I draw designs for kitchen and bathroom remodels, room additions, furniture, draperies, bedding, storage and electronic solutions and many types of finish details. I love working with color and fabric to transform a space.

EDUCATION | I have a B.A. in Fine Arts from U.C.L.A. I also took continued studies in Interior Design at Canada College.

HOW TO GET STARTED | Get educated in design and take the time to build your business. Network and do some jobs for free - this will be your best advertisement at first. Get your degree and get busy practicing what you've learned. There are so many aspects of design. Be prepared to work for someone else at the beginning so you can learn and build a portfolio. Soon, clients will network for you. Word of mouth is key!

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Strong attention to detail. You can't measure and be a ¼" off in your measurements and expect things to work well. Be good with color and enjoy working with textures. On the business side: Be organized!

how I got started | After college and marriage I was a sales rep for an antique reproduction jewelry line. I became a mom and decided to stay home with my baby so I started sewing draperies and faux-finishing walls and furniture for people. (I've always sewed, decorated, painted, etc. in my own home. My work gained attention from friends and then word of mouth.) I have a lot of creative energy that I had to put in motion. It's hard enough for me not to repaint my own walls every month! So, this little side business, initially, was ideal. My business began to grow and change from decorating to designing. My husband is a contractor and I started working for his clients. I have learned so much about construction from him. Most of my design knowledge came from hands-on experience, learning from the contractors and subcontractors who work with me. Before I knew it, my business grew into a full-design service. In the meantime, I had three more children. I learned to juggle and set boundaries. My first priority was, and is, to take care of my family.Every client who I have worked for has been very understanding of this.

why this job?| This job gives me the perfect outlet for my creative personality. Also, I love helping people create environments that make them happy. As a designer, I am able to experience a lot of variety in my work. Whether I am transforming a stage for a play or creating a functional and beautiful kitchen, I love what I do.

why I love this job!| I love the transformation. I am able to continually create and design and get paid for it! Another bright spot: I am home and available for my four girls - I still get to be a hands-on mom. I'm so grateful!

my typical day| My days are all different, but here's a snapshot: At 8:00 a.m. I may be on the phone with my seamstress, (I hire out for my sewing needs now), then meet with a client at 9:30 a.m. and go to a custom cabinet store with them. Later, I will drive to the Design Center in San Francisco, ( 20-minutes from my home), and shop for fabric for some clients. My work day generally ends at 3:00 p.m. when my kids get home from school. When the girls are doing their homework, I may write up some orders or work on a drawing.

what they are | Lots of paperwork! As a business owner I must invoice my clients, write up work orders which are highly detailed and time-consuming. Keeping track of my hours and deciding what is billable can be very challenging.

all about growth | The growth opportunity for me has been huge. There is always a new job with new challenges. As for the growth of my business, I am always needing to find new ways to grow and expand into new territories. The opportunity is there, you just need to find it.

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