From Athlete to Interior Designer: A Career Reinvented
For some, a career in interior design and home staging is a lifelong dream. For others, it’s a passion they discover later in life. No matter how the journey begins, the right training and determination can turn that passion into a thriving career.
This is the story of a professional athlete turned interior designer, proving that with education and perseverance, anything is possible.
From Professional Sports to Interior Design
What Inspired You to Pursue Interior Design and Home Staging?
I always knew that interior design would be part of my future. After playing professional volleyball for 10 years, I was ready for a change. The moment I retired from my sports career, I knew it was time to finally pursue my passion for interior design and home staging.
Taking the First Step Toward a Design Career
Did You Have Any Experience Before Taking the Course?
Before enrolling at The Academy of Home Staging & Design (AHSD), I didn’t have any formal training. However, I had renovated my own home, which was an incredibly fulfilling experience. I also helped a friend furnish her home in Calabasas, and seeing her excitement after the transformation gave me the confidence to take the next step.
That’s when I realized that if I wanted to turn my creativity into a profession, I needed proper education and certification.
Building a Thriving Design Business
Where Is Your Business Today?
Since attending AHSD in October 2018, my business has grown beyond expectations. To date, I have completed 22 design and staging projects, primarily in Southern California, but also in Chicago, Florida, Lake Tahoe, and Portland.
I am incredibly proud of what I’ve built, and I owe much of my success to the training and mentorship I received at AHSD.
Overcoming Challenges in Interior Design
What Challenges Have You Faced, and How Did You Overcome Them?
Like any new business, there were challenges in the beginning. My first remodel project was an intense learning experience, especially when it came to kitchen renovations. The amount of planning and execution required was more than I expected, and if mistakes happened, they were expensive to fix.
Thankfully, I had the support of Wanda Colón, my mentor at AHSD. Being able to talk through my remodeling plans with an experienced professional was invaluable. The guidance I received helped me avoid costly mistakes and ensured that my projects were successful.
Choosing the Right Interior Design Course
What Advice Would You Give to Someone Comparing Courses?
Take this course, and don’t look back!
AHSD gave me everything I needed to start my career and provided ongoing support to help me grow my business. The program doesn’t just teach design principles—it prepares you for the business side of the industry and provides mentorship beyond the classroom.
What Advice Would You Give to New Students?
If you’re passionate about interior design and home staging, invest in high-quality education. Finding Kim Kapellusch and Wanda Colón at AHSD was a life-changing experience, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their expert guidance and support.
Turn Your Passion into a Profitable Career
If you’re ready to launch a career in interior design or home staging, The Academy of Home Staging & Design offers immersive, hands-on training to help you succeed.
📅 Upcoming In-Person Certification Courses:
- Los Angeles Home Staging Certification – September 4-9, 2023
- New York Home Staging Certification – October 16-21, 2023
- Tampa Home Staging Certification – October 30 – November 3, 2023
- Los Angeles Interior Design Certification – October 16-21, 2023
💬 Join Our Community: The Interior Design/Home Staging Business Incubator
📞 Have Questions? Call Us Today! 1.800.574.5576
🔗 Learn More About Our Students: Visit Our Student Success Page
Your future starts now—take the first step toward your dream career today!
