Photo Credit: @anetasetlakphotography
Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms weekly Meet a Mom spotlight where we feature one local mama, what they’re up to both personally and professionally. But first we’d like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to our Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Law Firm. Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities!
This week’s Meet a Mom spotlight is the lovely and talented Winnetka mom of two, Jen Morrow, owner and principal of JenMarie Interiors. The interior design guru specializes in residential commissions and custom furniture. Jen credits her mom, husband and very first client for her success. Welcome, Jen!
Hi Jen! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here? What do you love about where you live?
Hello, I’m Jen Morrow, wife, mom of two and interior design guru. Originally from the North side of Chicago, Sauganash. My husband and I met in High School at Loyola Academy. We married a few years out of college and moved to the burbs. We found a home in Winnetka which was neglected in style, but made up for in potential. It took us about 5 months to renovate and make it our dream home. We love the proximity to friends, restaurants, shops and a short bike ride to the beach! I have two kiddos; James Morrow 2.5 yo and Jordan Morrow 4 months old.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I carried a very large baby. My son son James was 11 lbs 4 oz at birth, still the largest baby I’ve heard of!
Woah! More about that over a glass of wine! Speaking of which, do you have any local favorite takeout restaurants?
There are so many wonderful new restaurants, but we still love sushi from Coast!
Ha! Agreed! Please introduce your lovely interior design firm, JenMarie Interiors.
JenMarie Interiors was originally started as a side business in 2015. I worked for a luxury residential developer in Lincoln Park as their design director, but after 5 years was ready to make JenMarie Interiors a full service design firm. I launched my design company in January of 2020; despite it being a year of impossible predictions, it was filled with silver linings. I started with a few projects ranging from Lincoln Park to the North Shore and now have some reaching NY, FL and Hawaii. My best friend from high school is our business manager and a former colleague is our architect.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
I’m extremely grateful to be able to launch a successful business and not skip a beat with my family. My mom has since remarked that while she loved being a stay-at-home mom, a part of her missed be in the workforce. I’m extremely fortunate to have a balance.
Who are your influencers and/or mentors that have helped you get to where you are today and/or continue to inspire you?
My first client has been the mentor and influencer to grow my business. Among many other high honors, she is a tenured professor who teaches courses on effective leadership and negotiation skills – so it’s not too surprising she convinced me to take the leap!
Anyone you’d like to thank for the success of this endeavor?
Gosh, I would like to thank everyone! My husband for believing in me, my clients for trusting me, my friends for listening to me and my parents for guiding me to stay in a creative field.
Photo credit: @dustinforest
Rapidfire… Go!
Undergrad college/major: BFA Interior Design, Harrington College of Design.
Favorite candy: Nerds.
Strangest thing in your purse right now: Two scrunchies a friend made for me – I still can’t believe these are back in style.
Last book you read: Celerie Kemble’s Island Whimsy: Designing a Paradise by the Sea. I’m getting into the beach vibe for a new project.
Binge shows: I loved Schitt’s Creek – David Rose would be my bud if he were real.
What’s on the horizon for JenMarie Interiors? Anything new in the works?
We’re expanding! While we still want to remain a boutique firm, were looking to add a couple designers to the team.
Congratulations! How can we connect with you for more information?
General inquiries to [email protected], website www.jenmarieinteriors.com, insta @jenmarie_interiors or directly at [email protected].
Photo credit: @dustinforest