Check Out Jessica Bandstra’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bandstra.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been a designer all of my life. From a young age, I remember painting and rearranging my bedrooms. A skill I most certainly got from my mother. My mother was a single mom who raised my sister (born with cerebral palsy) and me. She is a strong, Southern mama who taught us how to navigate life with grace and grit.

Born in Texas, I moved a lot growing up. No matter our house, my mother made sure it felt like home. From the sights to the smells, she created joy and beauty all around us. To me, this is the epitome of good interior design.

As a Southerner, I want people to feel welcome in my home. I go the extra mile to make my home and client’s homes feel hospitable – almost like the home is wrapping you in a big hug – all the while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic. This is how I approach interior design. Having a beautiful home is not about being ostentatious. It is about creating a haven where friends and family can gather, celebrate, rest and recharge as we go through life with one another.

My business is inspired by my family and the strong women around me. My husband was the one who nudged me to follow my passion and become a professional interior designer. After a 22-year career as a flight attendant, I decided to open the doors at Dogwood Proper. My grandmother, Peggy Jean, inspired the name Dogwood Proper. She was beautiful and proper and didn’t take herself too seriously.

My Nashville interior design business continues to amaze me, and I feel so fortunate to have the success I have had. Having renovated several homes over the years and helped family and friends refresh their residences, Dogwood Proper was officially born in 2020. My background in customer service has prepared me to achieve exceptional client service in my business – just as a home should feel hospitable and approachable, so is my business. My job is to make clients feel comfortable throughout the design process. Just like when you are flying in the air, there may be turbulence throughout the construction and design process, but it is my job to navigate you through it – making you enjoy the journey as we prepare for the beautiful destination ahead.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
The hardest part is knowing where to begin. Starting your own business can be overwhelming and daunting. Still, I am a figure-it-out type of person, so I leaned into my instincts, community, and network to overcome the challenges of starting a business. I will tell you that running a business is a humbling experience. I learn something new every day and spend countless hours growing and listening. It’s rewarding. It’s exhausting. It’s exactly where I want to be.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I pride myself on designing the versatile interior for clients in Nashville and surrounding areas. All my designs are timeless and welcoming, rooted in Southern charm, nostalgia, and classic style. I design around my clients’ lifestyles and personal preferences where no home is similar. View a portfolio of my interior designs on Instagram @dogwoodrpoperdesigns or by visiting my website at dogwoodproper.com.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
Don’t wait. Don’t wait to be perfect. Figure it out as you go. You will never know everything, but the experience will teach you. Don’t just be a bystander. If you have a dream in your heart, go for it.

Contact Info:

• Website: Dogwoodproper.com
• Instagram: @dogwoodproperdesigns

Image Credits
Mary Craven Photography