Women, In Their Own Words: Jamie Young

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Welcome to the latest installment of our “Women, In Their Own Words” interview series! At DesignDash, we love to spotlight talented female entrepreneurs who shape the design world with their unique perspectives and boundless creativity. This series invites each featured creative to share her thoughts, inspirations, aspirations, and business acumen with our wonderful readers. In doing so, we hope to offer readers a glimpse into the artistry and vision driving her work. 

Today, we’re delighted to introduce Jamie Young (though she truly needs no introduction)! Founder and Creative Director of Jamie Young Co., Jamie is a design industry veteran with nearly 30 years of experience creating timeless, design-driven home decor. From sourcing inspiration in unexpected places—like designer handbags—to blending artistry with business savvy, Jamie embodies creativity, resilience, and adaptability. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on the evolution of the creative industry, the challenges women still face in the business world, and the advice she’d give her younger self.

Women, In Their Own Words: Jamie Young

DesignDash: If you could listen to only one musical artist while working, who would it be and why?

Jamie Young: Red Clay Strays. They’re this great rock and roll country western band that I just love because they have a ton of soul.

DesignDash: What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve found for your work?

Jamie Young: Purses! From Judith Leber to Cult Gaia to Chloe. My love of fashion definitely blends into home design inspiration.

DesignDash: If you could collaborate with any historical figure (artist, designer, writer, etc.), who would it be and what would you create together?

Jamie Young: Oh, so many! I’d collaborate with Georgia O’Keeffe on textiles, Pablo Picasso on ceramics, and Hilma af Klint on chandeliers.

DesignDash: Do you have a must-do creative ritual or superstition before starting a project? If yes, what is it?

Jamie Young: I get in the right headspace, let go of everything else, this usually involves meditation and self-care.

DesignDash: If your creative work were a color palette, which colors would be essential?

Jamie Young: Probably all things natural—Taupe, mocha, sage green, steel blue, soft pink, soft tangerine and the naturally iridescent finishes of stones.

DesignDash: How do you manage the business side of being a creative—do you enjoy it or is it something you’ve had to grow into?

Jamie Young: I’ve always enjoyed both the business and creative sides. I think that’s what allowed me to launch this business is understanding both the financial and creative sides. Although when I got it to a certain point, I knew it was time to bring in people that knew more than I did in operations and finances.

DesignDash: If you could only use three tools or materials for the rest of your career, what would they be?

Jamie Young: My creative brain. My phone. And airplanes. Let’s be honest you can get a lot done with those three things!

DesignDash: How has your creative process evolved over the years?

Jamie Young: My process has been greatly impacted by a global accessibility to artisans and techniques. My process has also evolved to take our growing customer base into great consideration and learn what their needs are, and of course technology which has just allowed us to learn so much and grow the business.

DesignDash: What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d known when you started your business or creative career?

Jamie Young: I’m happy I didn’t get a lot of advice because I don’t think I would have started a business. People give you all the things to watch out for, and that can get in the way of taking the leap. The best advice I’d give my younger self is everything’s going to be alright.

DesignDash: Have you seen the landscape change for women in the creative industry over the years? What still needs to change?

Jamie Young: Yes, I have seen the landscape change dramatically. For women owners, CEOs and creatives. However, a lot more still needs to change.

There is a double standard in our industry, and every industry, where men can do and say things that women just can’t. The sexes are perceived very differently in creative and business positions when they both bring so much to the table.

Jamie Young: Unfortunately, the differences between us aren’t observed in the places it really counts. It’s hard, we have different physical bodies, different needs and we aren’t allowed to shut down and take a break; we have to pretend nothing happens. Even after having babies, we’re expected to keep going and never miss a beat.

Overall, the industry needs to continue to evolve and recognize the need for more compassion. There has been a lot of progress but we still have a long way to go. In the end you can’t let these challenges stop you, progress happens over time and a woman being in the industry helps change things from within.

DesignDash: How do you think being a woman has shaped your creative vision or business approach?

Jamie Young: Creative vision and my approach is so personal and I don’t know if it’s being a woman, or just being me. I’ve worked so long with my husband, who’s an artist, and brings in a balanced perspective. I believe he has brought so much to my ability to design and my vision. If anything, being a woman and a mother has allowed me to value different opinions and hear people out. I’m a woman but I love men too and I love their input. I don’t want to discount anyone’s perspective.

DesignDash: Have you recently wrapped any exciting projects, collaborations, collections, etc.? Are there any on the horizon you’d like to share?

Jamie Young: Yes! We’ve recently wrapped up a three-week trip to several countries to finalize our next collection. All I can say is that I’m so excited for where we’re going, the finishes we’re introducing and all the new products that really embrace our casual-luxury aesthetic our customers come to us for.

Thank You, Jamie!

Jamie Young’s insights remind us that creativity knows no bounds—whether it’s collaborating with artistic icons in our imagination or embracing the ever-evolving landscape of design and business. Her passion for blending artistry with strategy, staying open to inspiration, and pushing for progress in the industry is truly inspiring. As she looks ahead to her next collection, we can’t wait to see what’s next. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing your journey and wisdom with us!

Be sure to follow her (and her work) here on Instagram or here on TikTok! And explore gorgeous offerings on her stunning site here.

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