Are you interested in becoming an interior designer but don’t know where to start?
Don’t worry, I had a great conversation with Debbe Daley, a seasoned mentor and interior design expert, who shares her inspiring story, starting from her childhood fascination with sewing and DIY projects to her eventual foray into interior design. Despite initial hurdles and societal pressures, she persevered, leveraging her passion and resourcefulness to pave her way into the field. From self-taught window treatments to working multiple jobs and running her boutique, Debbe’s story highlights the importance of determination, self-belief, and continuous learning in pursuing your passion.
Whether you’re considering a career change or exploring your creative side, Debbe’s wisdom will inspire you to take the leap and pursue your dreams in interior design.
Tune in and take that first step towards a rewarding future in interior design today!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn the importance of seeking opportunities, building relationships, and embracing continuous learning.
- Be empowered to turn your passion into a fulfilling career.
- Get practical tips and advice for navigating the challenges of starting a business in interior design.
About the Guest:
Debbe Daley is an award-winning published interior designer with 30-plus years of experience in the design industry. She is CEO and owner of Debbie Daly Design serving Boston Lowell, Massachusetts, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the New England Seacoast area.
She has practiced in the furniture, flooring, and wallpaper industries, space planning, and home renovations all while owning her custom drapery workroom. She is also an educator of interior design, providing new students and change of career-minded individuals with education to begin their career in interior design.
Debbe is also the published author of her first book Interior Motives, Designing A Career With Passion.
She is a member of IDS, the Interior Design Society, and holds a seat on the IDS National Board of Directors and president of the Interior Design Society, New England Boston chapter. She is also a member of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers, and an educator of interior design at Middlesex Community College.
Connect with Debbe Daley:
Website: Debbe Daley Designs
Instagram: @debbedaley
Check out these episode highlights
02:51 – Debbe’s sewing background and creative influences
04:15 – Her path to the interior design world
07:25 – She started her interior design business after taking classes at the New York School of Interior Design
09:54 – Her challenges of starting her own business and the importance of being organized
12:24 – Why she wrote the book Interior Motives: Designing a Career With Passion
16:26 – The importance of following one’s passion and dedicating oneself to a creative field, even if it’s not glamorous, to find enjoyment and success
18:24 – The adjacent careers in interior design, with graphic design and writing as potential options
20:05 – The importance of taking action and seeking out options for yourself to showcase your expertise and gain experience
20:29 – Her advice to aspiring interior designers
Try taking a class at your community college to learn more about interior design and see if it’s a good fit for you.
If you are interested in niching, find a job and go work in the industry.
Start from somewhere because you never know where it might lead you.
Next Steps
- Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
- Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Grab your freebie:
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…