The Jungalow was in Vancouver in 2016 for the Poppytalk/IDS Vancouver collaborated Social Sessions. Justina Blakeney took a few minutes of pre-show prep to chat about her brand growth, online presence (her blog has more than 200,000 monthly readers) and famous signature style.
Author of the New York Times bestseller The New Bohemians, the L.A.-based designer and blogger credits her multi-ethnic family, degree from UCLA in world arts and cultures, and extensive travel for the boho esthetic that has drawn thousands to her wildly popular interior design blog. Blakeney also boasts 1.5 million social media followers, and her blog was named one of the best design blogs on the web by Domino magazine. This site offers daily design inspirations and simple boho-inspired tips and ideas.
Q
Your brand, The Jungalow, has such a strong influence within the design world, both online and with your published works. How have you driven your business from start-up to its current success?
A
I believe that a combo of my work ethic and my personal style – which is very non status quo – is largely responsible for the success of my business. I am ambitious, and I worked very hard and strategically to grow my social media audience in hopes of being able to spend my days designing and creating inspiring images – and I’m finally getting there. Having a style that was different from many designers/bloggers helped me to stand out in the crowd. I also have been lucky to be surrounded by amazing people who inspire me and support me – from my parents to my amazing husband, my sister (who is also a designer) and my creative community in Los Angeles.
Q
Design is fluid and ever changing. How have you maintained your signature style as looks and trends have changed over time?
A
To me, my style is just who I am. It’s not something that changes with trends, although, yes, it does change and develop as I do. At the heart of my style is the combination of colour, pattern and plants, and I strongly believe that those things are elements that I’ll never grow tired of, even if the types of colours, patterns and plants change over the years as I do.
