Jewel Toned Interiors

At the beginning of my internship with Jewel Toned Interiors, I came in with an eagerness to learn and little idea of what to expect. Now, as I reflect on the past three months and the experiences I’ve had, I leave with a sense of fulfillment and a more holistic understanding of design and all its facets.

Though my first day began with gloomy skies and pouring rain, I arrived half-soaked and was greeted by one of the Gems, Karissa, who brushed off the weather with a joke and confirmed I was in the right place. As we stepped into the office, I was welcomed warmly by the rest of the team and settled into the desk that would become mine for the summer.

I quickly became familiar with JTI’s high standards of professionalism and excellence through thoughtful training sessions with the COO, Jaclyn, and designers Suzette, Cindy, and Karissa. They guided me through each phase of the design process, providing helpful tools along the way and assigning my first set of responsibilities. I'm incredibly grateful to have supported a wide range of projects, from multifamily to workplace, and at various stages of development. From preparing presentations and participating in material selections to giving feedback on renderings, attending Client meetings, and witnessing design intent come to life at on-site installations, I was able to both apply what I’ve learned at the University of Florida and grow in entirely new ways, both personally and professionally.

With her eagerness to share her passions for design, marketing, and leadership, one of the most impactful parts of this experience was the opportunity to learn from JTI’s CEO, Joy, I have enjoyed exploring different avenues of design through creating social media content, growing a deeper appreciation for branding and communication that is so important to design through her support and guidance.

Most memorably, I was invited to participate in JTI’s third quarterly meeting, a full day of collaboration, open dialogue, and commitment to the firm’s core values. It was a powerful experience that completely shifted my perspective on what it means to be part of a team and the impact that strong, intentional leadership can have.

As my internship comes to a close, I leave with a renewed excitement for design and greater confidence in my ability to approach challenges with curiosity, clarity, and purpose. Thank you, Gems, for your support and this meaningful and memorable summer!

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