I did it and I couldn’t be happier.

Cheers everyone! Looking forward to many more years to come.