Interior design wasn’t something Marc Jones set out to pursue. It found him early and followed him everywhere, shaping a second chapter that continues to grow in Roswell.
“My journey into interior design just evolved. Even as a young boy in Durham, NC I would move my mother’s furniture around and create new floor layouts for the rooms. I’d choose draperies and pillows and help her. I was an artistic kid and was involved in music, theatre and design since age six.”
Creativity was always central to Marc’s life. His career in entertainment began young and stretched across decades.
“I think the design world found me. It just happened. I had a career since age eight in show business starting on a regular gig for ten years on a morning show in Raleigh, NC. In my senior year I won a national talent contest and started working, performing and traveling and that continued for over a decade. On stages from New York to Las Vegas and everywhere in between I sang and danced and acted, choreographed and directed winning awards for several productions.”
Even while touring, design was never far from his mind.
“When traveling I would check out design houses and art museums and I look at monthly design publications such as Traditional Home and Southern Living.”
After relocating to Atlanta, Marc balanced performance work with formal design education.
“I had natural design talent so after locating in Atlanta I worked in nightclubs performing and choreographing and directing while attending the Atlanta School of Fashion and Design. I originally was majoring in fashion design, but quickly switched to interior design as I felt the pull in that direction. I still love fashion design as well. I decided no more traveling, I wanted a home and Atlanta would be it. I ended up owning a florist interior design business for many years.”
That instinct to listen and evolve continues to guide his work.
“The advice I would give people is that your voice matters. Being silent never solves any problem and we are all given a voice and it matters, use it. Always be respectful and as much as I think we should use our voice we should use our ears as well. Listening is an important factor in growth. When we listen we learn. When we learn we improve our lives and everyone around us.”
Marc’s approach to design trends reflects both memory and longevity.
“The trend I am loving is the use of the color green. As a child my mother loved green and she used it in her decor and fashion. As an adult I did not use a lot of green in my design work, but now I am seeing that it is a color that is a staple. It works literally with any accent color you want to put with it. I also love the trend, even though I think it’s classic, of using an animal print in small doses somewhere in the room, albeit a pillow, footstool or accent chair.”
His inspiration reaches beyond design.
“Who inspires me? There are so many from different fields of expertise. As an entertainer I am inspired by Dolly Parton not only for the longevity of her career but her humanity and her ability to give her opinion but winning everyone’s heart at the same time. For my spiritual journey I have admired Dr. Maya Angelou and Dr. Martin Luther King. Both encompassed the ability to express the feelings, the realness of mankind and to share the value I hold most dear…loving one another while promoting peace.”
Roswell has played a defining role in Marc’s professional journey.
“My connection to Roswell happened years ago when I became the in-house designer for another consignment store called Encore that was on Oak Street. My boss started calling me ‘The Consignor’s Designer’ and it stuck.”
That visibility led to larger opportunities.
“I started doing special events, design events for her. They took off. HGTV came and featured us when they were doing the Green Home that was in Serenbe. Those few minutes helped us reach so many people.”
Marc’s path soon led him to Southern Comforts in Roswell.
“I then started working at Southern Comforts first only as a salesperson. It didn’t take long after I started staging to be made their in-house designer. At one time we had four stores and I went from store to store doing the merchandising and resets.”
As the brand evolved, so did his role.
“The store changed ownership and for over two years we have been making changes and building it bigger and better, eventually opening our newest store at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Road last September. I am the designer and marketing director and spokesperson for both stores with plans to open more in the future.”
One of Marc’s most recognizable contributions blends design with performance.
“For ten years I have been doing big special shows for the company. I combine my design work with my music. I will show you how to design a holiday table and make you sing and dance with me. It’s a big party and it has grown over these ten years. I have done over 60 shows for Southern Comforts.”
Roswell remains home base.
“Roswell is special to me because the second chapter of my career and life has happened here. The people have been so kind and accepting and have supported me for over fifteen years now since I started working in Roswell. I travel and perform and do design events around the country and nowhere beats coming home to Roswell to do my show.”
Looking ahead, Marc’s focus remains on creativity.
“I’m very excited about performing my nightclub act this summer around the country as well, currently in rehearsal. I have some home projects to do this year like a bath remodel. Anytime I have a design project I’m energized.”
Come celebrate Marc Jones 70th birthday with a special performance featuring his favorite songs.
March 7 @2pm
Southern Comforts Showroom
1570 Holcomb Bridge Road
You can follow Marc on Facebook at Marc Jones, The Consignor’s Designer and on Instagram @designermarc.
“My connection to Roswell happened years ago when I became the in-house designer for another consignment store called Encore that was on Oak Street. My boss started calling me ‘The Consignor’s Designer’ and it stuck.”