Hey friends!  I am very happy to bring you this interview with Jennifer Hissa, founder and designer of Greater Chicago Kitchen and Bath.  Jennifer creates beautiful designs, and she truly loves what she does.

Please tell us about yourself, how long you have been in Barrington, and where you are originally from.

I am originally from Brookfield, WI, moved to Naples, FL, then to Fort Lauderdale, FL, then to Burton, OH, then to San Antonio, TX, then to Mesa, AZ and then finally to Barrington and have been living in Barrington for a little over 8 years.

Please tell us about your educational and professional background.

I have a degree in Interior Architecture and Design from The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and have my certificate as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer with the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

What makes Greater Chicago Kitchen and Bath different from other design companies?

My firm differs in that every client, big and small, is important to me. A client is never just another sale or a number. I invest a lot of time and effort to make sure that every client gets top notch attention and service throughout the run of their project, so much so that many of my past clients are now friends of mine.

What do you like best about your business, and what is the most challenging aspect of it?  What are your goals?

I love that it is my business, and I can run it as I see fit. I was once told in an annual review (while employed with another design firm) that I was “too nice” to my clients. I’m glad that I own my own business now so that I can continue to work in the manner that I see fit and can treat my clients with the kindness and respect that they deserve of me.

How often do you change your showroom displays?

I try to do a refresh about every two years. A remodel is disruptive to my space, and I always want the showroom looking its best, but it is important to stay on top of trends.

How do you find balance between work, family, and self-care?  How do you unwind?

Ha! I unwind by drawing and creating new designs for my clients. I do enjoy designing to the point that it is calming to me. My husband works at home, and I work at home when I don’t have appointments out in the field. We get to spend lots of quality time together even if some days it’s just grabbing a quick lunch together.

What are your interests outside of work?

I now have TWO dogs that I adore. I enjoy working with them and will now be taking my little guy to training classes. I also enjoy going to cultural events, usually in the city, art walks, plays, theater of all sorts, etc. My daughter is studying architecture, so we spend lots of time enjoying all that Chicago has to offer from a design and architectural perspective.

How do you start and end your day?

My day always starts with a routine with the dogs. It makes me happy to take care of them. I am not a morning person, so by the time I have dog stuff taken care of and me stuff taken care of, I am seldom out of the house before 9:00. The day usually ends with some lounging time with my husband and the dogs of course.

Where do you like to grab a bite to eat?

Current favorites are Uncle Jerry’s for pizza in Cary, Stoney River for their Ahi tuna in Deer Park and Gibsons steakhouse in the city. What an amazing view of the river from their dining room.

What is a little-known fact or talent about yourself?

I just started taking piano lessons! I played as a child but never learned how to properly play. I was feeling a need to learn something new, so I bought myself a piano and take weekly lessons in Barrington.

What is an ideal weekend?

A good mix of time with friends and family, maybe a local art show, some good dining out, time with the dogs and catching up on work stuff so I can start the week off without feeling stressed.

What are you currently reading?

I just finished Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman by Haruki Murakami. He writes in a surreal tone that I find unique and captivating.

What are a few things on your bucket list that you have done, or are yet to do?

When we lived in Texas, I was able to visit the Georgia O’Keefe museum in Santa Fe, NM. I also made it to the top of the Empire State building last spring break. It was breathtaking. I had been to NYC before but no one I had ever been with wanted to go to the top of the most amazing Art Deco building in NYC with me! I have traveled all over the world but have never been to Paris. I hope to knock that off my list maybe next year for spring break with my daughter.

What was the best advice that you regret not taking?

Not sure on this one. I have a long list of advice that I am very glad I didn’t take! My father wanted me to go to business school, to the point that I subsequently wound up taking a gap year after college. The following year I was allowed to go to art school. So glad I didn’t follow his advice.

Who has been most influential in your life?

Easy. My daughter. She is an amazing person who constantly and probably unknowingly pushes me to be the best mom, designer, and person that I can possibly be. It is very important to me to be an extraordinary role model for her.

If you could do anything different when starting your career, what would it be?

I wish I had started my own business much sooner. It seemed daunting to me for so long. But now that I am 7 years into owning my own business, I can only wish that I had taken the leap much earlier in my career.

Be sure to reach out to Jennifer for your interior design needs!