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May 12
30m 17s

138 | Expert’s Insights on Transitioning...

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
About this episode

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to pursue your dream of becoming an interior designer?

In this episode, you’ll meet Alison Geise, a former dietitian and law school grad who took the scenic route to interior design and built a thriving business doing what she loves. If you’re thinking about switching careers, Alison’s story will show you it’s possible.

Alison shares how her love for decorating turned into a full-time career, even after years in completely different fields. She talks about the steps she took to learn design, how she filled the gap in business knowledge, and why her unique life experience now sets her apart in the industry.

Whether you’re just starting or thinking of a fresh start, this episode is packed with helpful tips for making your move into design the smart way.

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Tune in now, take notes, and explore how second chances can lead to stunning design careers.

Featured Guest:

⁠Alison Giese⁠ is the visionary founder and principal designer of ⁠Alison Giese Interiors⁠, an esteemed, boutique interior design firm based in San Antonio, Texas.

She has cultivated a reputation for seamlessly blending sophisticated elements with unparalleled finishes, resulting in homes that are visually stunning and deeply reflective of her client's distinct stories.

Alison's journey into interior design is as unique as her creations. After a diverse career as a registered dietitian and law school graduate, a transformative move overseas ignited her passion for design, prompting her to pursue a certificate in interior decorating. Drawing inspiration from her travels and rich experiences, she creates interiors that embody a refined sense of place and character.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

  • Learn actionable tips on how to start your design career without a design degree
  • Discover business and creative tips for designers so you can work smarter and stay creative
  • Get inspired by a real career change and pursue your passion for design

Check out the show notes >>> Expert’s Insights on Transitioning to Interior Design Career With Alison Giese

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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...


Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(01:45) Alison's Journey into Interior Design

(05:26) Balancing Law School and Design Passion

(07:22) Design Education and Business Learning Gaps

(09:34) The Interior Design Business Launch Pad

(11:11) Alison's Design Philosophy

(14:25) Diversifying Revenue Streams

(16:39) On Starting Her Design Career Solo

(19:28) Favorite Project: The Unicorn

(21:34) Balancing Creativity and Business

(25:49) Tools and Software for Business Efficiency

(27:04) Advice to Aspiring Designers

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