My Journey to Today
I didn’t always dream of being an interior designer. In fact I’m not quite sure I even knew what that meant. But I knew I wanted to design something. My love for art started at a very young age. I never played sports. Never a cheerleader. Never kicked a ball. Never hit a ball. Never threw a ball… I wanted to be a fashion designer. Because to me, if you were creative but couldn’t quite paint like Monet, fashion design was the next best thing. As the daughter of an accountant, I didn’t grow up visiting home stores or helping pick out paint colors. It just wasn’t her thing. So for me, fashion it was! As a freshman at the University of Georgia, I started out with a major in international business. Makes total sense right!?! Yeah, not so much. Without a fashion program I was kind of lost. So my sophomore year I transferred to American Intercontinental University in Atlanta where they specialized in fashion design. Although I liked it, I didn’t love it. But I remember this day like it was yesterday. I was walking through the halls and came across a hallway filled with elevations and renderings done by the interior design students at AIU. I was mesmerized. I can still remember exactly what those renderings looked like. I remember telling Mark and my mom that day that I was transferring back to the University of Georgia and changing my major to interior design. In that moment it clicked. My love for art, my love for design, my love for color, my love for fabric, my love for prints… It all came together in one Kairos moment. The following year I doubled up on art classes to build my portfolio for UGA’s design program and was one of 24 students accepted for the program that following year. And I can honestly say I loved every single minute.
Crystal says
Oh my goodness Brittany! So proud of you and excited for you! Thank you so much for sharing your heart in this post! Thank you for sharing your home and passion with us! I’m so glad I found your blog. You are truly and inspiration and what a great testimony in following God’s plan! Can’t wait to see what he has in store for you!
Devin Self says
Wow that’s so exciting!!! God’s timing is definitely everything. He knows best and even when we don’t see it in that struggling moment, He always has something better in store for us. I am so glad you shared your testimony because I can relate. (I actually emailed you earlier today before seeing this post). I went to school to become a Physician’s Assistant just because my sister and cousins went into the medical field and I felt like I had expectations to live up to and follow in their footsteps. Those 4 yrs were difficult because I did not like it at all and I didnt understand why because I was good at it. Last year it came time to submit PA application for grad school and I couldn’t do it. I knew it wasn’t where God wanted me and I knew it wasn’t where my passion was. I decided against the medical field and follow my calling of interior design, renovation, and/or real estate. Im struggling with how to even begin. Because I am only 22 yrs old and because the market where I live isn’t great for interior design services, etc. I’m ready to take the leap of faith and move so I can pursue my dream. I hoped you might could help me or have a place for me to learn under you and assist. You are truly an inspiration and while I hate that you had to go through difficult time, it’s good to know that I’m not alone. And in God’s will..He’ll pull me out of the other side of things just like He did with you. I don’t know what that is yet but I know where my passion lies. Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable! God has so much more in store for you! 🙂
Whitney Shortt says
Love hearing how you’re story has unfolded up to this point! Thank you so much for sharing and congrats on the feature! It’s going to be so much fun!
Carly Brooke says
So so happy for you!! I am so thankful I found your feeds-they have filled me with so much inspiration and given me courage to be true to my love of color!!! Xoxoxo Enjoy every second of the’s next few days!
Kelley Nan Lopez says
Brittany, this post and your transparency spoke to my heart like you don’t even know. I too use my home as a creative outlet and view it as the vehicle that will ultimately get me to where I am going. Some change is scary, some heartbreaking, some for the ultimate good. In a time when you want to lean on others that simply don’t understand, your true support system becomes apparent. That part of the journey has been the most emotional for me. You work your butt off and your dreams are coming to fruition because of that hard work. He has a great plan for you! I am so very proud for you and cannot wait to continue to follow along in your journey!
Tamara Anka says
Brittany – this is so well written and I can’t tell you how much I relate to you in every way. I have some years on you (shhh!!!), so my search and journey has been a little longer! At 42 years old, I’ve only recently discovered how amazing this social media platform of blogging and IG, etc, can be. I’m thrilled for you and so excited to see someone who is very similar and passionate about design in every way , just putting it all out there for the world to see! My style and home are most definitely not for all! However I believe that being ourselves and teaching others that it’s ok to do the same is so inspiring! Congratulations to you, my friend! Your story inspires me to keep pushing and believing 🙂 Keep thriving and soaring! There are no limits! Tamara xoxo
Nest Number 4 says
What an awesome story❤️ I love that you shared your heart! Amd I totally with we were neighbors, because 1 I think we’d be great friends and 2 I’d totally come over when BHG were there!!!
Kristen Tracey says
This was exactly what I needed to read this morning. I feel like I’ve been struggling with my own path so reading your evolving success story is inspiring. Sometimes a talent can feel like a curse. You know you HAVE to use that talent, but in what way? That’s the tricky part. Happy you have found your “way”. Good luck with today & tomorrow! I’ve always wondered what it’s like to have a magazine do a home shoot. I know how I get before I host a party- crazy focused, major OCD mode and those closest know to avoid me at all costs. I would totally move my family into a motel if my home was ever to be photographed 😉
Karen L says
Your blog post was beautifully written and spoke to me! I follow you on Instagram and although I do not have a talent for design I look to your posts for inspiration on making our house a home. We have moved around quite a bit for my husband’s job and the houses and states have become a blur. I’m currently somewhere I don’t want to be and I have become resentful and numb. I’ve been afraid to make a change based on what others may think but reading your post has lit a fire in me that I hope will continue.
I am grateful that you are inspired to write – you help more people than you know. Best wishes on your new project. I’m looking forward to watching your journey.
Stacy says
No. Freaking. Way!!!! Congratulations on BH&G!!!!!!! So so so happy for you and your family. I love reading your blog and your IG acct, so I feel like I’m getting to do this with you. Couldn’t happen to a nicer family.
Debbie says
This is so great! Congrats on everything! God does have a purpose and plan for everyone and I am so excited that you are finding yours and following His path for your life! xoxo
Jessica says
Thanks for this. As a struggling 22 year old, your words hit home for me. I am so glad you’ve learned to follow your passion and I hope that I can soon say the same for myself <3
Elise says
INSANELY AMAZING! Glory to Him!!!! Cannot wait to hear about this dream come true!!! xx
kim anderson says
I just adore you Brittany, and I understand SO much of your story….I own a home consignment furniture store in Alabama and I have had these big dreams too like you talk about….,..I’m still trying to figure it all out but your blog inspires me, and your drive and passion for being the best YOU that you can be is awesome!! I cant wait to see where this old house renovation and all the Better Homes and Gardens takes you too!!!
Haneen Matt says
Brittany, this totally had me at the edge of my seat! (Even if I knew the ending;) I just loved hearing your story and you wrote it beautifully! You know how much I’ve said we are design soul sisters. I have an art degree, and I too have struggled for years through motherhood, trying to figure out exactly how to express myself creatively. I feel like 2015 was such a turning point for me. I’m so excited to see what this year brings! For all of us! I look forward to meeting in person this year! (fingers crossed!) This whole blogging would is like internet dating! There’s so many of you I’m falling in love with and ever so anxious to meet in person! Lol! Did that sound creepy? Proud of you, girl. Can’t wait to hear all about this BHG experience! What a dream!
Emily, Our house now a home says
I am so excited for you! That is really amazing to have a spread in better homes and gardens! It is so inspiring to see what you have accomplished. I will saw your words hit me hard. I am a home decor blogger, just hit two years. The ups and downs, the pushing for a goal not yet defined, working for a hopeful payout. That is me right now. I also have long term goals and hope my blog is a part of that. Knowing you had a plan and went somewhere else with it, accidentally landing where you were supposed to be. That is beautiful! My husband and I too hope to flip houses. We adore the process of working together, seeing results and decorating for the sake of decorating. Thank you for the daily inspiration, the helpful words of encouragement and the fact that I have another blogger who has become a success to use as an example! Congratulations!!!
Brooke Riley~Re-Fabbed says
What a beautiful story, straight from the heart. I love to read your blog, and your home is beautiful, with so much personality and color. I am so happy for you. God is truly blessing your business and your life. If we would all just hand Him the wheel…how much better our own lives would be.
Lisa Washington says
Brittany thanks for sharing your heart, journey, soul, struggles and victories. It takes a lot of courage and humility. God will bless that and your journey.
Elaine says
Absolutely beautiful and inspiring!! I can so relate!! Congratulations!!
Danielle says
I am so glad I read this post. I recently started following you, and to be honest, I don’t even remember how I found you. But I did. And this post just hit me like a ton of bricks. It’s like God just dropped this in front of me and wanted me to see this. And I’m not a very religious person.
I’ll be honest. I’ve done what I was supposed to do in life. That sounds harsh, but in so many ways, true. Other than my normal “difficult” teenage years (I mean that with complete sarcasm, because hindsight is always 20/20, and I, myself, was difficult but blessed), I went to college. I was actually the first person in my family to finish and graduate with a bachelors degree (in communications, nonetheless). I worked in restaurants and as a waitress throughout (and still do, because giving up the cash is a true struggle). Enough with the parentheses. I got a full-time position, which was what everyone wanted me to do. And I, at the time, to a certain extent, wanted the same as a means of building my resume so I didn’t look like “just a waitress” on paper.
I won’t mention anything further than that about the job, but it’s small and my boss has been good to me. I’ve been at the company for some time now, but I can’t help but feel that something really is missing.
There is passion missing. I already know what it is. I’ve identified it long ago.
I always knew I would do something creative. I was very into art as a child, I was always a great writer growing up (self-proclaimed, of course) **PARENTHESES. AGAIN.** I have mentioned that I would love to design homes and pick out colors and paint and decorations and accessories and all of the above and more. And although we think we know what we want when we start to get “older,” I never thought I’d be complacent. Because I know me, and that is not me.
Your most recent post has truly inspired me to get up and do something. And if one person is inspired about what you write, then I think you’ve done your job. And if that one person is me, then so be it. It may not be tomorrow, it may not be next month or even next year. I’m getting married in October so I need some stability at the moment. Just a little bit. But at some point, I’m gonna go for it.
Thank you. Seriously.
Lisa says
Brittany, thank you so much for sharing your journey. I love that you are seeing your dreams through. I love that you are allowing God to direct you and love even more that you can share that part of your life as well. Your bold color choices have given me the courage to embrace my love for color in my home–even if no one loves it but me! (Luckily my husband is easy-going!) I cannot wait to continue to see your story unfold!
Joni says
Wow BH&G that is AMAZING!!! So excited to see it!! Very well deserved Brittany!!
XO Joni
Vicki Campisi says
Thank you for sharing your story so that I can be encouraged!
Michelle says
While I have adored your home, insight, creativity, I have absolutely loved this post the most and how you’ve put your heart out there. So appreciate your truth and honesty and love how God is continuing to show his faithfulness to your heart’s dream. xo
Bree says
Brittany, I can so relate to this post as I’m considering starting my own blog this year and am so happy and proud for you!! It takes courage to let go of that fear of what others will think but you’ve obviously stepped out in faith to do that and God has rewarded you for it!! You should be so proud!! and the BHG shoot today is the icing on the cake!! Thanks for sharing your heart and for encouraging others to follow their dreams;))
Eboné Smiley says
B, I am so so so so proud of you! You continue to inspire me ad I pursue my goals and dreams and I cannot wait to pickup my copy of the magazine! Continue to live your life filled with joy! We are all here watching in awe! 🙂
Idania says
Incredible story, and so, so similar to mine. I have my degree in Interior Design, I’m very passionate about it; I’m trying this blogging thing in hopes for something bigger; my marriage is on a rocky path; and we’re now faced with the possibility of relocating. I don’t know where any of this is leading but I know that I’m following God. His plans are better than mine so I know there will be a happy ending – to all of it! God bless you on your journey and I absolutely love your style and your blog!
Mariellen says
Love this post!!! It’s so inspiring! My husband and I are about to take a huge leap of faith like you did to follow his dreams. We have been filming with HgTv the past four months and now Other doors have opened in many ways and I feel we have to just go for it. I love your bold design moves!!! Good luck girl!