What made me make such a massive career change from being a History teacher

to an Interior Designer? Good question!

Hi! I'm Deb and welcome to the story of Lotus Interior Design.

I qualified as a Secondary History Teacher in July 2008 and I loved everything about being a teacher; the subject, the students and my colleagues. However, after 12 years of teaching, a wedding, two children and several house moves, things had changed and so had I.

I left my teaching position in 2019 and took some time out with my family. Something that we desperately needed and had struggled with over the years. I needed to rediscover myself and find a career than excited me and ignited a passion in me that I had lost after 12 years of teaching.

I have always had a love of art and design and was rarely without a paintbrush in my hand throughout my teenage years but it was something I never truly considered pursuing or was encouraged to pursue as a career. That changed in February 2020 when some friends moved to a house that needed a lot of care and attention. They asked me to help so I put on my design hat, picked up a paintbrush and rediscovered my passion for colour and beautiful design. I had been looking for my 'thing'. I found it!

I enrolled on an online Interior Design Diploma with the Centre of Excellence at the start of the pandemic and I loved the challenges that came with this. I gained a Distinction in my Diploma and quickly moved on to pursue a Professional Diploma in Interior Design, accredited but the British College of Interior Design. This course was more in depth, more detailed and contained 8 large assignments that stretched me in my design, critical thinking and artistic skill. With each assignment I received amazing feedback and I became more confident that I could succeed in this business. I graduated my Diploma and with each design project I take on, I grow and develop as a designer, and gain vital practical experience to take me forward in this new career.

I have had continued support from my family and friends and without them and their belief in me I wouldn't have got here so they all deserve a massive thank you.

I have primarily worked on residential projects that have created warm and inviting family spaces that reflect the clients personality, tastes and requirements. I have thoroughly enjoyed these projects and seeing their delight upon completion.

When I created this website it wasn't just about promoting my design business, but about sharing my journey with you. Enjoy!

From teacher to designer...