About Me 2024

My Honest Start, Stop, Start, Stop Journey in Interior Design

Welcome to my world — I’m Nicole! Let me share with you the twists and turns of my life that led me to uncover my true calling in interior design. From initial disinterest to deep passion, here’s how I navigated the complexities of life and career to help others create homes they truly love.

Early Life and Initial Discoveries

1986 — Born in Sacramento, CA — No interest in interior design yet

1991 — Moved to Caldwell, ID — Still no interest

In the mid-90s, I noticed that I loved getting my hands dirty when my family started renovating our house from top to bottom. — Interest in tools started brewing.

Late 90s — Helped my family renovate two homes and somehow escaped getting catastrophically injured. — Confidence is building.

Late 90s — Discovered the magic of yard sales and doing chores for coins. This is when I realized I could decorate my room with things I like, not just things given or bought for me. — Opinions are forming.

The late 90s — Decorated my room fearlessly like any kid in the 90s. My walls were covered in band posters, autographs from my favorite artists, glow-in-the-dark stars, and utter wall-to-wall chaos. This is when I started to learn how to put MY personality into MY space. — Preferences are developing

The Formative Years

2000 — The Sims was released as was my first real introduction to 2D and 3D Design. I spent hours perfecting my room for my fake inhabitants. Interest and confidence is starting to turn into obsession.

2001 — I discovered what Thrift Stores are began collecting Mid Century Modern furniture because I loved the look of walnut and tapered legs. I started to find and purchase my favorite style.

2005 — I moved to Boston and spent hours at Barnes & Noble in Copley Square, looking through interior design magazines and books. Occasionally, I would buy magazines and cut out furniture, colors, and patterns I liked. This was “pre Pinterest” moodboarding at its finest.

2006 — I worked as a waitress in Boston, MA, at Uno’s in Harvard Square. I shared with a friend and fellow waitress that I wanted to be an interior designer. Without hesitation she let me perform my magic on her bedroom — and within a few days, her room was complete, and I would KILL to have the photos. (Or maybe they should just die bc, honestly, it’s probably cringe compared with today’s standards)

This was my very first project, and happy client. Confidence was building.

Later that same year, a huge door opened for me, but I was too afraid to walk through it. I didn’t even realize it was a door until many years later. I was waitressing, and some people sat at my window table. I instantly recognized Patrick Duffy (a famous Boston Interior Designer) because I had seen him on TV only a few days earlier. It was a quick news broadcast about his work, and I didn’t think it would come back around.

To make a long story short, he told me to come by his office for an internship. But I never did. And it’s probably the biggest regret of my life — but — my journey would have been different, so I let it go. I don’t stay up at night thinking about it at all. Nope. Never…

Professional and Personal Growth

2007 — My son was born, and although I truly loved being a waitress, I knew it was time to get my butt in school. I considered enrolling in set design, but my inner hippy loved Environmental Science, so I let the little Fern Gully fairy in me win. After three semesters, I learned that our world is doomed and that I should just make the most of the time we have.

2009 — I relocated my partner and son to my hometown of Sacramento, CA. Que recession and the universe’s awful timing. I returned to waitressing at the Cheesecake Factory while we “figured it out.”

2012 — I was desperate to do my own thing and leave the restaurant world behind. I started making custom body jewelry, and — it took off. With the help of Etsy and my five best friends, I was able to take a tiny body jewelry company from nothing to a world-recognized body jewelry brand. It was bananas. This business was about making money, but I needed to be genuinely fulfilled. I wanted to design, but I was unsure if I could. I was scared to fail. Self-doubt was in full swing.

2015 — I was hungry for a design project and had grown out of operating from my best friend’s garage. We needed more space. So I leased a 1500sq ft building on J St in Sacramento, CA — RIP Plug Club. My husband and I transformed an outdated space into my rustic, vintage, freaky dream in just a few months! We removed walls and a bathtub, replaced the flooring, painted, and DIY’d our storage. I’ll never forget creating that space as one of the happiest accomplishments of my life. It was an absolute dream.

A Turn Towards Minimalism and Education

2017 — My two-year lease was up on Plug Club. I was turning 30 and stumbled into Minimalism through the Minimalist Documentary. I soaked up everything they had to say like a sponge. It just made sensse; Love people and use things because the opposite never works. .. Other quotes like Less is More hit home. I decided I didn’t want to contribute to consuming “things.” And that’s all I sold, things. Things for your home, body, and ego- it all felt icky — so I closed shop and never looked back.

For the next seven months, I stayed unemployed. But I didn’t stop working. I began to devour everything I could about interior design. I wanted a complete picture of what it is, what it means, and how it can help people. For seven months, I studied my butt off. I always thought college was a rip-off; anything can be taught through a plain book. I knew that if I could gather the knowledge, I could hone my skills and bring them to the world. I enrolled in the New York Institute of Design, earned certificates through Udemy & Skillshare, and read 11 books all about interior design.

This is what gave me the confidence to do what I’m doing. I know more about interiors than 80% of the world, and it’s all due to my passion and obsession. I have obsessed over this, so you don’t have to.

2018 — I moved into my dream house, and ten days later, I went on what can only be described as a Spiritual Journey. I’ll keep this short and just end there, but I found my Ikigai. I was convinced that I was put on this earth to help people love their homes.

2018 — I started Mingo Jet Ohio, an in-person design service for locals. Summer Days approached me about redesigning her Moroccan living room, and I couldn’t resist. We completed the project in just a few short days and within budget.

Expanding Horizons and Navigating Challenges

2019, COVID almost killed my dreams. We couldn’t shop in person; online orders were delayed for months, and the threat of dieing made doing in-person projects difficult. I used most of this year to “WFH” and started writing about the classes you see today.

2020 — All of a sudden, everyone and their mom was requesting my services. I was BUSY, and I completed several local residential projects.

Ambers Patio, Alicia’s Patio, Venae and Brandon’s Bedroom, Riva’s Backyard, Andreas Living room, Asher’s Patio, Summer’s Bedroom, Dave’s Bachelor Pad, Erics Bedroom, and Brittneys Bedroom.

I’m working on creating a gallery of these projects so you can see them, too!

2021 I did a name change from Mingo Jet Ohio (in-person services only to Be Happy You’re Home (online edu and in-person services). My first project was from a 3rd time returning client, Alicia. She wanted to liven up her daughter Lilly’s Bedroom. Kelly was my intern at the time and killed it! Andrea & Wayne’s also returned as clients, and we put together their bedroom. Alicia even helped on installation day for Andrea & Wayne, a true gem!

Reflection and Renewed Focus

2022 — I missed the coziness of a reliable paycheck, so I randomly applied for a job via LinkedIn at a new startup in the Video Games Industry. I put my passion aside to make money. For over a year and a half, I was swept away into the mystical world of video games.

In December of 2023, I had enough; I was no longer going to exchange my time for money when I knew I had something incredible to build waiting for me. I put in my notice and never looked back.

2024 — Present: It’s been almost six months since I left that side quest, and I’m back on the interior design train. I am 100% committed to enriching lives through design. My focus is on providing top-notch resources and support to help you transform your living spaces on a budget you can afford.

Let’s Create Together

Join our community as we delve into the art of interior design. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or a novice looking to express yourself through your environment, I’m here to guide and inspire you. Together, we’ll transform your house into a home that not only looks spectacular but feels wonderfully yours. Let’s build spaces that elevate your everyday life.

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