Meet Leigh Jendrusina | Founder + Principal Designer

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

Hi Leigh, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always loved design – but I didn’t start out knowing I wanted to be an interior designer. I worked alongside creatives for about 10 years in various corporate marketing and brand roles and after taking a short break following the birth of my second son, I did a little soul searching to figure out my next move. I was ready to be the creative, versus helping to facilitate the creative. Following a major personal home remodel and moving slightly out of the “baby struggle phase”, I decided to go all-in on design and started my interiors studio, SALTHOUSE collective.

Let me tell you – creative careers are TOUGH! But I LOVE every minute of it. Working in this industry isn’t for the faint of heart and you yo-yo in and out of having imposter syndrome on the daily. But generally it has been such a beautiful and fulfilling job for me – and not just because the finished product for my clients is something beautiful. I’ve found such joy in working with my clients to bring beauty into their homes and make them fall in love with their spaces. I’ve met so many amazing creatives – artists, photographers, other designers, vendors – who keep me inspired and push me to try new things and continue to evolve my craft every day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
SALTHOUSE collective is a boutique interior design studio based in Carlsbad, CA. I have a laid-back California aesthetic – which to me is a little bohemian, a little modern, a little scandinavian and super layered and collected. I like to play with patterns, tile layouts, funky art, to ensure that the space I’m designing is fresh and representative of the person who inhabits it. While elements of what I design are timeless, I’m not designing timeless spaces. I want the spaces to tell a story with a big of funk and interest to them, while being laid back and approachable for families to enjoy.

I’m so proud of the work I’ve done since starting my business in late 2019 – I’ve completed a new build, a couple major to-the-studs remodels, big furnishing/decor projects, a number of kitchens/bathrooms and even a retro-boutique hotel. I’m really driven to create and evolve as a designer. I get bored easily and don’t want to do the same things twice and I’m so thankful to have had a good variety of projects to date.

Growing an interior design business – specifically in the current boom – hasn’t been easy. Determining how many projects you can handle at once, dealing with never-ending delays in materials/products/permits which extend a project far past expected completion dates, figuring out the best way to structure your business from a compensation standpoint, etc. It’s been a major learning experience. I’d say the business part of running my studio is much more difficult than the creative side. It’s not all about pretty tiles and fun rugs…and there is a lot to learn about how to make sure you are running a business versus enjoying a hobby. I definitely shifted my mindset more in 2021 and now into 2022 to ensure I’m running my studio from more of a business standpoint. I think it’s hard for creatives to charge what they think they’re worth because so much of creative is subjective, and we’re always wondering if what we’re putting out there is “good”, but I feel much more confident with so many more projects under my belt that I know my style and know my value for clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a San Diego kid to the max – I live at the beach, love all of our amazing local San Diego Mexican foods, and never take our perfect weather for granted. I was born and raised in Carlsbad, CA (North County) and then spent my college years/early twenties in a few of the San Diego beach cities before leaving for Seattle for my husband’s job. Eight years + 2 boys later, we made our way back to Carlsbad, where we live today.

The best beaches in San Diego are in North County – Carlsbad (obviously the best ones!), Encinitas, Oceanside have great spots too. My favorite taco shop is Pollos Maria, but the best carnitas burrito is at Lola’s. I’m a total foodie now – which started after living in Seattle – and we finally have some. good options in North County. Jeune et Jolie, The Waverly, Dija Mara and Carte Blanche are some of my faves. Torrey Pines Reserve is forever one of my favorite hike/walks and I always love a good visit to La Jolla Cove. I went to UCSD so it’s a bit nostalgic, but the views of the coastline from the La Jolla cove are pretty epic. The best part of visiting San Diego is the weather and the beaches. So as long as your near the beach, you’ll enjoy it here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband and my first couple of construction clients are 100% responsible for getting me + SALTHOUSE collective to where it is today. My husband has been the most supportive in allowing me to navigate a creative business and he totally handles my non-stop panic moments about whether the tile or the cabinetry (or you name it!) is, in fact, going to turn out like it looks in my mind! My first few construction clients – they know who they are – took major risks hiring me and putting their money and trust in me. I’m so thankful for them because they allowed me the experience + portfolio building opportunities to show current clients my style as a designer.

Website: www.salthousecollective.com

Instagram: @salthousecollective

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighmjendrusina/

Image Credits
Charlotte Lea Photography for all photos.