Janet Baltzersen

My name is Janet, and I am the owner of Rusty Fig Redesign, LLC. I was born in California and raised in Australia, but have spent most of my adult life in Cincinnati.
I had free spirited parents, mom was an artist, so I grew up reluctantly going to museums, art galleries and being dragged all over the place. I complained at the time, but it instilled in me a love of nature, art, travel, other cultures and all things beautiful. I realized the power of the environment you live and work in. That’s why I truly enjoy making people’s homes and offices a place of inspiration, calm and comfort. I think it’s important to support local, small businesses, local artists and ethically sourced materials. I recycle and reuse as much of the homeowners furniture and décor as possible, but display it in a new way. This is an eco-friendly approach to design, and it saves money. I also help people who are building a new home, or renovating, and need help making the final selections on all the finishes. I’m always so flattered when people trust me to come into their home to work together. It’s a very personal relationship.

Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am lucky to have 3 amazing children, and a sweet grandson.

Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am an extrovert, and really like being around people. Design is about problem solving, and giving clients back a beautiful, functional space. You get to know your client’s well. I’m so flattered when I am hired back to do more rooms, and am referred to family and friends. My relationship with my clients is definitely what I love most.

What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Cincinnati has great restaurants. It’s hard to narrow down, and it depends on the occasion, but I always enjoy Salazar and Sotto.

How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in Cincinnati my whole adult life.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I meet interesting people all the time in this great city! My friend Tim Haines is a local entrepreneur who is always doing something new and interesting, and investing in the community. I admire how brave he is to start new ventures. People like that are good to hang around with. Fear and excuses hold you back from success.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I love to travel, and I’m always up for a trip anywhere. I’ve been wanting to visit Bali for a long time. The natural beauty, beaches, temples, wildlife and the people are a big draw. I would want to spend a few weeks there, if possible.

What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
To Kill a Mockingbird and Last of the Mohicans. I mostly just watch design shows on TV.

What advice would you give to people?
If asked, and it’s appropriate, I think good advice would be to be kind, authentic, don’t make excuses, get out of your comfort zone, love big, and learn to embrace people who are not like you.

What is something on your bucket list?
I have lots on my bucket list, and it keeps growing.  I want to go to all 7 continents. I’ve been to 5, so I need to get to Antarctica and South America. I also want to go on safari in Kenya, go to a flea market in France, open my own home decor and design shop, and visit my friends that I grew up with up in Melbourne, Australia.

What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
It depends on my mood. I love music, and enjoy everything except country. Today in the car I listened to John Mayer and Tyler Childers.

What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I used to buy flowers and plants from all the many greenhouses in Delhi. None of them remain. I hope some new ones pop up in the future.

If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I think Bono.. We would have to sit outside at any restaurant in OTR. I think he would be fascinating to talk to. I grew up listening to and appreciating his music, but I really admire his devotion to eradicating poverty and hunger and the spread of AIDS in Africa. He is spiritual, and seems to genuinely care about people and the planet.

What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Cincinnati has the most beautiful parks, museums, art and music venues, restaurants and things to do. There is always something going on. I love to be outside and be in nature, and there is no shortage of beautiful places to do that.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself collaborating with other creative people doing things to help people in Cincinnati, through interior design, and just being open to new opportunities. I hope I will have done some stuff on my bucket list, and I have made a difference in some people’s lives.

Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wish I was hiding something interesting, but I think everyone close to me knows everything.

What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Phuket (Thailand) and Petra (Jordan).

What is your favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is July. It’s consistently warm and that’s usually when we go on vacation. My favorite holiday is Christmas. The family is together, everything looks pretty, and it has great meaning.

What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family is 10 out of 10 of course. As is the service I provide at Rusty Fig Redesign. 🙂

Who inspires you to be better?
My dad did. He passed away last year, and I miss his optimism, sage advice and confidence in me. I would have to say my kids also inspire me a lot. I want to succeed at everything I do, be a good example, role model and mother to them. I tell them to be the best they can be, so I need to model that. No excuses. I am inspired by their success and fearless approach to life. I wish I could take credit, but it’s all them.

What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Lavender and fresh brewed coffee. Not at the same time though.

Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, security, people I love.

 

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