It’s hard to believe how much has changed since I started this online interior design business. When I wrote the original version of this post, I realized something important — I had never really shared who I am or where I came from with you. That’s what this post is for.
Who I Am and Where I Started
I was born and raised in Southern California, but I’ve lived in Oregon, Seattle, and now Vancouver, B.C. You could call me a West Coast guy — always moving, always learning.
Growing up, I wanted to be an architect. I dreamed of designing skyscrapers and shopping malls. But in my late teens, I realized the heavy math required wasn’t for me. That dream shifted, and I decided to major in business and urban planning at Western Oregon University.
Before my second year, I moved into an apartment with two roommates. I couldn’t decorate the shared living room, but I did decorate my bedroom — and suddenly friends were complimenting the space and saying I should be a designer. That planted a seed I didn’t expect.
Here’s a funny twist: my mom was an interior designer too — she worked on many high-end homes in Southern California — and I never thought I would follow in her footsteps. But I did.
Finding My Path in Interior Design
I changed my major to interior design and transferred to the Art Institute of Seattle, where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Art in Interior Design in 2008.
But just as I graduated, the economy collapsed. Interior design and architecture firms were laying off employees, and some closed entirely. It became incredibly hard to find a job.
I did occasional freelance jobs and interned at an upscale furniture showroom in the Seattle Design Center. When the economy improved, I tried again — and then faced another challenge: discrimination because of my Deafness.
Design firms seemed more concerned about my hearing than about what I could do. They didn’t give me the chance to prove myself. That was a frustrating moment — but it helped shape the path I would take next.
Learning English and Staying True to Myself
English is actually my second language. I grew up learning English after American Sign Language (ASL), which has a very different grammar structure and way of thinking.
Because of that, writing in English has always been challenging for me — and sometimes it still is. I could have had this post proofread and corrected to “perfect” English, but I want to be authentic. This is my voice speaking, not someone else’s.
How the Business Began
I shared my frustrations with my partner about not being able to find the career I loved. He suggested I start an online interior design business — a concept I didn’t know existed at the time.
At that moment, I had never heard of an online interior design service. It sounded unconventional, but it felt right. That idea became the beginning of everything.
Three years later, the industry had changed dramatically, and the online model — often called e-design — was booming. It made professional design accessible to people everywhere. I was thrilled that I could help people create spaces they loved — even without ever meeting them in person.
Why This Story Still Matters
This part of my journey matters because it explains why this blog exists, why I chose interior design, and why I care so much about sharing what I’ve learned.
My path wasn’t straight. It wasn’t easy. But it brought me here — writing, designing, and connecting with people who want thoughtful, intentional spaces. And if you’re reading this, thank you for taking the time to truly get to know me.