From my days as a kid building forts to the here and now of refinishing and recreating vintage furniture, I’ve always had a passion to be creative. In 1980 I began my career as a carpenter where over five years I learned all carpentry skills from the ground up, from rough framework to finished trim. Although I really enjoyed my work, something was missing from the equation. My creative side wasn’t
allowed to come out, it was restricted by others plans. So in 1985 I decided to lift those restrictions and start Jessen’s Classic Carpentry, where I could create and carry out many of my own visions. I spent the next twenty six years designing and building a variety of projects, from large to small, including dozens of detailed theme basements. If you wanted to be surrounded by the ivy covered brick walls of Wrigley Field or walk on the brick floors of a French bistro, I brought it to you, down to the smallest of details. Although successful, after twenty six years I needed to reinvigorate my creative side which JVic has provided. Not only do I have the capacity to remain creative and draw on my past experiences, but my ability to do so has been greatly enhanced working alongside someone as talented and artistic as Vicki. My name is Vicki Whitt, co-owner of JVic Restorations. After High school, I attended Northern Illinois University majoring in Art Illustrations. From there, I went on to attend the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where I earned a degree in Art Illustration. Over the past twenty four years I’ve worked as a floral designer, while also staging interior stylization and home accessorizing. For the past eight years I’ve worked for Scentimental Gardens in Geneva Illinois, where I quickly became the lead floral designer. Some of my responsibilities included completing custom orders for interior designers as well as creating pieces to be displayed in and around the shop. I was also required to set up vignettes and various displays in order to move product. In addition, Scentimental Gardens participated in the Geneva Chamber of Commerce Christmas House Walk, where I was responsible for much of the interior and floral designs used each of the last five years. I’m proud to say that in undisclosed fashion our home was chosen the favorite. Although I truly enjoy floral design and stylization, my true passion is collecting and refurbishing antique furniture, which I began doing over twenty five years ago. My passion and intrigue for doing so was not only confirmed but greatly enhanced after having the opportunity to travel to England, France and Italy, where I viewed pieces dating back hundreds of years. Hence the reason for a majority of the furniture we refurbish having a European flare. Believe it or not when I’m refinishing a piece of furniture, I let the piece speak to me before doing anything. “Where would you like to be sanded?” “What color would you like to be?” “Do you want to be a wallflower or dance in the middle of the room?” Do you want a facelift or are you confident enough to be left alone?”
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