Meet Miranda Jones | Miranda Jones, co founder Galanter & Jones

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

Hi Miranda, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My brother (and co-founder) and I grew up in Montana and then on a small island in Greece. So much of our life was centered on being together outdoors and enjoying nature. Hanging out at the river or the beach, eating outdoors and staying there well past dark. That value followed us into business; our furniture is designed to keep people comfortable outdoors so that they can spend more time there, together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After being pretty burned out after in operations at a film non profit for years I knew that I wanted to do something more creative which led me to launching my own floral design business. I knew next to nothing but it felt great to make beautiful things. It was pretty lonely though so when I heard about the style editor job at Sunset magazine, I knew I wanted it, For the first time in my life it felt like a job had been designed with me in mind; aesthetics, small teams, photography, interior design, marketplace, magazines and travel. I mean….come on! I loved it so much and learned an incredible amount from the creative directors, the photographers and photo editors. My years there helped me ‘see’ in a new way and I’ll always be grateful for that time. After a while though, it was clear there was no where to go and most of my team had been laid off. I was offered a ‘faux-motion’ (a new title, more responsibility and no more money) and new it was time to leave. I took the leap from print to digital and it was a totally new ballgame; one I didn’t like very much. Meanwhile, my brother Aaron had invented a new product and company (heated furniture!) that I was helping with behind the scenes. Eventually I quit my job and joined him and we started Galanter & Jones. My knowledge from being in editorial was so helpful during the first few years (and continues to be!). I feel like it’s really ok not to be on a ‘path’; everything you do ends up being experience and somehow helpful. I have learned from every job I’ve ever had and they all help me in my life and in my career. One thing I would really like everyone to have to do is food service. I worked front and back of the house for years and it’s hard, humbling, important and satisfying. Everyone should do it at least for a little while.

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.
I’m just gonna make a list bc that is so hard! A very incomplete list!

Big Sur – we are going to stay at Dtjeens and drive highway one and look at the gorgeous coast! Of course we will eat at Dtjeens and probably Nepenthe just for the view.

I used to live in SF and now live in Oakland and going out to eat is one of my favorite pastimes. There are so many wonderful places that are classics that I go to again and again (Chez Panisse, Zuni, Delfina, Swan’s, Pizzaiolo) and then new places (Bombera, Che Fico, Snail Bar, Juanetta & Maude’s) and of course all the other place that I just love (we are going to be so full!) like Poppy’s Bagels, Fava, Comal etc)

If someone great is playing at The Greek we will go to a concert because it is just a magical place to see music. One of the best venues I’ve ever been to! I love sitting in the amphitheater, watching the fog roll over SF.

We will of course drive up to Pt Reyes and then stay a few nights in Inverness and the probably go farther north to our place in Forestville. Lots of great local wine to taste around there like Ryme (maybe we will drink it with pizza from Sonoma Pizza Co!)
Hiking in Armstrong Woods in Guernville is one of the best kept secrets in the bay – it’s like Muir Woods without the crowds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I rely on my friends so much, not sure I could do it without them! Many of them are also small business owners and know what it’s like to work for yourself (spoiler; it’s hard!) Being able to run things by them, tell them how I’m REALLY doing or reminding them that they are doing a great job is huge. Working for yourself can be isolating and community is key.

Website: www.galanterandjones.com

Instagram: @galanterjones

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirandajones2/

Image Credits
Laure Joliet Caitlin Beyer