I was destined to be an artist. My passion started with interior decorating. At the age of ten, my "first client" — a kind woman who discovered my talent through how I tidied up after babysitting her children — paid me to rearrange her furniture and accessories. I probably rearranged my childhood bedroom once a month. While other children wanted to play outside, I wanted to tour homes.

 

After graduating from my small-town high school (YCHS in York, SC) in 1995, I attended Winthrop University as an Interior Design major. Initially, I was drawn more to decorating than design. I continued my studies at Winthrop but changed my major to one of my other great passions: dance. I had been dancing since I was four years old and loved it as much as I loved interior design. I found a way to pursue both by majoring in dance and minoring in visual arts, with most of my coursework design-focused. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in December of 1999.

 

In 2000, I worked as the showroom designer for Purple Pickett Furniture Company in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was responsible for the design and placement of all furniture and accessories in both Purple Pickett locations, and I also decorated a high-end nightclub through the company.

 

In 2001, I became the manager at Varji & Varji Salon, an upscale hair salon and spa also located in Charlotte. It was there that I fell in love with the beauty industry, and my artistic interests expanded. I also became quite smitten with the Aveda product line and culture. However, my passion for design was never far behind.

 

I was young and wanted to explore living outside of the Carolinas. In 2002, I followed my paternal family roots and moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Generations of my family are from the Atlanta area, and I always felt that I belonged there, too. I landed a job in customer service for a local flooring company while I learned my way around the area, and I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could about the flooring industry and how it could make me a better designer.

 

About eight months after moving, I met the love of my life, Jonathan. We immediately knew that we were soulmates and married a year and a half later. Jonathan graduated from Auburn University and has a strong business background with an entrepreneurial spirit. Naturally, he began working on a business plan for me to have my own interior decorating company.

 

Through a lot of hard work and creative planning, Practical Prestige Interiors was born. I started in the residential market and soon expanded into commercial work as well. I developed a niche for decorating dental offices, which I really enjoyed. It was during this time that I began paying closer attention to the design aspect of my projects. I was blessed with wonderful clients and colleagues who contributed to my success. I launched Practical Prestige in 2004 and genuinely enjoyed every minute of it.

 

In 2009, I started feeling the pressures of the 2008 economic crash. Business slowed as clients tightened their budgets. I decided to take this shift as an opportunity to reinvent myself and expand creatively. I closed the chapter on Practical Prestige and enrolled at the Aveda Institute of Atlanta, finally ready to pursue my passion for the beauty industry.

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Aveda's commitment to excellence in products, company culture, and education drew me to their cosmetology program. In order to be the best, I needed to learn from the best. I thrived at the Aveda Institute — I won Student of the Month, consistently met my service and sales goals, and absorbed everything I could from the unique teaching styles of each instructor. I graduated with a Master Cosmetology degree in 2010, passed my state board, and officially became a licensed master cosmetologist.

 

After receiving my license, I began working with the wonderful ladies of Bernadette's Hair Salon and Wig Gallery in Sandy Springs, GA. I absolutely loved my time there and cherish those relationships. But I really missed owning my own business — and I began to miss interior design deeply. I wasn't ready to give up hair styling, but my core passion for design was reawakening.

 

After brainstorming and planning with my husband once again, The Funky Debutante was born. The business model encompasses my passion for interior design while giving me the flexibility to take on hair and makeup artistry for film and production from time to time.

 

I launched The Funky Debutante in August of 2011, and I am growing more every day. With time and experience, I have transitioned from decorating into full-scale design. I love problem-solving. I love improving both the function and aesthetics of a space. I love collaborating with clients, architects, and contractors to create spaces that beautifully reflect each client's style and meet their unique needs.

 

Regardless of the creative avenue, I approach everything with the same detailed philosophy. Getting to know the client is the most important step in my process. I take the time to learn their likes and dislikes. I ask detailed questions to understand what makes them unique, and I tailor my designs specifically for them. I immerse myself fully in every project, which is why I take on a limited number of clients — so I can deliver my absolute best without compromise.

 

I will continue to be a student of life, allowing my creativity to evolve in organic ways. In keeping with that philosophy, I occasionally write an eclectic blog — sharing encouragement, wisdom, beauty tips, fashion tips, design tips, and inspirational stories. It is my way of taking what I have learned through life experiences and sharing it to hopefully encourage others. After all, what good are our talents and experiences if we don't share them?

 

Regardless of the medium, I am dedicated to using my creative talents to serve those around me with excellence.