Talk Shop: Jess Ziomek // Thrills of the Hunt
ABOUT JESS
Jess Ziomek has long been an Instagram favorite (and friend!) of ours. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a BA in History of Art and Corporate Strategy, Jess spent seven years working in various creative roles in Nashville, TN, most recently at Pencil and Paper Co. (whose co-founder, Gen Sohr, is another Fenimore Lane Talk Shop favorite!)
Jess launched Thrills of the Hunt, a vintage home decor business, after realizing her passion for antiques and the “thrill of the hunt” for unique treasures. Inspired by the excitement of scoring a one of a kind piece, Thrills of the Hunt curates vintage and antique treasures available for purchase via the site, all expertly honed by Ziomek’s stellar eye. Through the lens of her South Florida upbringing, adoration for all things traditional, and curiosity of whimsical objects, each item has been thoughtfully selected for individuals who crave out of the ordinary finds for their home. Additionally, Jess works with clients to offer sourcing services for decor, art, and furniture.
We sat down with the tastemaker to chat all things design – check it out below!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Traditional, Collected, Island-y.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Growing up in Florida, my Mom's love of vintage + antique pieces, and travel!
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I've always been a treasure hunter. I started attending flea markets, estate sales, and shopping at antique stores with my Mom when I was still in a stroller. Over the past few years, I found myself using all my free time to hunt in person and dive down rabbit holes on the internet or apps to search for treasures for myself and others. I quickly realized the need in my immediate area for those who craved something beyond what big-box retailers could offer but didn't know where to look, were intimated to get started, or simply didn't have the bandwidth to hunt for pieces themselves. At the very end of 2020, I decided to take the plunge and officially start Thrills of the Hunt. My favorite part of what I do is seeing the items I've found displayed in customer's homes, used in holiday celebrations, or given as gifts!
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I am a byproduct of several mentors! My parents and husband have been incredibly supportive and listened to my many ideas (heavy emphasis on the word many) over the last few years. My natural tendency is to fixate on the dream of it all but be wary of taking the risk. I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who encourage me to get out of my comfort zone. Additionally, I was very fortunate to meet and foster relationships with so many talented creatives and savvy business owners all the while gaining invaluable experience under Gen Sohr at Pencil and Paper Co.. Creativity is contagious, and each person I have encountered through my business endeavors has impacted my career.
What does your home say about you:
My home is always in flux! I'm constantly rearranging everything because I frequently acquire vintage pieces that require the "art of reshuffling" to fit. If it is not secured down or incredibly heavy, it is not safe from me!
Where do you find inspiration:
Typically I would say travel, but with the ongoing restrictions, my inspiration, as of late, mostly comes from books, Instagram, estate sales, antique stores, and Pinterest.
Who are your style icons:
Kate Middleton can do no wrong! I also adore Ralph Lauren, Nancy Myers, and Jackie O.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A great playlist with some unexpected tunes mixed in, a pretty table, and a well-stocked bar!
Do you collect anything:
If you asked my husband this question, he would say, chairs. I won't deny that I have a weakness for good upholstery, but think that my most expansive collections are vintage linens, spongeware, matchbooks, seashells, and straw bags.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
How do I choose?!? I love @tessnewallstudio, @lycettedesigns, @lindrothdesign, @housesandparties, @bornonfifth, @matildagoad, @thriftandtell, @libbycameronllc, @juliaberolzheimer, @picturesisawandloved, @lucycuneo, and of course @arielokin!
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I try to follow the “rule” that I should only purchase furniture or decor if I can't live without it, have a spot for it, or that I'm not just purchasing a piece because it's a good deal, or a name brand. That said, rules are meant to be broken, right? And I break this rule constantly. I quite frequently stumble upon incredible pieces that I have no business buying, but the thought of leaving them behind would haunt me forever. As a result, I can quickly amass items that are impulsively purchased. This brings me to my official house rule... guests are not allowed to see the basement because no one needs to see how the sausage is made. Thankfully, now I can just sell pieces and share my treasures with others!
What are you working on right now:
My house! My husband and I recently bought a 1930s Cape Cod-style house and we are doing a lot of the sweat equity work ourselves. Over the past few months, I've also been building my e-commerce website and am putting the finishing touches on it now. All I can say is thank goodness for Google and Youtube regarding both endeavors.
Wardrobe staples:
Marysia swimsuits, a White and Warren cashmere travel wrap, and Velvet Smoking Slippers
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Fabric: Sister Parish - Burmese, Le Manach - Greuze, and Lee Jofa - Hollyhock
Wallpaper: Lake August - Nasturtium, Soane Britain - Seaweed Lace, and Quadrille China Seas - Lyford Trellis
Best interior advice you ever received:
Thoughtful decorating is a very slow process! Don't rush it!
Best career advice you ever received:
Progress is more important than perfection. I have to remind myself of this one a lot!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest: I'm a bit biased as an Art History major, but I say, Art!
Save: You can find the most unique, quality-made vintage entertaining essentials like linens, glassware, plates, tabletop accessories, etc. for way below retail at thrift stores, estate sales, and other second-hand marketplaces. Plus, there’s something extra special about having pieces no one else will have.
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel, always!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Estate sales (Download the estatesales.net app) and eBay! If you need help on getting started, I'd be more than happy to kickstart your vintage hunt. Just shoot me a message!
Most prized possession and why:
Besides my pets, it would be any family heirloom. My grandmother was a renowned Dollhouse Miniaturist and artisan and I adore all of the pieces I inherited from her.
Your interiors motto:
Down with Greige! Just kidding (well, sort of)! In all seriousness, I love to fill my spaces with beautiful, unique pieces, but nothing so precious that I would ever hesitate to use them in my everyday life because otherwise, what is the point of owning them?
Your life motto:
To quote one of my favorite childhood books, Miss Rumphius, "go to faraway places, come home to live by the sea and do something to make the world more beautiful."
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Save all the images of spaces that make you say "WOW!" It can be easy to get distracted by what's trendy at the moment, so instead, focus on what makes your heart flutter and take your time making decisions. When it comes to furniture, art, and decor, you'll always find a spot for something that stopped you in your tracks!
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Ice Cream!
Drink: I love a great Rum Punch.
Film: Mary Poppins
Hotel: Round Hill in Jamaica
City: New York City
Bedding: A quilt!
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Both! Coffee with milk and peppermint tea!
Playlist: Must have Van Morrison, Jimmy Buffett, and if it's past 9 PM, some Nelly!
Weekend Activity: Besides attending estate sales, I love to needlepoint and hang by the pool or ocean!
Design Book: Island Hopping - Amanda Lindroth
