Today we welcome Jenny Slingerland, Founder & Principal Designer of Black Ink Interiors based in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode, Jenny shares her unique journey into design, from working as a labor and delivery nurse to launching her own thriving interior design firm. We dive into her transition from healthcare to homebuilding, the pivotal moments that shaped her business, and how her greatest weakness—understanding the financials—evolved into her biggest strength. Jenny's story is a testament to the power of surrounding yourself with experts, staying curious, and building a business that supports your personal values and family goals.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

• Jenny’s path from nursing to interior design, and how she paid her way through design school by delivering babies.
• How working for top custom home builders gave her a strong foundation in construction and technical design.
• The importance of asking “why” on job sites and the impact of curiosity on professional growth.
• Why Jenny and her husband decided to team up in business and how his financial and construction background supports their success.
• How COVID prompted a re-evaluation of business goals and led to a lifestyle-driven pivot in her firm’s structure.
• Jenny’s transformation from financially overwhelmed to financially empowered through business coaching and “Finance Fridays.”
• The critical role of time tracking in profitability and project efficiency.
• Her advice on establishing systems and processes before growing your team.

NOTABLE QUOTES

• “You can be the most talented designer in the world and your business can fail because you're not watching your numbers.”
• “We all have our zones of genius. Hire the people that you specifically need.”
• “Just because you know your business is doing great doesn't mean that something doesn't come up—you have to keep learning.”
• “Success is no longer about crazy financial goals. It’s about supporting my family and creating a lifestyle we love.”

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

• Black Ink Interiors Website
• Black Ink Interiors Instagram
• Michelle Williams (Business Coach): Scarlet Thread Consulting
• Time Tracking Tool: Timely App
• Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

SPONSOR LINKS

• Design Manager
• Daniel House Club
• Hooker Furnishings