I’ve been a wannabe interior designer since I was little kid; I’ve always loved furniture, art and cool knick knacks, not to mention arranging them in a room. One of my favourite ways to torture my parents while growing up was to change my room around. I’d haul as much as I could into the hallway and then call for help. “Daaaaaaaad! Can you help me move my dresser please?” This started at the age of around 6 and never stopped. Yes, I had always wanted to be an interior designer and briefly pursued it when I was 21 but found out very quickly that I couldn’t draw. Honestly. I took drawing class after drawing class to prepare my portfolio and you would have thought a small child was responsible. I found another adventure and off I went.
I spent several years in the corporate world as a recruitment consultant and loved every minute of it. I felt lucky; I had found two passions in my life: helping people find their dream job AND re-arranging furniture. Whenever the Interior Design show came to Vancouver, I’d go and spend as much time as possible there. I loved walking the aisles, learning about all the new products, drooling over the amazing furniture and admiring the incredible talent of those who attended. I often wondered what would have happened if I just took one more drawing class and really pursued becoming an interior designer but would quickly force myself into the present.
Cue present day. I have my second dream job and feel so fortunate to say that. I get paid to furnish vacant properties and re-arrange occupied homes. Are you kidding me? I’ve met so many incredibly talented and fantastic people since launching my empire and one of them happens to work for Home Makeover Magazine. I’ve been reading the magazine for quite some time now and devour it cover to cover whenever it comes out. I’ve kept in touch with Sarah for months now and we’ve gotten to know each other quite well; we always have a great laugh and seem to evoke each other’s creativity every time we talk.
Imagine how thrilled I was to receive a call from Sarah a few weeks ago saying “a light bulb just went off and I have a great idea for the IDS West Show. Call me!” The proposal was this: Home Makeover Magazine has just given itself a makeover, complete with a new layout and look entirely. They will be exhibitors at the IDS show and wanted to know if I’d be willing to give their booth a ‘live makeover’ during each day of the show. My outside voice said, “Absolutely, what a great idea! I’d love to and thank you for thinking of me” while my inside voice said, “Holy ****, this is my job! They’ve chosen ME? Is this a dream?”
So, if you’re in Vancouver from October 14-17th, 2010 and want to come and check out the Interior Design Show West, I’ll be there completing 4 ‘live’ makeovers using furniture, art and accessories from the suppliers and exhibitors in the show. Not that it’s a big deal or anything…
You so know I will be there, with bells on! And yeah, it is a big deal ;P