There are many components, facets and intricacies in all of us… Here are some random questions to help you get to know me.

Name: Jacqueline Lesley Butler. Family and friends call me Jacq, and most others referred to me as Jacqui. I seem to introduce myself as Jacqui on most occasions even though I still feel like it doesn’t fit me quite right. I guess I’ll stick with Jacq for now

Where did you grow up: I grew up in Bondi and am still there today. I was born in Tamarama, in a two-bedroom apartment with my mum, dad and older brother Dave. We moved to Bondi when I was two and I haven’t really left the hood since. Bondi is an evolving suburb and has grown and changed a lot since I was a kid but I still love it and appreciate it for what it is. I feel a sense of community here, I frequent small and local businesses and can walk down the street and say hello to people that I know. Much of my work is based here and for that I am grateful

First thing to do on rising: Usually give either my son or daughter (whichever one is next to me in my bed) a squeeze and a cuddle. I usually have a quick flick though social media which gives me time to open my eyes a little then dive into a morning practice. It seems to fill my cup for the day ahead and highly recommend it to anyone. I thought I didn’t have time for it but turns out you have time for anything you really want to do

My favourite thing about my job is: Connecting with people in a creative way and exploring the possibilities for their new spaces that may literally have a life changing effects. I feel a big part of my design intent is to make sure people feel a certain pleasure about the spaces they are going to spend time in. To hear great feedback from clients at the end of a project brings so much joy and gives me so much motivation and inspiration for the next project

If you weren’t doing interior design what would you be doing? I would probably be working in health and nutrition in some form. This is a big interest of mine. Since having kids I have a real interest in immunity, natural remedies and whole foods and how they can support good health. I enjoy creating snacks from other people’s recipes but it’s fun making up my own goodies with a mixture of whatever is in my pantry at the time

You’re on a desert island and can only listen to one album for the rest of your days. Which one is it? This is a tricky one, my music selections range from sad cowboy music (as my besties call it) to old school r’n b to pop, rock and folk. Arhhhhh mmmmm does that cover everything?? Ok let’s go with Paul Simon, Graceland. It reminds me of family holiday car trips when I was young, then teenage years with my friends and then revisited again always to just recharge the batteries and for a good old sing along

What’s your weekend ritual? Saturday’s are a doing day for me. I go to an awesome yoga class on a Saturday morning called Naam yoga. After class, I usually head to Bondi Farmer’s markets to get some goodies for the week ahead. My daughter currently an infatuation with the monkey bars there so we tend to hang there out for a bit. Saturday afternoons we usually spend time at my parents’ house and then head back to HQ for a home cooked meal. Sunday is referred to as “Sunday Funday” in our house and it’s usually reserved for an anything kind of day. I like to go slow in the mornings as it’s our only day we aren’t running out the door early. Sunday is go with the flow day I guess

What’s the best choice you’ve made so far in life? Other than choosing to be a mum I would have to say working for myself. I used to have a great work environment but over time I became uninspired for design and felt as though I was losing my creative mojo.  When I started working for myself I regained a sense of ownership over my design and creativity. I feel good to be in a position where I can be the creator.  This allows me to connect with clients on a one on one basis to achieve the best results possible. I believe a good work / life balance is important, This balancing gig is always a work in progress as I try to remain flexible in work and my personal life.  I am driven to thrive in my business and continue to grow but I also want to be there to watch my kids grow up.

Coffee order? Almond or coconut milk or if I’m lucky to get to my favourite coffee pit stop I’ll have a delicious cashew milk coffee. Don’t knock it until you try it!

If you weren’t living in Sydney, where would you choose and why? I am actually really happy living here. I don’t complain too much because I figure if you don’t like where you’re living then move. If I had to go elsewhere I think I’d be high in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Byron Bay always has a great vibe but it is just as busy as Bondi these days. I always dream of being someone who lives off the grid, who grows their own veggies and has no real need to go to town but somehow, I don’t think I’m that person just yet, perhaps it’s the coffee addiction and social aspect of community here that I still love.  I’m used to being a part of in Bondi and I am grateful to have kids growing up here just like I did. We have both sets of grandparents only minutes away, close friends who live nearby and an awesome beach to swim at all summer long.

How can it get any better than this??? I keep asking myself this question and saying this statement. It’s a good one!