Interview with Jenni, Frenchic Brand Ambassador from Lahti

Who are you and describe your personality a little?

"Jenni Lahe and my horoscope are Libra, so based on that I'm a very adaptable person. From what I've heard, I'm reserved and quiet at first, but after getting to know you I might start talking a lot and telling bad jokes.

I'm also a really strong achiever, who tends to relax a bit. Diplomatic & sensitive to listening to other people's emotions, even if I'm bubbling inside at the same time (we Libras don't really know ourselves, so maybe I won't analyze more 😂) "

What has been the most surprising source of inspiration that has influenced your creative projects?

"The most surprising moment was when my child spilled purple paint on one of my favorite cabinets, and all I could do was paint the colorful cabinet, which at that moment wouldn't have fit in our home at all.

But in the end, it became a common thread for finding your own style, and the entire home has slowly become more colorful, with the white surfaces disappearing."

Tell us about a secret passion of yours that you haven't shared on social media before.

"I guess there's nothing I haven't said on social media 🤭 I can't stay silent if something inspires me..."

How and when did you decide to collaborate with Frenchic, and what about their products appeals to you the most?

"It's been 4 years since I was first contacted by Frenchic and we must have spent an hour or two on the phone talking about painting? Finally, the idea of ​​a brand ambassador role came to mind!

The combination of paint & oval suti is just so functional that I can't really imagine giving them up. Right now, the Trim Paint series in particular is appealing with its wide range of colors, as well as the properties of the paint such as refined gloss and smoothness.

Could you share with us a project that didn't go as planned but taught you a valuable lesson?

"The first thing that comes to mind is painting over a waxed surface. The product turned out so beautiful, but unfortunately the paint didn't hold up well to wear. Of course, grease and water don't mix."

What is your favorite color from the Frenchic series, and how have you used it in your own projects?

"Kiss me Sloely . That color always catches my eye when I'm looking at shades because it's so bright and dazzling. I've painted a bench in our yard with it, for example. It has a Moroccan vibe that's very appealing and brings out the other colors around it in a completely new way."

How do you maintain your creativity amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life?

"With music! It can be any genre, but if I fall in love with a song, it might actually play on repeat in my headphones for several weeks from morning to night and from night to morning..."

Who are you following on Instagram right now?

"I follow a lot of different things besides friends, but at the moment I'm interested in all kinds of humorous content. I generally admire how even ordinary things can be given an interesting and funny tone with a soundtrack. The accounts of small entrepreneurs around the world are also always interesting."

Do you have any special rituals or habits that help you get into a creative state?

"Again, I'm answering music. I often also need enough space around me. The home needs to be pretty clean so I can paint in peace (although sometimes I escape housework by painting 😅)"

What has been the most challenging project you have completed with Frenchic products, and how did you overcome the challenges?

"There were a couple of situations with the crackling agent when it didn't "obey" me. I learned that the thickness of the crackling agent and the layer of paint on top of it mattered in how big of an effect you wanted."

How would you describe your personal style, and how does it show in your work?

"Versatile. I like that the color & style changes. Sometimes I love to freely do wild and colorful things and sometimes I love that there are clear instructions and frameworks to stick to."

Do you have any upcoming/realized projects or collaborations that you are/have been particularly excited about?

"There's nothing new in development at the moment. I'm living in the moment! Of course, I'm excited about every gig I can take on."

How do you approach sustainable development, recycling, and ecology in your creative work?

"The idea that brought me to this whole industry is that it is a joy and downright responsibility to recycle these days!"

What is the best advice you have received during your career, and how has it influenced you?

"While I was coaching at Vilpitonmedia, I heard that "My ideas and style can be copied, but not me." It seemed like a really sensible idea.

Whenever possible, I go over ideas and options for colors and techniques with clients in great detail using sample images when they don't have a clear idea of ​​what they want to do with the furniture.

And the fact that creativity cannot be forced out at a certain time of day. This is not an 8-16 job and clients are wonderfully understanding of that! "

Do you have pets in your household? If so, who are they?

"After a long dream, we welcomed a new poodle, Bonja, into our family 2 years ago. She is also often interested in following painting projects."

What surprising fact do your followers not know about you?

"You've often heard that I seem really tough and confident on social media, but in reality I'm really sensitive and insecure."

Is there a particular renovation project that you are particularly proud of?

"If we're talking about real renovations, then it's about designing the upstairs spaces of my own home, which I didn't do myself. But last fall, I renovated the break room at my workplace bakery from start to finish. It was a big learning curve, from dismantling to the final list!"

Tell us a secret hack you always use in your own projects.

"A paint can spout carpet hack that will keep you from messing up the entire side of the can if you pour paint from the can into the roller tray. (Here's a secret video of my reels)."

What music is playing in your headphones?

"Everything from Disney soundtracks to Johanna Kurkela. Finnish rap, Inna, eurodance… and sometimes I switch to a biography audiobook or a crime podcast."

Favorite Podcaster?

"I don't like Mondays & Yle X stuff."

Tell us what project you're working on right now.

"Right now I'm working on motivation during a short vacation, but I have a lot of dreams and plans. Renovating my own office is a long-term dream that I really want to make happen soon!"

Thank you Jenny!

Follow Jenni's colorful and inspiring account on Instagram here @jennijohannesunique