Growing up, I always believed it was only the grown up’s – the real grown up’s – that got to do what they wanted. We had this idea from our grandparents that great careers came only once in life, later, and that the super successful somehow, and eventually, meandered their way into the job of their dreams after waiting years on end. You did what you had to, until you finally got to do what you wanted to.
At 25, I see the generational shift and the aspirations of young people today; especially in the case of 23-year-old interior stylist and Nook & Sea design contributor, Jessica Packard. Even our introduction was nothing short of creative. At a paint and wine event just last spring, we sipped away the chardonnay and, laughing like trouble-making middle school kids, did our best to imitate the professional artist at the front of the room. She said she liked my sweater. I shared my obsession with West Elm. And from there, we hit it off like long lost pals.
Recently featured at The Everygirl, Jessica studied interior design at Oklahoma State University and landed a highly-coveted stint with HGTV Design Star winner, Emily Henderson, on her series, Secrets from a Stylist, after relocating to California. As if that wasn’t cool enough, she co-founded With Love, Design with a team of former colleagues and friends, and was promoted to the position of Home Stylist for West Elm in San Diego. Recently engaged and ever thrilled to continue on the road to happiness and overwhelming success, Jessica’s raw talent, spunky personality and eye for design make her one of a kind – and one heck of a grown up.
To see more of Jessica, visit her blog, Oh I Design, and see her posts here at Nook & Sea.
Photos courtesy of The Everygirl
