Embracing Opportunity: The Journey of Military Spouse Justine Lafond
In the world of interior design and entrepreneurship, Justine Lafond shines not only for her creative talent but also for her resilience and determination as a military spouse. Her journey is a testament to seizing opportunities and pursuing passions against all odds.
Early Years and Career Beginnings
Justine Lafond’s story began in Upstate New York before her family settled in Dallas, Texas, where her love for design took root early on.
Initially driven by a childhood dream to design spaces that inspire and resonate with people, Justine Lafond embarked on her educational journey focusing on interior design. However, after two years, she made a significant decision to switch her major to business. This transition occurred amidst the challenges of the 2008 recession, a pivotal moment that would later prove instrumental in her entrepreneurial pursuits.
Her career path led her through diverse roles, from a sales associate at a prestigious Dallas furniture store to invaluable experiences at Luxe Interiors + Design magazine. She honed her skills further in luxury stone, tile, and custom upholstery, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate art of home design.
Military Life
Justine’s connection to the military began through her grandfathers’ service and was later intensified by her brother’s decision to join the Marine Reserves, later transitioning to active duty in the Army. Witnessing the complexities and challenges of military life through her brother’s journey initially made Justine more than hesitant about military relationships.
She remembers telling herself “I’ll never date someone in the military”. However, fate had other plans when she met her husband—a military service member—leading to a love story that spans across distances and challenges, now encompassing five years of marriage and a joyful four-year-old daughter.
Founding a Business in Florida
The turning point in Justine’s career unfolded with a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move to Florida, where she identified a significant gap in the local market for high-quality interior design services. Motivated by her entrepreneurial spirit and armed with years of experience gained in Dallas, Justine took the bold step of establishing her own interior design business—Jaunty J Interiors.
Launching a business in a new location posed challenges, from building a client base to navigating the local market dynamics. However, Justine’s determination and expertise quickly positioned her as a leading designer in the Florida Panhandle. Her designs are renowned for seamlessly blending functionality with elegant aesthetics, tailored to withstand the unique demands of Florida’s humid and sandy climate.
My mission is to create livable and lively homes. “We live in a humid, sandy, wet environment and you need a home that can stand up to that, while feeling like a daily retreat for yourself and your family.” She adds “I want people’s homes to tell the story of their lives and travels, and create spaces for them to make memories and entertain loved ones.”
Balancing Career and Family Life
As a military spouse and a dedicated mother, Justine navigates the complexities of balancing her career aspirations with the demands of family life. She understands firsthand the unpredictability of military deployments, the challenges of frequent relocations, and the absence of nearby family support.
Despite these challenges, Justine remains steadfast in her commitment to her family and her career. Her “why” is clear—to create stability and a fulfilling life for her husband and daughter while pursuing her passion for design and entrepreneurship. This drive fuels her entrepreneurial spirit and inspires her to push boundaries and create exceptional living spaces that tell stories and evoke emotions.
Inspiring Others
Justine Lafond’s journey serves as a beacon of inspiration to fellow military spouses and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Her advice is rooted in personal experience: embrace challenges as opportunities, leverage technology and community connections, and never lose sight of your dreams.
She encourages others to discover their own “why” and harness it as a guiding force in their pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. Justine’s story underscores the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the face of adversity, offering valuable insights into how passion, perseverance, and purpose can lead to remarkable achievements.
Her advice- Take advantage of the market that you are in and find a window of opportunity. Get out in your community and meet people! Talk about your business and meet anyone that you can. Give yourself the best chance possible to chase after your goals.
A Reminder to Seize the Opportunity
Justine Lafond’s journey from a determined visionary in Texas to a respected business owner in Florida epitomizes the transformative power of following one’s passion and seizing opportunities, no matter the circumstances. Her story resonates with anyone navigating career transitions, pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, or seeking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
As Justine continues to shape homes and lives through her innovative design solutions, she embodies the spirit of resilience and determination that defines military spouses worldwide. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with vision, courage, and a supportive community, anyone can turn challenges into triumphs and aspirations into reality.
Follow Justine’s inspiring journey as she continues to redefine the standards of interior design in Florida and beyond, creating spaces that not only reflect beauty but also enhance daily living for her clients.
