110\\ How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path: Colleen Bennett’s Journey

Are you wondering if you can succeed in an interior design career without following the traditional path? How to do it? This episode may be the answer you are looking for. Colleen Bennett's journey into interior design was anything but traditional. She started with dreams of becoming a lawyer but accidentally landed a job as a furniture representative straight out of college. Then she designed homes for presidents and dignitaries across Latin America. From launching her first design studio in Costa Rica to managing luxury interiors for Ralph Lauren in over 60 countries, Colleen’s story proves that you can thrive in the design world by embracing unexpected opportunities and leveraging unique skills. She shares the key mindsets and strategies that allowed her to adapt to different cultures and survive economic downturns while building her business from scratch. If you're worried about how to succeed as a designer without a formal background, this episode will show you how to turn your passion into a thriving career. Ready to kickstart your design journey? Tune in and get inspired by Colleen’s resourcefulness and creativity. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a global design powerhouse—grab your notebook and start planning your path to success! Featured Guest: ⁠Colleen Bennett⁠ founded her first Interior Design Studio, Caducus Folium, in 2006.  This Costa Rica-based firm quickly expanded into six design centers in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Colleen designed most presidents’ and dignitaries’ homes in Central America and throughout the region. In 2012 Colleen moved back home to North Carolina and opened the US division of the company, ⁠CBB Design Firm⁠, based in Morganton, NC. Shortly after graduating from Wake Forest University, Colleen became the youngest furniture representative hired by Drexel Heritage. Traveling the world, she visited over 60 countries and designed thousands of vignettes of every style and budget for her clients. In 2009 Colleen was hired as the youngest account manager and visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren Home where she was responsible for all of their home stores in Africa, Australia, and Latin America. Colleen takes her international portfolio and brings that resort living to her designs in the NC market. She specializes in residential and commercial designs as well as historic renovations. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how to build a design business from scratch Learn insider tips to standing out in the industry and succeeding in a competitive industry Get inspired by an unconventional career path Check out the show notes >>> How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...