Our ongoing series, Champions of Design Entrepreneurship, offers a rare, intimate look into the minds of industry trailblazers, created in partnership with 24/7 Creative founder Serena Martin. Featuring interviews and first-person accounts from renowned designers, architects, artisans, and industry veterans, each story is a reflection of how they interpret what it means to be both a ‘champion’ and an ‘entrepreneur’ in our field. This tenth installation features interior designer Kathleen Jennison:

Everyone has a story that shapes their journey and mine—in hindsight—feels like it all happened by design. 

Tragically in 2006, I was involved in a car crash that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. I suffered from short-term memory issues, lost the vision in my right eye, and sustained multiple fractures. Through my recovery and enduring extensive rehabilitation I have learned how to navigate life’s transitions and to persevere– no matter what challenges life has dealt me.After the accident and the medical leave that followed, I returned to work…but the struggle was intense—and I had to admit to myself that my life wasn’t going exactly as I planned.

When my ophthalmologist told me that putting pen to paper helps retrain the brain and aids in depth perception, I enrolled in an art class at the  Art Institute of California in Sacramento.

Moving slowly but methodically, I taught myself how to drive with only one eye and I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design to complement my existing Bachelor’s Degree in Business and my CPA license.  

Through this journey, I had discovered a whole new approach to life and I knew I had two options: I could choose to either live by design—or by default. Ready to get purposeful, I re-evaluated and I explored design job options. Through documenting my experience, and eventually opening a 3,000 sq-ft retail store and design studio to support our interior design clients, called The Shoppe at KTJ Design Co, and which is located in a beautiful old candy factory in midtown Stockton.

Since we opened our doors 4.5 years ago, we have continued to offer to our Central Valley, California community, with a variety of art, decor, furniture, lighting, and window covering solutions, alongside our full service interior design services, that provide a destination for fresh ideas with wildly effective combination of analytic thinking and a creative perspective for homeowners.

Recently I embarked on taking on a second business Jenco Companies, a custom painting and concrete flooring company after my husband passed and it has admittedly been a tough road. As the owner and operator of two businesses, my life has been anything but easy. After losing my husband two years ago, I was faced with a difficult decision – whether to continue running his custom painting and concrete flooring company or to sell it off and focus solely on my interior design business.

At first, the idea of taking over another business seemed daunting. My husband had built Jenco Companies from the ground up and he had all of the systems and processes in his head. There were no manuals or training materials for me to refer to. But I knew deep down that this was something I needed to do. Not only for myself but also for my husband’s legacy.

However, as soon as I stepped into the role of owner and operator, I was faced with my first challenge – discovering that one of our long-time employees had been embezzling from the company. This was a hard pill to swallow for me as my husband had trusted this employee for over 25 years. But I knew I couldn’t let this setback stop me.  

With the help of my son and daughter-in-law, who also have experience in business management, we worked tirelessly to implement processes and systems for Jenco Companies. It wasn’t easy, but slowly we were able to weed out bad employees and create a team of talented and loyal workers.

Despite our challenges, we have had to navigate a tough economic market in the construction industry. With the housing market crash and a recession looming, it seemed like an impossible task to keep both of my businesses afloat. But I refused to give up.

Every day, take steps to streamline expenses and increase revenue for both Jenco Companies and my interior design business KJT Designs, and by persevering and navigating each of the challenges these two businesses face, we are beginning to be rewarded as our efforts are paying off.Today, I am proud to say that both of my businesses are thriving.

And while the economy may still be tough, I have learned so much through this experience as an entrepreneur. I have learned the importance of having systems and processes in place, being vigilant with employee management, and being resilient in the face of challenges. 

Taking on Jenco Companies has not only allowed me to honor my husband’s legacy, but it has also shown me that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. As an entrepreneur, I know that there will always be challenges and obstacles to overcome.

But with determination, hard work, and a strong support system, anything is possible. And for that, I am grateful for this opportunity to continue growing and learning as a business owner. So while my journey may have started with heartache and uncertainty, it has ultimately led me to a place of strength and success – both personally and professionally.