RachaelB.

Hi guys! Jessie Here. Wanted to hop on the blog and give you guys a little update on life currently. I haven’t been on in a while so wanted to say hi and share with you all some insight into life as a new interior architect/designer living in the big city! Feeling a little like Carrie Bradshaw.. not going to lie, and I’m loving it.

Rach and I have moved down to Houston into our cute little apartment in Midtown, and are slowly but surely getting it all together. I have big plans design wise for our space, and have already started to gather several amazing pieces that I am in love with. Can’t wait to show you all more! This was super exciting for me because I had been commuting from The Woodlands to past downtown every day, and it really was a lot of unnecessary time in car. I have a lot more time now to hang out with Rach and friends, and do more things in the evenings for myself (which has been so nice). We’ve gotten to explore a little, but have so much more to see and do. If anyone has any recommendations for restaurants, bars, shows, or just fun things to do in Houston in general please feel free to comment below or direct message me! I am always looking for little” hole in the wall” spots to visit too! Also, always looking to support the local community as well- so if you have any recommendations for boutiques or stores local to Houston would love to check those out!

Work is busy, busy! Which is good. I can’t even put into words how much I have learned over the past 11 months as a full time working girl! It’s been a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I can’t believe that next month I will be saying “Happy 1 Year” to being a full time employee! I have some amazing mentors, and have made a lot of friends along the way too. Our interiors team has so many amazing and talented individuals, I feel lucky I am able to work with such awesome people- love you guys. Everyone is so supportive of one another, and we all want to see each other succeed! It is so nice to work in an environment where you co-workers are so helpful and caring. I’ve gotten to work on lots of different kinds of projects, which has been fun and enlightening. I am slowly but surely figuring out the kinds of projects I like, which is also helping me to figure out what kind of designer I want to be. I am always figuring out new things about my job and about myself, and I am happy to say that a year ago I was a totally different Jessie with totally different views on so many aspects of my life. I have changed a lot, but in all good ways. I feel a lot older, more responsible, understanding, patient, humble, and have learned to appreciate much more, all of the little things that make life wonderful. The colorful overhead LED light bridges over the US 59 highway make my 6:30 am morning drives really beautiful- yes, I am freaking tired, but hey at least I have a pretty view. I have so many plans as I begin to work towards becoming a licensed interior design, and getting my LEED certification.  With time and gained experience in the field I hope to achieve becoming a licensed designer by the time I am 24. This time next year I will be studying for my exams…how crazy is that! I am so excited for what the future holds for me in this industry- and the journey is just beginning!

Also, side note: stay tuned for my next blog post on an a fundraising/ charity event, I am excited to take part in as an interior designer, called Product Runway. Just a little FYI, “Product Runway is a fashion design competition with a twist! IIDA Houston City Center’s Product Runway, influenced by the concept of the hit realty Tv show Project Runway, is one of a handful of fashion shows of its kind in the country. Product Runway puts teams of interior designers and and architectural professionals and interior design students in a fashion competition by creating handmade garments out of standard architectural finish materials such as: glad, tile, carpet, wood. This year it is hosted at the Revention Music Center!” – Our PGAL team of 5 has come up with an amazing design, and I can’t wait to share the process, details, and much much more with you guys!

On a fun, more personal note- I just went on my first big girl vacation with my totally cool boyfriend, and all of his awesome friends, all of whom I have come to love! We traveled together to California where we went skiing and snowboarding on Big Bear Mountain for three days, and then spent the rest of the time in Newport Beach enjoying pretty California weather. Thanks to Grayson, for letting us stay at his awesome beach house- so lucky and thankful I was able to go, take a much-needed break from work, and spend time with some amazing people. I hope we get to all do something together again soon, was most definitely a vacation for the books.

Stephen and I are still doing our long-distance thing, but honestly, it’s been such a breeze because he is so easy going and chill. Probably the most chill person I know honestly, love him for itJ  For those of you guys who maybe don’t know (which may be a lot because I don’t share to much about our relationship), we started dating my senior year of college and have been together ever since. This summer will be our two-year anniversary! Time has flown by. I miss him every day, but we make it work- I travel to Oklahoma too see him everyone month or so, and we get to see each other on holidays (like this past Easter weekend)! In six short weeks he graduates from OU with his masters in accounting! Going to brag on him for a quick sec- What a freaking rock star. Not to mention he is moving back to Houston and already has a job lined up at a top accounting firm. So immensely proud of him and all his accomplishments. Can’t wait for all of our new adventures in Houston!

Anyway, that’s all I have for now! I promise to keep you guys up to date with all things design and fun! Much love for stopping by and supporting Rach and I! We love to connect with you guys, and get your feedback on topics and trends you would like us to touch on/ talk about. Don’t be shy, feel free to reach out and share with us your comments and thoughts, or just to say hi of course!

Thanks for the read, and stay tuned for more from the RubylemonGirls!

Xoxo

-J