Karen,

Thanks so much for this article; it spoke volumes to what I have expressed to family and friends who have seen me as someone not functioning under "their" views for what a real career is. I’ve been, and still am, considered a “dreamer” by pursuing what I truly want to do. I worked in the “corporate world” and in the high end “sales and retail worlds.” I was competent and successful but… didn’t ever fit in. My independent and creative thinking generally wasn’t appreciated. In fact, I was reprimanded for it. It was frustrating and hurtful for me to work hard and produce yet learn the "Mis-take" that it doesn’t matter how hard you work or how well you produce for the company, it’s generally more important in those cultures to lay low and go silent like a submarine. Don’t shine too brightly… it may make others look poorly or you will be seen as someone who doesn’t go along. Or... you’re being too assertive even though they expect results? Seemed like such Lose-Lose situations.

What I do is focus on creating environments for individuals in their home or work place. With the goal being to enhance, enrich and establish better functioning surroundings for the transitions in one’s lifestyle they are seeking to adjust and create. As you, intuitiveness and creativity play a large role into what I do too. Doing this has been a passion for me before becoming a teenager. In the late 60’s and 70’s. Interior design and decorating was mostly for the elite class during that era. Now, due to all the TV shows that have brought awareness to the industry it is more recognized and attainable to have someone with knowledge, experience and compassion assist in creating one's space by either having a major impact or by making a small difference, both create lifestyle benefits.

My talents went unsupported and unacknowledged during the years of my life where had there been a mentor to assist, support and give direction, I would not have waited till three years ago to go back to get my certification even though I was already working in the industry. For all those years I believed what I heard from others that I did not have the; education, talent, connections etc... etc... and I believed them. I became stuck in the reasons. Stayed in survival jobs, allowing myself to give up what I knew I had within me to do. Mis-takes indeed… they are what we learn from when we are not living the life we say we want. I came back from self doubt and fear and have remained living my passion for 8 yrs by offering others what I knew to be a gift that I love sharing. A Win-Win situation for all.

Here is a wonderful statement I’d like to share by designer Laura Cerwinski. I give this to each client before I start their project. I feel that it applies to my business relationships but... even more so to life.

“Design, like all areas of creative endeavor, is the art of making choices. It includes the frustration of the search, the joy of discovery, the risk of decision, and the experience that comes with the compromises every project requires.”

Judy Cusack, Tran-si-tion-al Designs