Meet Sarah Jacobson | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Jacobson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
The biggest factor for me when deciding if it’s time to give up or keep going, has always been this: “How badly do I really want this?” I have had many career ideas and personal goals for success in my life. I remember when I was in jr. high and I joined a dance team. I wasn’t as coordinated as the other girls, and I had a terrible time remembering the choreography, but I really loved the art of dance. One day, when I was ready to quit the team (weeks before the recital), my mom gave me this wise advice, “You can quit and let your team down, or you can invest in extra practice and get ready for the show. If you still feel like you don’t want to do it after that you can quit, but at least you really gave it your all and tried your best.”

That advice has stuck with me ever since. Investing in additional lessons helped me prepare, and afterward I felt really proud of myself, because I knew I took the necessary steps to get better and really give it all I had. To this day I take this approach in everything I do. Whether it’s fitness related, or a personal success goal, I really push myself to give whatever it is a real chance before I make a conscious decision to give up, so that I never have to wonder “What If”.

I’ve definitely had my moments, even months, over the past 8 years in my own business when money was tight, projects were non-existent and I thought, “Maybe it’s time to throw in the towel.” Then I remember, owning your own company is a marathon, not a sprint. Good things take time and as long as I enjoy what I do and who I get to help everyday I am willing to keep going.

What should our readers know about your business?
DS2 Studios is a boutique commercial and residential interior design firm that focuses on creating spaces that speak to our clients’ objectives, lifestyles, and brands. Our style could be described as laid-back modern with an emphasis on natural inspirations. We believe great design is achieved by combining function and beauty. Anyone can choose beautiful art or finishes, but the real craft is in creating a design that serves the clients’ needs, helps make their lives and businesses easier, and inspires all who enter.

Running DS2 hasn’t always been easy. The world of business is full of ebbs and flows and sometimes our biggest failures become our greatest sources of motivation. As a business owner, I have made many decisions that definitely were not in my best interest, and cost me a lot of time and money to repair. However, it is important to remember that these moments in time were just that, moments. I have gone from feeling like an over-night success to a huge disappointment, and back, multiple times, but I have learned so much from it, and now have an appreciation for all of the highs and lows.

3 of the best lessons I’ve learned over the last 10 years are:
1. Value relationships over business. (True connections transcend business transactions)
2. Always invest in your own success. (i.e. Hiring an assistant or taking a class to hone your skills)
3. Trust your gut! (i.e. When signing a new client, executing a job, or hiring someone)

If I could convey one thing about our services to any potential client or colleague it would be this: We take a practical approach to your design first and add in the the beauty and style as we go. You shouldn’t compromise integrity for beauty. After all, it’s an investment and if it’s not done properly it will end up costing you twice as much down the road. Like the saying “Putting lipstick on a pig.” Execute the project to completion and you’ll end up loving the end result way more.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best thing about LA is there is always something going on, and never a shortage of places to eat or things to do. One of my favorite things about LA is the emphasis on lifestyle and design. Whether it’s catching a sound bath at one of the beautiful ALO Yoga studios or grabbing a bite at any of the amazing restaurants on Melrose, (my favorite would have to be Tatsu Ramen.. I love the RAMEN burger!) LA also has the best dining experiences, (I loved the Canabis Cafe on La Brea, it’s closed now), and bars with a fun theme, from movies to kitchy style, (Beetle House LA is awesome if you’re a Tim Burton fan). Of all the fun things to do, the thing I love most is the local ART! There are so many small pop-up galleries and shops with cool or quirky exhibits from local artists, that really showcase the massive talent and creative energy in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have had many mentors and cheerleaders throughout my career but, my mom has always been my biggest cheerleader. Since day one she told me, “I can’t wait to say, I knew you when. You will create a successful design business and be famous for your work.” I love that woman, believing in me even when I couldn’t believe in myself. My biggest professional mentor who shaped my design approach and business model is Robert Matola at RM Designs, the Architect I used to work for. He continuously encouraged me, even when I was facing creative burn-out, telling me that our work is full of ebbs and flows, and to keep moving forward. I couldn’t be more grateful for their support and the encouragement of my tribe.

Website: https://ds2studios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ds2studios/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/DS2Studios

Image Credits
Jill Weller Photography, Anthony Barcelo