YEDaily: Jennifer Ferreira

Jennifer Ferreira has managed to find the perfect balance between a successful career and being a mother. Find out about her inspiration behind launching an interior design firm after taking a few years off work to be at home with her son in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Ferreira Design is an interior design firm. Our philosophy is to bring an enhanced reality to your space by creating an environment that is effortless and modern.

Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I took a few years off to be at home with my son, then I decided it was time to go back to work. I have always had an entrepreneurial side to me, which led to the creation of Ferreira Design. My inspiration came from my love for design.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The creative process is the most accelerating part of my day to day. When I founded my firm it never occurred to me that Ferreira Design really stands for what I’m about and losing the design process can be the most challenging part…not to mention a quest for more time. Everyday is a constant struggle.

Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
Definitely expanding Ferreira Design into a lifestyle brand.

What does success look like to you?
I absolutely love what I do but I have this whole other side to me, which is being a mother. This will always be where I strive most for success. It’s really where it’s at for me.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Definitely launching my furniture line. Each month I will be premiering new pieces from the collection on my lifestyle blog, which will be exclusively sold on line through Ferreira Design.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I don’t think you can ever achieve success unless you love what you do. Never set limits for yourself. Hard work and persistence conquer all things; and always remember when you walk through that door of opportunity, you should always reach behind you and help someone and give them the same chance that helped you succeed.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I can never say no to charity, but one that’s closest to my heart is Artbound in support of Free The Children. Since I have become a mother, I think about my son and all that he has. Naturally, Artbound caught my attention. They build sustainable infrastructure and assist underprivileged children break the cycle of poverty by building schools and improving better living conditions. 

What is Notable to you?
I’m drawn to mothers who have extremely successful careers and can still find a good balance and still have it all!

BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry, but will be converting to iPhone very soon.

How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I love to challenge and push myself and learn something new…this always keep me stay active, energetic and vibrant.

Describe your ideal retirement: how old will you be and how do you plan on spending your retirement years? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
I hope my children and family will run my company one day so I can never really retire.

What are you looking forward to most about retiring? (Sponsored by the TD Redefine Retirement Contest)
I can’t think that far but hopefully I’ll be a grandmother!

Photo credit: Tara Noelle