Meet Jeneffer Jones Punjani | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeneffer Jones Punjani and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeneffer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were two times in my life when I began my own business. The first was as a wardrobe stylist when I was in my 20s. After a short stint in PR for an upscale clothing boutique in Beverly Hills specializing in vintage fashion, I realized a desk job wasn’t a great fit for me. A friend who I had attended design school began working as a freelance stylist assistant in San Francisco. It sounded like my dream job, so I took a chance and moved north. Once I got my foot in the door, I’d assist other stylists for paid work during the week and collaborate with photographers and other creatives on weekends to develop my portfolio. I eventually gained agency representation and worked nationally on various projects. As a freelancer, I learned how to hustle. When you’re self-employed, it’s essential to consistently connect with industry peers, create new work, and consistently reach out to existing and potential clients. Marketing myself has always been the most counterintuitive part of my business, but it is essential to keep thriving. 

My second business as an interior designer was born out of a home remodel we did several years ago. Like styling, I discovered a profound joy in envisioning and planning something from scratch. Shortly before the pandemic, I enrolled in a Master’s Program for Interior Architecture and Design and graduated when life began to return to normal. My original goal was to work for a design firm to gain experience in an unfamiliar field, but instead, I had acquaintances reach out to me for interior design work, so I seized the opportunity. With that, El Nido (meaning “The Nest” in Spanish) was born. I refer to that first year as interior ‘boot camp’ as I navigated a gut remodel where I designed spaces from the ground up, selecting materials, lighting, plumbing, and furnishings. 

When I started my second business, I joined an interior design networking group, or what’s called a “Collective.” Remember when Mr. Rogers said, “Find the helpers?” Seeking out a community with like-minded professionals to ask questions and network within can be a freelancer’s best resource. Often, creative fields are competitive, but I’ve learned from experience that helping others in one way or another comes back around full circle. I’ve learned so much from this group, who consistently inspire me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
While interior design and styling are considered creative fields, they are both luxury services. Throughout my career, I’ve reminded myself on every project, “You’re only as good as your last job.” You’ve got to knock it out of the park to have repeat clients or gain new referrals. Due to this mantra, I am proud to have held onto styling clients in publishing, retail, and advertising for many years. Going the extra mile helps gain trust and exceed expectations- paramount in fields with heavy competition. Show up early, be organized, and hit the ground running. Now, as an interior designer, I apply these same practices as I work even more closely with clients over a few months to over a year.

I also learned early on that flexibility is a must-have soft skill in my businesses. Every client has different expectations, and every project has its curveballs. Being malleable sets the tone for a smoother shoot or client meeting and proves that you can roll with whatever challenge is presented. A client may ask for one thing but then pivot to another request, which I’m prepared for. If a client requests one thing, bring a dozen alternatives as a backup!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I grew up in Ventura but have lived in L.A. and now the Bay Area. If my bestie were in town, we’d start from Southern California and make our way north, starting with a long hike through the Santa Monica Mountains, followed by a stop in my hometown of Ventura for authentic Mexican food at Casa de Soria or Corrales. We’d stroll down Main Street and check out all the antique stores (that still have great prices!). Heading up the coast along a scenic stretch of 101, we’d exit in Summerland to stop into The Well for all things outdoor, garden, and succulents. They have an incredible assortment of upcycled vintage and European pieces, and they have a truck that regularly goes to the Bay Area for their northern California clients. We’d end the day with sunset cocktails at the Miramar in Santa Barbara and spend a few days exploring the area.

The next leg of the trip would be Highway 1 and the 17-mile drive in Monterey, where we would stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. This area has the most beautiful ocean views and golf courses I’ve ever seen. Continuing to cruise north, we’d make stops in Capitola Village to see the vibrant painted houses along the beach and have dinner at Shadowbrook, where you take a trolley from the parking lot up to a rustic, old-world restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.

We’d end our trip with a walk through San Francisco’s Crissy Field and lunch at The Presidio Social Club. We’d then walk over the Golden Gate Bridge to Cavallo Point for a relaxing spa experience, yoga, and dinner at Farley on their terrace, which has sweeping views of the Bay.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I began freelancing as a stylist assistant, I was fortunate to work with an established stylist who mentored me and encouraged my success. I became her key assistant and learned the ropes under her mentorship. We worked for a national client, and the styling team was also responsible for production, permitting, casting, and wardrobe. It gave me an appreciation for every team member and the detail that goes into a shoot. It was a learning experience that I will always value. Eventually, she began referring jobs to me and lost an assistant, but that selflessness is part of who she is. We are still very good friends to this day.

Website: https://www.elnidointeriors.com/about

Instagram: @elnidointeriors.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeneffer-jones-punjani-2a0754/

Image Credits
Brendan Mainini