Grant Yourself Permission.

During the pandemic, I took on a complete restyle project of my entire room…

I’m talking adding in an accent wall, switching all major pieces of furniture, space planning, ensuring all the elements of the room ebbed and flowed.

My color schemes were black and neutral and all furnishings and decor enhanced this theme.

This project allowed me to express my creativity beyond my wildest imagination and also gave me permission. This comes up again later.

I don’t have a formal background in interior design, so interior styling always felt more inviting and accessible to me.

This project gave me the permission I didn’t know I was seeking of being a “good” designer, or a designer period.

I used to think to consider yourself a designer, there were certain thresholds you had to obtain (i.e a degree, or professional certificate and experience). Someone else’s stamp of approval that you are who you think you are.

As important as formal and professional education metrics are, I don’t want to discredit them in the slightest, a fellow designer changed my perspective. The designer was helping me with my resume and noticed I never used the word “designer” on my resume. I danced around and alluded to it. But, never referred to myself as one.

I told her it was because I didn’t feel “qualified” to do so — just yet (isn’t this always the case, especially for us women).

She told me “you’re a designer the moment to decide to be one.”

Wow.

Such a simple statement… but was the validation I needed and quite frankly, didn’t know I was seeking until reading that email.

I started interior styling projects and freelance graphic and web design work shortly after.

I’ve now amassed esteemed clients and a deep network of people who pay and entrust me to be their designer. Now, I am well on my way to forming an LLC for a graphic and web design business. I also recently interviewed as a home stylist for one of the most recognized home decor and furnishings companies.

Oh, how the tables turn...

Oh, how the universe is always waiting to conspire behind you.

It is just waiting on you to set your intention, walk in your purpose and make the decision that you are worthy enough.

Here is the of the first renderings I have ever designed. Take THAT for an “I don’t think i’m qualified enough yet to call myself a designer” designer.