Meet Jen Stevens

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jen Stevens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Fonde Interiors was deeply connected to my journey into motherhood. After having my first child, I experienced a perspective shift that I think many parents understand – I wanted to show my daughter through example that dreams are worth pursuing, even when they feel daunting.

I had spent over ten years in high-end hospitality design and had the expertise, but like many entrepreneurs, I initially let the fear of failure hold me back. Looking at my daughter though, I realized the most valuable lesson I could teach her wasn’t about guaranteed success, but about having the courage to try.

That became the catalyst for launching Fonde Interiors. I wanted to build a business that would let me pursue my passion for transforming spaces and apply my hospitality design experience, while showing my children that with dedication and resilience, you can build something meaningful. Starting my own firm wasn’t just about advancing my career – it was about living the values I hoped to instill in her: courage, creativity, and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone to chase your dreams.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Building Fonde Interiors has taught me something really powerful – there’s no rulebook for creating a design firm, and that’s actually been freeing. Every successful entrepreneur I’ve met has had their share of ‘figuring it out’ moments, and I’ve learned to embrace that uncertainty while staying true to our core value: authenticity.

This commitment to authenticity guides everything at Fonde Interiors. We believe great design should support your lifestyle and help you be your best self, effortlessly. Drawing from my hospitality design background, we approach each space as a story, not just a visual exercise. Our first questions aren’t about color schemes or furniture – they’re about the people who’ll live in and move through these spaces.

Whether we’re working on a historic Winnetka Heights home or transforming a century-old building into a boutique hotel, we start by understanding how the space needs to function for modern life. We love preserving historic character while making thoughtful updates that enhance livability. After all, your space should fit you, not the other way around.

This philosophy extends to our community involvement too. We’re passionate about using design to make a difference, which is why find so much joy in supporting Dwell with Dignity to create dignified spaces for families in need. Currently, we’re also helping rehabilitate Oak Lawn United Methodist Church as part of the Dallas Walks the Walk project. These initiatives remind us that design can be a powerful tool for positive change in our community.

Taking the high road and standing behind our work isn’t just good business – it’s fundamental to who we are. At Fonde, honesty and authenticity are non-negotiable, both with clients and within our team. This approach has built strong client relationships and created an environment where creativity and integrity work hand in hand. As we grow, I’m excited to keep charting our own course, grateful for each client who trusts us to transform their space, and committed to making a meaningful impact in our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let me show you a different side of Dallas – beyond the glitz that everyone knows about. I’d start by taking you to some of my quiet spots: a morning walk at White Rock Lake and the Dallas Arboretum, where I often go to clear my head and find design inspiration. Then we’d grab coffee at LDU on Garland Road – it’s one of those perfect neighborhood spots that makes you forget you’re in a big city.

Dallas’s food scene is incredible, and I love mixing the hidden gems with the must-try spots. For a casual lunch, Good Friends Unpackaged or Lubbies Bagels are local favorites. For a special evening, I’d suggest starting with cocktails in the intimate cloud room at Bowen House, sharing small plates at Si Tapas in State Thomas, moving to The Charles in the Design District for dinner, and finishing with dessert at the charming Rise No. 1.

One place that really shows Dallas’s heart is Bonton Farms – an urban farm and café in South Dallas doing amazing community work. Similarly, spending a Saturday morning at Good Local Market or exploring the Dallas Farmers Market shows you how the city’s embracing local food and community connections. I love taking friends pottery shopping and wandering through Deep Ellum too.

But you know what? Some of my favorite Dallas moments are the simplest – just cooking up our farmers market finds and having dinner in the backyard with family. It might not be the typical tourist route, but these are the places and experiences that make Dallas feel like home.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The success of Fonde Interiors really stems from an incredible network of support. Growing up, I watched my parents build several successful businesses – their entrepreneurial spirit and determination showed me what’s possible with vision and hard work.

My childhood nanny was another key influence. She sparked my creative journey by teaching me to sew, bake, and garden – experiences that actually shaped many of my design sensibilities today. My path through design has been guided by so many mentors, from my professors at Pratt to experienced designers who generously shared their wisdom as I launched my own business.

But I have to give special credit to my husband, who’s been the backbone of Fonde Interiors. He’s done it all – from being my sounding board to handling deliveries, from HR consulting to stepping in as a design assistant when needed. His unwavering belief in my vision, especially during those challenging early days, has been invaluable.

While I’m proud of what we’ve built so far, I see this as just the beginning. I’m excited to keep growing and pushing creative boundaries with each project. Success truly takes a village, and I’m grateful to have such extraordinary people supporting this journey as we continue to evolve and set new goals.

Website: https://www.fondeinteriors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fondeinteriors/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FondeInteriors/