Voices Discovered: Meredith Covington and Nan Jones
As designers, one of the challenges we face each day is finding the right product to use in the right space. Gratefully in High Point we have some incredibly brilliant business minds (have you been reading our series Voices Discovered?) combined with some amazingly talented people. This is the recipe for great business and both the High Point community, as well as the world, benefit from this masterful mix of creative business.
The recently launched Exposed. Art in the Elements is the brainchild of founders Meredith Covington and Nan Jones: Visionary combined with Artist who recognized a void in the outdoor artwork world and have made it their mission to add beauty to our walls, both inside and out. Inspired by a love for the outdoors and hoping to complement the trend of outdoor living, these pieces are intended for those with an appreciation of both art and the outdoor environment. Exposed. Art in the Elements was recently recognized by Rachael Ray as one of her “Favorite Things” in the February edition of her magazine!
Nan Jones, a local artist, is not only Co-Founder, but the painter behind some of their pieces! With a long background in the art industry, she has picked back up painting these past five years and typically uses palette knives and gorgeous color combinations to create her pieces.
Meredith Covington, Co-Founder, is a mother of three children living in High Point with her husband of 13 years. With a degree in public relations and communication from NC State, Meredith’s professional experience includes fundraising, advertising, and marketing in Washington, DC prepared her well for launching a new business.
We were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn more about Meredith, Nan and Exposed and share their story with you here.
Q: How did you wind up in the visual art business?
A. Meredith: I recognized a void in outdoor art, so I combined the talent of childhood friend and artist, Nan to develop the concept.
Nan: My love for art started at a very young age. It has always evoked so much joy for me. Within the last few years it has organically evolved from a hobby to a business.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q: What type of career would you have in an alternate universe?
A. Meredith: Today Show correspondent
Nan: Professional “people watcher”! I would be extremely wealthy!!!
Q: What do you wish you knew when first starting that you know now?
A. Meredith: Quickbooks
Nan: Set realistic expectations and cut yourself some slack!
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A. Meredith: I worked in politics at a Lobbying firm in Washington, DC before moving to High Point.
Nan: I have a fear of ice. Yes, it is a real thing….pagophobia.
Q: Best career advice you have ever received?
A. Meredith: Be passionate about your work.
Nan: Do not compare yourself or your work to others, it’s a waste of energy.
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q: What motivates you?
A. Meredith: Positive attitudes and coffee.
Nan: Opportunity.
Q: Favorite magazine?
A. Meredith: The Week
Q: Best vacation you have taken?
A. Meredith: Barcelona
Nan: Healdsburg, CA.
Q: Favorite book (business or pleasure)?
A. Nan: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.
Q: Where would we find you on a Sunday afternoon?
A. Meredith: At home, outside with family/friends.
Nan: More than likely at Costco or Trader Joe’s. Glamorous, I know!!
Q: Your go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A. Meredith: Dirty martini on the rocks, 3 stuffed olives.
Nan: Vodka, Kombucha, seltzer and a splash of lime
Q: What makes you truly happy?
A. Meredith: My family.
Nan: When I am surrounded by my family and dear friends enjoying good food and great conversation!
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q: As you know, HPU is right here with incredible students looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams – what three pieces of advice would you give them?
A.
Meredith: 1. Do what you’re good at
2. Do work with passion, not just for the pay
3. Change is inevitable; learn to be flexible and fluid with your business model.
Nan: 1. set goals
2. commit to those goals
3. learn from your mistakes (you will make them and it’s okay)
High Point Favorites
Q: Where do you like to grab a cup of coffee?
A. Meredith and Nan: Debeen
Q: Restaurant you can’t get enough of?
A. Meredith: Bluewater and Blue Rock (with children).
Nan: Blue Zucchini
Q: Local shops doing everything right?
A. Meredith: Just Priceless, Sir Speedy, and Price Nursery.
Nan: Sir Speedy. Larry Shaw goes out of his way to make sure his customers are taken care of.
Q: Favorite place to grab a drink?
A. Meredith: Brown Truck Brewery and Real Bar
Nan: Blue Water. They have a wonderful wine list!
Photography by ZoZo Photography
Q: Excluding yours, what High Point company or business do you admire the most?
A. Meredith: I’m biased, but Harriss and Covington Hosiery Mills for their (nearly) 100 years of existence and philanthropic spirit.
Nan: Mr Brown Home.
Q: Where would you tell a first-time visitor to High Point to go and why?
A. Meredith: Campus of HPU…beautiful and shows the growth of High Point.
Nan: Granny’s Donuts. They are out of this world!!
To check out Exposed. Art in the Elements, explore their website! To learn more about Nan, her art, or contact her visit: Nan Jones Art 919.412.4139
Voices Discovered is a series where High Point Discovered asks questions to High Point business leaders and entrepreneurs to share their view, consider it a peek into the heart and soul of our local businesses. We hope you will be inspired to investigate more. Past guests have included Mike Foster and Angel Schroeder.
Discover our High Points,
The HP Discovered Team
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