MY AHA MOMENT
Clerkship year of medical school, followed by two months of studying for Step 1 (the first of three medical licensing exams) was easily one of the most difficult periods of my life. When I finished my boards, I felt like I’d become a shell of myself. There had to be more to life than studying all day to cram random facts that I was certain to forget within weeks. During one of my many self-reflection sessions, I thought back to my years in college, which grossly speaking, I really enjoyed. As I sat and thought about my college memories, there was an obvious theme: Creativity! Whether through modeling, Atasha’s Hair Care (my collegiate side hustle), teaching, or doing hair, makeup, and costume for theatre, I ALWAYS had a creative outlet to keep me sane as I went through the premed struggle.
However, in coming to medical school, I’d forgotten to nourish this integral part of my being. I studied and studied to the point that life was no longer that enjoyable to me. In that reflective moment, I knew I had to make a change. I reached out to my mother, who has basically become my business partner, to tell her about a crazy idea that I had. During an episode of Million Dollar Listing NYC, probably after Frederick made a sale due to impeccable staging, it dawned on me. I should do interior décor and design! After watching more than my fair share of Million Dollar Listing, Property Brothers, House Hunters, and more, I’d come to recognize that interior décor and design is something that piqued my interest. And hence, THI Interior Designs was born!
STARTING MY NEW BUSINESS VENTURE
Because my mum is ALWAYS quick to action with her business pursuits, I had to step my game up – fast. I immediately started researching the industry, reading blog after blog, and scrolling through Pinterest to get a sense of what I wanted my creative voice to be. I spent just about all of my down time from clinical duties feeding the creative part of my soul. My days in the hospital became more enjoyable because I knew that once I got home, I’d have the chance to learn something new about the design industry.
After about a month of research, it was time to get my hands dirty. Freshly printed business cards in hand, my mum, godmother, and I headed down to North Carolina to take part in the semi-annual High Point Market – an interior design and décor trade show. We knew that to be successful decorators and designers in the industry, it would be important for us to establish relationships with varying wholesalers and retailers. The tradeshow was a whirlwind, which started with us meeting the Property Brothers! I knew that was an omen for good things to come.
As we chatted with salesperson after salesperson, our team mastered the art of “fake it ‘til you make it.” Many of the designers at the trade show had worked in the industry for years, but we didn’t let that stop us. We used inquisitiveness and charm to guide us through very useful conversations with other designers and furniture company representatives. It was amazing to me how much folks were willing to share the ins and outs of the business. I took note of everything, and that experience helped me to understand the type of design work I wanted to focus on. Mainly, I would put together storyboards for my clients, manage the operations and logistics of ordering, and eventually arrange furniture and accents in their homes.
After this trade show, I was ready to work on my first project. Thankfully, I could leverage family ties to secure a client. This project was a 7-bedroom, 5-bathroom vacation home in Orlando, FL. (I know…I know… 0 to 100 real quick). Being from the Caribbean, I knew that a tropical ease would be the aesthetic I’d hope to incorporate into this and all future design projects. I’d say I accomplished that! Below are some photos from the project.
Interior décor and design is something that I REALLY enjoy. It allows me to be a businesswoman AND a creative. I’m so glad to have found this outlet!!
Leave a comment below to let me know how you express yourself, and what you think of my designs above!
Peace and blessings,
-Atasha Jordan, MD (to be)
