They say life isn’t about where you start, but where you end up. And my story is a testament to that truth. From a teenage runaway scraping by to a burgeoning entrepreneur and luxury design professional, my path has been anything but conventional. But that’s precisely what makes it inspiring. My high school years were a blur of uncertainty, a constant struggle for stability. Barely graduating with a GPA above the minimum, I felt like a failure, adrift in a sea of expectations. Yet, I persevered, working multiple jobs, sleeping on a friend’s couch, and fueled by an unwavering belief in myself.
College, while a fleeting attempt, taught me valuable lessons about hustle and resourcefulness. Even though I dropped out, the experience instilled in me an entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to venture into the world of business. This, too, was a rollercoaster ride, filled with financial anxieties, near-evictions, and the thrill of building something from scratch. My ventures taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the power of taking risks. It was during this period of self-discovery that I discovered my passion for design.
Attending Heritage School of Interior Design in Seattle was a turning point. The supportive environment, the incredible teachers, and the immediate application of knowledge ignited a spark within me. HSID became my creative haven, a place where I could express myself and translate my visions into tangible reality. Today, I find myself navigating the exciting world of luxury commercial design.
My recent work on the House of Eve restaurant project, featured in LUXE Magazine, is a testament to my commitment to crafting unique, immersive experiences. I dream of creating spaces that evoke wonder and delight, spaces that tell a story and leave a lasting impression. Inspired by the likes of TAO Group and AMAN, I strive to establish myself as a leading figure in the luxury hospitality design scene. My journey is a reminder that success doesn’t follow a linear path. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and constantly pushing your boundaries.
The best advice I’ve ever received is to “do what you love – everything else will fall into place. And if you fall out of love with it – pivot. Repeat.” And that’s exactly what I’ve done, continuously evolving and reinventing myself, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering belief in my own potential.
This story is not just mine, but a beacon of hope for anyone navigating their own unique journey. It’s a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of your dreams, no matter how unconventional the path may seem. Because in the end, it’s not about the destination, but the incredible journey we take to get there.
Follow Hannah’s Journey
Website: Swan House
Instagram: @hannahkayswan
Headshot by: Sailor Delich Dorgan