When the bottom fell out of the nation’s economy after 9/11, Tampa resident Jane Xiques (pronounced “Hickus”) was laid off from her job launching new fragrances at Christian Dior. With her daughter in college and her husband settled into his work, she felt free to pursue an occupation that had always interested her – interior decorating. She took classes from the Interior Arrangement & Design Association, became a member, and still does constant continuing education. “Most people don’t know how much education and outside reading this field requires,” Jane says on the importance of being credentialed and loving what you do.

And Jane does love helping people redesign the look of their home’s interior, whether it’s planning for different furniture, changing colors of walls, or updating the look with accessories. She also works with realtors to get homes ready for sale. “People have to learn to look at their home as a product, and no longer as ‘their home.’ If you were selling your car, you would detail it. It’s the same thing with a house – you need to go through it, paying attention to details, and clear out so much personal stuff.”

Jane is mindful of working within the client’s budget to give them the look they want. “People are amazed at how often, just by bringing in a fresh pair of eyes, you can keep 70 percent of what you have and still create a whole new look.”

Jane’s daughter is finishing dental school at UF and about to start a residency in orthodontics. When Jane is not working with other people’s decorating tasks, she is probably at home working on her own. She says she is constantly re-arranging, which her husband good-naturedly accommodates. She also like to garden and recently took up golf. “Your home is your refuge – you should love it,” she says.

Jane Xiques