Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonnese “Jay” C..
Hi Jonnese “Jay”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has definitely been an unconventional one! By profession, I’m an attorney, but I’ve always been a creative at heart. Growing up, I was involved in just about everything related to the arts. I sang, danced, painted, and loved drawing. I actually remember spending hours drawing elaborate mini-mansions as a child. It’s funny looking back because I think my love for interior design started long before I even knew what interior design really was.
While attending Howard University, I developed an even greater appreciation for decorating and designing spaces. I was always excited to decorate my dorm rooms and apartments, and my friends would constantly compliment me on how sophisticated my spaces looked. However, at the time, I was extremely focused on attending law school. I know, right? Two completely different career paths! LOL.
I eventually attended law school and began my career as an attorney with the federal government. While I’ve enjoyed my legal career, I knew early on that I needed an outlet for my creativity. I would even complain to my parents and friends that law school was stifling my creative side. Thankfully, my career provided me with the opportunity and flexibility to explore some of my other interests.
Fast forward a few years to when I purchased my first home. Initially, I considered hiring an interior designer, but then I thought, why not do it myself? I began teaching myself design software, creating floor plans, and developing designs for my home. Before I knew it, friends were asking me to help decorate their spaces. So, in September 2018, I took a leap of faith and officially launched Jay C. Lynn Interior Designs.
What started as a creative outlet has grown into a boutique interior design business that has allowed me to work with some amazing clients and continue developing my skills. Over the years, I’ve invested in my design education, expanded my services, and learned so much about running a business. One of the things I love most about interior design is taking someone’s ideas, sometimes ideas they can’t quite articulate themselves, and turning them into something they never imagined.
In addition to practicing law and running my business, I’ve also spent the past decade serving as the founder and creative director of the Oxon Hill High School X-Factor Dance Team. Dance has always been one of my first loves, and mentoring young people has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Between all of these responsibilities, I clearly haven’t figured out how to sit still!
Over the past few years, I’ve also experienced some significant life changes that have caused me to think more intentionally about my purpose and the legacy I want to create. Losing my mother unexpectedly in 2022 was certainly one of those defining moments. She was my biggest supporter, and her influence continues to inspire so much of what I do.
Today, I’m still balancing my legal career with my passion for design, but my vision has definitely evolved. I’ve become increasingly interested in exploring how I can use my creativity on a larger scale. I’m actually working on a few things behind the scenes that I’m really excited about, including something that brings together my love for interior design, beautiful spaces, and creating memorable experiences.
I guess you could say I’m still that little girl drawing mini-mansions, except now I’m finding ways to bring some of those ideas to life!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! I think anyone who has started a business, particularly while working a full-time job, will tell you that entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of challenges.
Initially, one of my biggest struggles was overcoming the fear that I wasn’t qualified to enter the interior design industry. After all, I have an undergraduate degree in Legal Communications and a law degree. Nothing about that necessarily screams interior designer! Although I’ve always been naturally creative, I quickly realized that having a passion for something and turning that passion into a successful business are two completely different things.
I had to invest in myself, pursue additional design education, learn new software, and develop the business side of my creativity. And I’m still learning! One thing I’ve realized is that you don’t have to follow a traditional path to be successful, but you absolutely have to be willing to put in the work.
Another challenge has been learning how to balance everything. Between practicing law, managing design projects, mentoring my dancers, and maintaining some sort of personal life, my schedule can get pretty hectic. I’m also somewhat of a perfectionist, so I’ve had to learn that I can’t do everything myself. Learning when to delegate, when to say no, and, most importantly, when to rest has been an ongoing process.
However, my greatest personal challenge was unexpectedly losing my mother in January 2022. She was my biggest cheerleader, and losing her while trying to manage all of my responsibilities was incredibly difficult. Grief is something you never really prepare for, and I’ve learned that it doesn’t necessarily operate on your schedule. There were days when I had absolutely no motivation, but I still had responsibilities and commitments. That experience taught me a lot about resilience, but it also taught me the importance of giving myself grace.
More recently, I’ve learned that growing as an entrepreneur sometimes means being willing to step outside of your comfort zone all over again. As I’ve started exploring some bigger ideas and opportunities, I’ve encountered new challenges that have required an entirely different level of planning, patience, and financial discipline. I’m naturally someone who gets excited about an idea and immediately wants to figure out how to make it happen. Unfortunately, I’ve learned that just because you’ve done your research, created a plan, and put in the work doesn’t mean everything will unfold the way you envisioned. And that can be frustrating!
But I will say that my faith has played a tremendous role in helping me navigate those moments. I’m learning that sometimes a closed door is simply redirection, even when I don’t understand it at the time. I’m also learning that I don’t have to pursue every opportunity just because it’s available.
Ultimately, I’m proud of how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally. I still have some pretty big dreams, and while I know the road ahead won’t necessarily be easy, I’m genuinely excited about what’s next. I just have to remind myself that everything doesn’t have to happen on MY timeline.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Absolutely! I’m the owner and lead interior stylist of Jay C. Lynn Interior Designs, a boutique interior design firm based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We specialize in creating sophisticated, modern spaces that balance luxury, comfort, and functionality. Although I certainly have my own design preferences (give me a beautiful modern space with some luxurious finishes, and I’m happy!), I believe great design should ultimately reflect the personality, lifestyle, and needs of the person using the space.
Since launching my business in 2018, I’ve had the opportunity to work with clients across the country on both residential and commercial projects. Our services have expanded quite a bit over the years. We offer everything from virtual interior design and realistic 3D renderings to full-service residential and commercial design. That includes space planning, furniture and finish selections, sourcing and procurement, and coordinating with contractors to bring everything together.
One service I’m particularly fond of is our virtual design package because it allows me to work with clients regardless of their location. Clients receive a realistic 3D rendering of their space, floor plans, curated shopping lists, and styling recommendations that help them execute the design themselves. I’m a very visual person, so I love being able to show someone what their space could look like before they start spending money on furniture and renovations. It also provides a great option for clients who want professional design guidance but prefer to handle the actual installation themselves.
I’ve also really enjoyed expanding into commercial design. It’s a different experience because you’re not just designing a beautiful space. You’re considering how a business operates, how customers or employees will interact with the environment, and how the overall design represents the company’s brand. I enjoy that challenge because it allows me to combine my creativity with the analytical and problem solving skills I’ve developed throughout my professional career.
As far as my design style, I naturally gravitate toward modern, contemporary interiors with timeless elements. I love beautiful lighting, interesting textures, statement pieces, and those little details that can completely transform a room. However, I never want my clients’ homes or businesses to look like extensions of my own personal taste. My goal is to understand what THEY love and then elevate their vision, sometimes in ways they hadn’t even considered.
I think one thing that sets me apart is that I’m equally invested in the creative process and the practical details. I can envision an entire room and how everything should come together, but I’m also thinking about measurements, budgets, functionality, and whether the design actually makes sense for my client. A gorgeous room means very little if you can’t comfortably live or work in it!
I’m also very intentional about the relationships I build with my clients. Interior design can be a significant financial investment, and I don’t take it lightly when someone trusts me with their home or business. I want them to feel heard, comfortable expressing their opinions, and genuinely excited throughout the process. And trust me, sometimes that means having a very honest conversation about what we can realistically accomplish within a particular budget!
What am I most proud of? Honestly, it’s the relationships I’ve developed and knowing that people have trusted me to transform spaces that are important to them. There’s nothing quite like a client seeing their completed space and being genuinely excited about the results. I love receiving those messages and photographs after a project is complete, especially when clients tell me how much they’re enjoying their new environment. That is incredibly rewarding.
I’m also proud of how much the business has evolved. What began primarily with virtual styling and residential projects has grown into opportunities to work on larger and more complex spaces. And interestingly enough, some of those experiences have inspired me to think even bigger about the types of environments I’d eventually like to create.
I won’t give away too much just yet, but I’m definitely exploring some exciting possibilities!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
As a Maryland native, I’m probably a little biased, but I genuinely love the DMV! I grew up in Maryland, attended school here, went on to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., and have spent much of my professional and personal life in this area. So, the DMV will always have a special place in my heart.
What I love most is the diversity. We’re surrounded by so many different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and I think that’s what makes this area so unique. Between the incredible food scene, museums, historical landmarks, entertainment, and cultural events, there’s always something to do. I also appreciate that we’re surrounded by so much Black excellence, entrepreneurship, and creativity. There’s something inspiring about being in an area where you’re constantly exposed to ambitious and talented people doing amazing things.
From a creative standpoint, I also love the variety of architecture and design throughout the metropolitan area. You can go from the beautiful historic homes in D.C. to modern developments in Maryland and Northern Virginia, and each community has its own character. As an interior designer, I’m constantly finding inspiration in different neighborhoods, restaurants, hotels, and other beautifully designed spaces.
Beyond that, I love the sense of community. Having spent the past decade mentoring young dancers at Oxon Hill High School, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with so many wonderful families and young people. It’s been particularly rewarding to watch some of my former dancers graduate, attend college, and pursue their own careers. Those relationships have made me appreciate my community even more.
Now, what do I like least? THE TRAFFIC! LOL. I don’t think I even need to elaborate on that one. Anyone who lives in the DMV understands that a trip that should take 20 minutes can easily turn into an hour. And don’t get me started on the Beltway!
On a more serious note, the cost of living and doing business in this area can be pretty challenging. While I appreciate the tremendous opportunities available here, I also recognize that it can be difficult for small business owners and young professionals to establish themselves. As someone who is always exploring new business opportunities, I’ve experienced firsthand how expensive and competitive the commercial real estate market can be. I would love to see more accessible opportunities and resources for local entrepreneurs who want to invest in and contribute to our communities.
Nevertheless, there’s truly no place like home. The DMV has played such an important role in shaping who I am, both personally and professionally, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to its continued growth in new and creative ways.
Pricing:
- Typically, my e-design packages start at $800.00 per room.
- For residential and commercial full-service design, pricing typically is based off project scope and square footage of the space to be designed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jayclynninteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayclynninteriors/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayclynninteriors/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jayclynninteriors
