A few weeks ago I was contacted by Stacy Graves, a student designer at El Centro College in Dallas and member of the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. The chapter was seeking a professional interior designer to speak at their monthly meeting and give insight into the day-to-day life of a successful interior designer.
I gladly accepted because one of my deepest desires is to help others reach the greater potential they seek. I consider myself blessed and grateful for opportunities where I can share those things I’ve learned and experienced to allow others to be successful.
I gave my presentation on February 2nd. The meeting was a tremendous success and was as enjoyable for me as it was for these up-and-coming artists.
Over 30 students attended including the chapter president, Lindsey Webb. Most of them were in their 2nd or 3rd year of the program and judging by their questions and feedback, highly motivated to succeed in interior design.
I provided information about my own personal path to interior design work and what the day-to-day work is like, but I also wanted to give them some usable advice on starting their own careers and how to reach and maintain a successful level. I covered a few “in-the-trenches” topics such as the options they have to start as an entrepreneur or in a corporate setting, what the first client meeting is like and how to manage clients and protect your business for the long-term.
Overall it was a great experience, not just for these bright and eager students, but for me as well. I wish each of them the best of luck in all of their future interior design endeavors and look forward to hearing about their successes.