Conversations with Jeanine Yancy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanine Yancy

Hi Jeanine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have worked with contractors and homeowners designing and managing remodels for over 15 years and have many happy clients that keep calling me back for the next project.

I have always found it interesting how different each home is ever since I was a kid . When we would go to a new person’s house I would ask for a tour out of curiosity and think about what I liked or what I would do differently. I took AutoCAD class in high school where I began learning how to read, draw and render house plans. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design in 2008 and have been designing and managing kitchen and bathroom remodels for homeowners and builders ever since. In 2022 a friend of mine from college asked me to help him design his new home and I jumped at the chance! It’s been such a fun experience and I would like to do more of it to continue expanding my knowledge of all aspects of design and continually hone in my process to make the experience as easy as possible for every client.

I always wanted to start my own business but it’s a scary idea and I worked about an hour from home for the first few years so it didn’t make sense. Once I was able to to develop client and contractor relationships closer to home, and people were asking me for additional help outside of kitchen and bath design then I knew I could take the leap. I’ve had a lot to learn on the business end of things, but God has provided the business and growth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, there was a lot I didn’t know when I made the leap. If I had known, I would have hired a bookkeeper and accountant right away, hired a business coach, created a business plan, set goals, and developed all the processes and business documentation before I was too busy keeping up with the clients and sales to make time for these extra things. It’s been harder not to work too much. I have a family that I need to make time for, but the business weighed heavily on my conscience at first because I was scared of not making enough to provide for my family. It’s stressful when it’s all up to you. Hiring help that sticks has been a challenge as well. I’m on my third assistant in a year and half. Working for a new business is different than being hired into a company like most of us are used to. It’s not as streamlined and we’re learning together so I think that has something to do with it.
Since I’ve gone on my own I’ve more opportunities for larger projects as well where the client wanted to remodel the entire main floor instead of just one or two rooms. These flow a little differently, I didn’t have a reference to give a very accurate verbal estimate, and there is a lot more to keep track of. Honestly, I was not good at it at first and I lost the first 3 opportunities I had. Each time I leaner something and developed a better process and sense of cost and we just start our first $200k project this January!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in kitchen and bath design and remodeling or really any design that involves cabinets. I have a Cabinetry Specialty Badge from the NKBA and have been a member of the NKBA for over 10 years. I’ve won multiple awards for my designs and was honored as an Innovator by KBDN magazine in 2022. I hosted a couple of NKBA webinars and spoke at the Novi Home Show one year. I think what sets me apart is I’m hands-on and prioritize the function of the space. I visit the job site regularly to head off issues and make sure all questions get answered (because there are always questions that come up in person that they probably wouldn’t have called or emailed about), and this maintains better client/contractor/designer relationships. We are a team; the project does not rely on just one party. When I worked for larger showrooms, the countertop vendors and contractors often made comments that I visited the job site more than other designers.
I also really want to make the space functional for the client so that the space is more enjoyable for them to use in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. I’m always thinking about how I can do better at this.
I also enjoy sharing all I’ve learned over the years with the next generation of designers and helping them get where they want to go. I’ve trained six employees at my previous places of employment on design, sales, process, etc. Now as an independent designer, I get to help students with internships and job shadowing. I have 6 students jobs shadowing at different appoints this quarter!

What’s next?
I am in the process of rebranding to Yancy Kitchen & Bath Design and I’m getting a showroom set up. We should hit 1mil in sales this year! For the long term, I am still figuring this out. I hope to continue to grow and learn and become more involved in my community. I’d like to get involved in the local chamber, NKBA chapter leadership, get involved in non-profit home services, and become the local kitchen and bath expert, but I’m pacing myself. My three young kids need that time first. As they get older and more independent I will add these responsibilities in. This year

Pricing:

• In-home design consultation is $300
• Design & Estimate package is $1500
• Hourly design services are $150/hour
• Remodel pricing is based on the project scope of work

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yancyinteriordesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yancyinteriordesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yancyinteriordesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanine-yancy-caps-35a05994/
• Other: https://kb.nkba.org/profile/jeanine-yancy