Do you have a passion for design but are stuck or feel trapped in your current job? In today's episode, I chat with my dear friend DeAnna Mackensen, a retired interior designer in Northern California. She shares her creative journey that started with her innate love for creativity and making things. She also shares her experience of learning from others and how it has shaped her career as an interior designer. She emphasizes the value of gaining knowledge and skills from different sources, whether it be through formal education or personal interactions. She also raised one common misconception about interior design and the importance of being compensated for the work of an interior designer. Deanna's story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to follow your passion and embark on a creative career. She didn't start off as an interior designer but found her true calling later in life. If you are looking for career inspiration, tune in and get inspired and motivated to pursue your creative career. Featured Guest: DeAnna Mackensen has been serving satisfied clients in her residential design business since graduating from California State University, Chico, in 2009 with a BA in interior design. She is now retired from interior design. With a love of textiles and artwork, she's pivoted into creating her own things and selling them on her Etsy shop. She began sewing at an early age and this skill helped her with her abstract design and fabrication of many different elements. She has a knack for customizing and personalizing her designs for her clients and think outside of the box.  Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Recognize the value of recognizing interior design as a professional career Learn to embrace your unique path and use your previous experiences to your advantage Identify your strengths and learn how to delegate/outsource tasks that are not within your expertise Check out the show notes >>> DeAnna Mackensen's Interior Designer's Journey NEXT STEPS: Take the QUIZ!! Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career 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 podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...