by Rick Mauch
daltxrealestate.com Contributor

Where Passion Meets Purpose: The Inspiring Journey of Where The Heart Is Designs

In the vibrant heart of Fort Worth, Texas, a powerful story of passion, partnership, and perseverance unfolds through the success of Where The Heart Is Designs. Founded by the dynamic duo, Savannah Jones and Jazmin Browder, this acclaimed home staging and interior design company has not only transformed countless properties but has also captured national attention with features on prominent networks like HGTV and A&E. Their journey from vastly different professional backgrounds to becoming leading figures in the North Texas design scene is a testament to the pursuit of true calling and the strength of female entrepreneurship.

From Corporate Life to Creative Calling: The Genesis of a Dream

For Savannah Jones, the seeds of Where The Heart Is Designs were sown in a significant life transition. In 2018, she made the bold decision to leave the corporate world, where she served as a recall coordinator for American Honda’s corporate office. This pivot was driven by an unyielding desire to pursue her authentic passion: home design. It was a leap of faith, especially considering her admission that she had “no background in design” prior to embarking on this entrepreneurial path. However, the arrival of her first child ignited a new motivation. Like many new mothers, Savannah yearned for a career that offered both professional fulfillment and the flexibility to spend more precious moments at home. This led her to enroll in specialized courses for home staging and interior styling, diligently building her foundational knowledge while simultaneously laying the groundwork for her company.

Jazmin Browder’s journey, while different, shared a similar underlying desire for a career that aligned with her life as a young mother. After completing dental assisting school in 2013, Jazmin dedicated three years to practicing for a pediatric dentist in Fort Worth. Though she initially envisioned a long-term career in dentistry, destiny, and the power of networking, had other plans. Just like Savannah, Jazmin, who now serves as the company’s operations director, was also seeking an opportunity that would grant her more time at home with her young child. This shared aspiration for both professional challenge and family balance would become a cornerstone of their future partnership and the very ethos of their business.

Crafting Homes and Hearts: The Vision Behind Where The Heart Is Designs

The name “Where The Heart Is Designs” itself is a poetic reflection of the company’s core philosophy and services. Originating from the timeless adage, “Home is where the heart is,” the name was born during Savannah’s early brainstorming sessions. She sought a business identity that was not only unique and memorable but deeply meaningful. Through collaboration, Savannah and Jazmin refined this concept, initially launching as “Where The Heart Is — Home Staging & Interior Styling.” This comprehensive name perfectly encapsulated their dual expertise: transforming properties through strategic home staging to captivate buyers, and crafting personalized interior designs that truly resonate with homeowners’ lifestyles and aesthetics. Over time, the brand evolved into the more concise and impactful “Where The Heart Is Designs,” a name that continues to echo their commitment to creating spaces that feel like home. The company has since cultivated a sterling reputation, working closely with Realtors and homeowners across the expansive Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Their dedicated team of designers brings expertise in showcasing properties’ best features for sale and infusing personal style into lived-in spaces, ensuring every project leaves a lasting impression.

National Spotlight: Elevating Fort Worth Design on HGTV and A&E

The expertise and distinctive style of Where The Heart Is Designs quickly caught the attention of national television producers, propelling Savannah and Jazmin onto the small screen and into the homes of design enthusiasts across America. Their first major television appearance came in July of last year, when their exquisite designs were showcased on the popular HGTV show “My Lottery Dream Home.” This experience proved to be a pivotal moment for the growing company.

“The experience was unlike any other we had in the business,” Savannah recounted, reflecting on the whirlwind of production and the excitement of seeing their work on such a prominent platform. “It was exciting and surreal all at the same time. The response from clients, friends, and family was huge.” To celebrate this incredible milestone, the team gathered for a memorable watch party at Jazmin’s husband’s office, collectively experiencing the thrill of the episode premiere. The outpouring of support from countless viewers tuning in from home further amplified the impact of this national exposure, solidifying their reputation as top-tier designers in Fort Worth and beyond.

Building on this momentum, Where The Heart Is Designs was later featured on the A&E show “Zombie House Flipping,” where they collaborated with Dallas’s own real estate and design personalities, Sarah Nowak and Chauncey Pham. This particular opportunity provided a different set of challenges and learning curves, often involving the dramatic transformation of neglected or dilapidated properties. “We learned so much from the experience and it has drastically shaped our structure and goals moving forward,” Savannah explained. The rigorous demands and tight timelines typical of house-flipping shows pushed their creative boundaries and refined their operational efficiencies. “We are glad to have had such a huge opportunity to share our designs in our hometown,” she added, underscoring their pride in contributing to the aesthetic revitalization of the Fort Worth real estate landscape.

The Power of Partnership: An Unlikely Friendship Forged in Business

One of the most compelling aspects of the Where The Heart Is Designs story is the origin of Savannah and Jazmin’s partnership. Far from being childhood friends or long-time acquaintances, their professional relationship began in a most unexpected way: Jazmin applied for a position after seeing an ad on Indeed. What started as a professional connection quickly blossomed into an unbreakable bond, transforming colleagues into the dearest of friends. “We quickly became close friends,” Jazmin fondly recalled. “Countless hours on Zoom calls, client appointments, you tend to forget you weren’t friends from the beginning but have become the BEST of friends.” This organic evolution of their relationship has been a significant strength for their company, fostering a deep sense of trust, mutual respect, and shared vision. Their complementary skills—Savannah’s creative drive as owner and Jazmin’s organizational acumen as operations director—have created a well-oiled machine, demonstrating that sometimes, the best partnerships are found in the most unforeseen circumstances. Their journey together stands as an inspiring example of how professional collaboration can lead to profound personal connections, ultimately enriching both their business and their lives.

Juggling Joys and Journeys: Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Beyond their professional achievements, Savannah and Jazmin share another profound bond: the demanding yet incredibly rewarding journey of motherhood. Savannah is a mother of three: a spirited daughter who is almost five, a curious son nearing two, and a precious newborn son. Jazmin also cherishes her two children, a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. Managing a thriving business while raising young families presents a unique set of challenges, a reality they openly acknowledge and navigate with remarkable grace and resilience.

“As a mom of multiples, learning how to balance free time/work time is extremely challenging,” Savannah shared candidly. She emphasizes the vital role of support systems, stating, “It truly does take a village and it couldn’t be done without the support of those around us.” For Savannah, finding pockets of productivity often means strategic time management around her children’s schedules. “Navigating between bedtime routines and mid-day naps is the best way to get work done,” she explained, highlighting the constant juggle that many entrepreneurial mothers face.

Jazmin echoed the sentiment about the need for self-care and robust support. “And somehow you have to find time for yourself mentally,” she added. While her children are past the napping stage, she relies heavily on her husband, Jeremy, for invaluable assistance. “Unfortunately, naps don’t happen for my kids anymore, but that’s when superhero dad comes into play, and distracts them with crafts and playtime if I need to get stuff done with work.” This candid insight into their daily lives underscores the incredible dedication required to excel in both their roles as business leaders and mothers.

Their husbands play an integral role in this supportive ecosystem. Savannah is married to her high school sweetheart, Dakota, who is a local real estate agent, offering a valuable connection to their industry. Jazmin is married to Jeremy, who works for an organ/tissue donation company in Fort Worth. While Jeremy isn’t directly involved in their design business, his unwavering support is paramount. “He isn’t involved in our business, but has supported me in such a big way, whether it’s helping at home or helping with the kids as I try and help Savannah grow the business to its fullest potential,” Jazmin affirmed, highlighting the collaborative spirit that extends beyond their professional partnership.

Building a Legacy: Inspiring Dreams and Defining Success

The success of Where The Heart Is Designs is not solely measured in financial gains or television appearances; it is deeply rooted in the personal fulfillment and future they are building for their families. “Nothing would be done without the support of our spouses and our team to get things done productively,” Savannah emphasized, recognizing the collective effort behind their achievements. She candidly articulated the realities of their chosen path: “Being a mom while owning and operating a business is not for the faint of heart. It comes with sacrifice, long days, and difficult seasons, but the reward is knowing that we are building something for our kids.” This profound sense of purpose drives their every effort, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth and resilience.

Their vision extends far beyond current projects; they are diligently “building a brand, a company, and a foundation that they will have the option to work for one day.” This forward-thinking approach provides a powerful motivation, ensuring their tireless work contributes to a tangible legacy. Moreover, their entrepreneurial endeavors serve a crucial personal function. “This business supports them and has helped us to keep our own identity as hard-working women in another role other than ‘Mom,’” Savannah concluded. It’s a powerful statement about reclaiming individual identities and showcasing that motherhood and professional ambition can coexist and thrive.

Jazmin passionately believes that their journey offers a powerful blueprint for every aspiring mother with a dream. “Every mom who works, whether it be full-time or part-time, goes through this slump of thinking, ‘This is impossible, there aren’t enough hours in the day,’” she acknowledged, validating a common sentiment among working mothers. However, she quickly offered a message of hope and empowerment: “But you just have to have dedication and keep going, and then you sort of end up doing the impossible.” Her words are a rallying cry for self-belief and perseverance. “Every mom should go after their dreams, and not be afraid or apologetic about it.” Savannah and Jazmin’s story with Where The Heart Is Designs is more than just a business success; it’s a testament to the boundless potential of passion, partnership, and the enduring strength of women who dare to build their dreams while simultaneously raising the next generation.