Meet Jessica Santos | Interior Designer & Visual 3D Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
2020 was a year I will never forget, and it still pains me when I think about it. I lost my most precious gift, my mother, graduated college and lost my job due to Covid-19, in that order. My mother passed away two months before completing my degree, so it was a struggle just making it to the end, but I did! Two months later the firm I worked for had to let some people go and I was one of those people. I saw my life ending right before my eyes and didn’t know how I was going to push through this storm even though I pushed through many other storms. This one felt different, and I couldn’t let my two boys down by giving up. I felt as if no one recognized my creative abilities and needed to prove to myself that I am valued and can make a difference. I stepped out on faith and started JSIA3D (Jessica Santos Interior Architectural 3D). Although I am still not where I want to be as a company, I know it takes time to build, I am blessed to have completed projects around the Atlanta and surrounding areas and was finally being noticed. I must say, it’s been very overwhelming especially when I am only one person doing the job of many. I love design and I love creating spaces that my clients will love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up I had a very dark life. I endured trauma as a child that you really only see on tv. I never imagined everything I dreamt about or wanted to become is happening in my life today. It definitely wasn’t easy, especially when the decisions I was making was leading to destruction. I didn’t want that for my life, and I didn’t want my kids to have to struggle with that life and endure the pain I had been through. At 22 I started creating content for a virtual site called IMVU and I created a virtual life of things I dreamed of having. I learned everything on my own, creating clothing for avatars, 3D rooms, Jewlery, owning a business etc. I would spend hours designing. After 5 years I knew I had to do something else, and I realized I loved 3D modeling and designing homes. I started researching careers that involved this kind of work and what I needed to do to begin this journey. As a child I was always fascinated with buildings. I wondered what the thought process was when designing certain ones. I was also scared to go to school because I didn’t want to fail. I didn’t think I would be smart enough to actually complete college in the field of architecture because I was never great at math. I put my fears to the side and jumped out and started my journey to becoming an architectural designer. It was the best decision of my life and I thank God for the obstacles I had to overcome because it made me the person I am today. Someone once told me that in life, we have to go through trials and tribulation to build character and this statement has always kept me moving forward with my goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 we would start by having brunch at T’s Brunch Bar which is a new spot I haven’t had a chance to visit in ATL. Then we would walk the beltline and enjoy the art around us and see what events were in the area. After a day of fun, we would probably go back to the house and relax and catch up on more talk before having dinner at Fogo De Chao and enjoying some great food and cocktails.

Day 2-4 We would again start our day with breakfast before going to Blue Ridge Mountains for 3 days of sightseeing and maybe some hiking enjoying life.

Day 5-7 We would go do some shopping, catch a movie or two, see what community events are taken place in the city and visit a couple of inspiring art galleries and museums. My favorite art gallery today is Saville Studios. She is such a great artist, and her work is so inspiring and touches your soul.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to send a special thanks to my mother Elizabeth Santos who always encouraged, loved, provided, and supported me through my ups and downs. She deserved more than I was able to give her while she was here. All she ever wanted before she passed was to see me succeed in life, in my career, and to be able to provide for my children. I dedicate my life, story, company and sucess to her name and memory. I would also like to thank my immediate family for holding on to me, loving me and believing that I was worth more than what I thought I was. They are the true MVPs to my success.

Website: https://jsia3d.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jsia3d/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-m-santos/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JSIA3D

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVS5fxX_LhVyzzAOqKHGxYg

Image Credits
Images: JSIA3D