Welcome to Christie’s story, a journey of transformation and self-discovery. From the sunny streets of South Florida to the bright lights of New York City and finally, to the majestic mountains of Colorado, Christie’s path has been anything but ordinary. With a background in advertising and a passion for interior design, Christie has learned to embrace change and trust her instincts. In this blog, Christie shares her experiences, from the challenges of transitioning to a new career to the triumphs of building her own interior design business. Her story is an inspiration to anyone looking to pursue their dreams, just as she has.
My Story: A Journey to Heritage School of Interior Design
I was raised in South Florida and attended Florida Atlantic University. I moved to NYC after graduating to pursue a career in advertising, excelling at one of the largest privately owned agencies. The pandemic was a huge game changer, pushing me to leave NYC and move to Colorado—a place I had never visited—to pursue my true passion. I was accepted to the Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver, where I studied Residential & Commercial Design. After earning my Master’s Certification there, I joined the Model Home Department at Trio Design Inc., where I worked with high-end builders for around 2 years. In 2023, I took the bold step of starting my own interior design company, Christie Lori Design & Interiors.
Discovering My Passion
Interior design has always fascinated me because it involves creating tangible spaces from abstract ideas. This passion began in childhood when I toured model homes with my mom, dreaming of having the opportunity to design one of these homes myself. My career in advertising honed my skills under high pressure, dealing with demanding clients and tight schedules. This experience gave me the confidence to transition into interior design, knowing I could thrive in a challenging environment. I love that design is subjective and open to interpretation, allowing me to create unique experiences for each client.
Having the Courage to Change Course
Transitioning from a fast-paced advertising career in NYC to starting my own interior design business in Colorado was extremely challenging. I faced loneliness, self-doubt, and the struggle to establish my name in a new industry. Worst of all, I let myself forget everything I had accomplished, and allowed the fear of failure to hinder my confidence. A friend’s encouragement helped me push through, and I overcame these obstacles by re-establishing the importance of reaching out and connecting with others, embracing the journey, and trusting in my own abilities.
Building a Foundation with an Education in Interior Design
Attending the Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver was transformative to say the least! The comprehensive curriculum and hands-on projects provided me with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the interior design industry. The supportive community and experienced instructors were invaluable in preparing me for my career. More so, it has been my time after completing the Master’s Program at HSID Denver that has shown me continued education, support and mentorship. They continue to assist me in my interior design career, and care for both current and previous students.
Current Projects and Professional Pursuits
I am currently running my own interior design company, Christie Lori Design & Interiors. I specialize in Model Homes, Spec Homes, New Builds, AirBnb Rentals, and Vacation Properties, where I strive to constantly push the boundaries of conventional design to create unique, and transformative spaces for my clients. I am currently working towards a collaborative partnership with Airbnb hosts/vacation rental properties interested in offering incredibly bold and unconventional spaces for one-of-a-kind experiences. Think giant hammocks, vertical gardens, indoor pool, interactive art walls, grand pivot doors, floating bed, champagne bubble bath bar, glass bottom pool, indoor greenhouse etc.
Words of Wisdom: The Best Advice I’ve Received
My mother always told me I have the passion and determination to turn anything I love into a career. However, the best advice I truly ever received was this:
“Don’t wait until your idea is perfect before releasing it into the world. If you wait until you’re ready, you’re never going to get started.”
It has helped me to learn that the idea of perfectionism is what will make me successful in this industry, however it is also the thing that will get in my own way. “Don’t let your ego dictate your actions. Your ego will want it to be perfect. Your ego performs tasks in anticipation of what others will think.” Powerful, right?
Proud Moments and Achievements
It’s nice to really stop and think about some of my accomplishments and moments where I’ve felt really proud of myself. We don’t do this enough. I have worked very hard to achieve so many things, being the first in my family to graduate from college, moving to New York City, working at the largest privately owned advertising agency, moving across the country alone, getting my Master’s Certificate at Heritage School of Interior Design. I think the proudest I have felt is right now: pushing through the fear of failure, the discouragement and the thoughts of giving up, determined to build a business that reflects my bold and unconventional approach to design.
Looking Ahead: Future Design Dreams and Aspirations
My future goals include expanding my interior design business, taking on diverse and challenging projects, and continuing to push the boundaries of design. I aim to make a lasting impact in the industry by defying boundaries, breaking the rules, and being a part of creating spaces that are unparalleled.
Parting Thoughts and Reflections
I’m passionate about helping others, just as I’ve received invaluable support throughout my journey. It’s humbling to realize you can’t move mountains alone, but with the encouragement of others, the journey becomes much more enjoyable. If anyone is interested in starting a career in interior design, launching their own company, or contemplating a career switch and going back to school, I’d love to be a resource. Whether you need advice, support, or simply a sense of community, I’m here to help!
Follow along Christie’s Journey on her Instagram @ChristieLoriDesign