Setting the Stage for Design

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Your former work?

Stagehand for approximately 20 years in New York City.

Your new work?

Interior design.

What or who inspired you to make the change?

My wife was my biggest inspiration. Also wanting to use my art training and my people skills on a more one-to-one basis.

What was the biggest hurdle to making the change?

Pay cut until I could come up to speed with my new business. Walking away from something I knew so well.

Can you map out what steps you took in this transition?

• How did you start?
  I started by taking some time and really thinking about what work would make me happy and keep me connected to the things that I love: my wife, art, design, fashion, and psychology.
• Did you consult someone?
  I went to a career-counseling center.
• Did you read books?
  Lots of books.
• Did you take any self assessment tests?
  Yes.
• How did you define what was right for you?
  It just seemed to have all the elements that I was looking for, it felt right, and when I passed the idea by old friends, they all thought it was a great idea.

What skills from your old job are useful in your new?

If you can work with a diva (male or female), you can work with anyone. Handling crews, giving direction. Creating drama with lights, color, staging. Thinking of clients in terms of being a character and providing all the supporting items. Knowing there is a difference between who someone is and how they imagine themselves and keeping the latter in mind.

Anything you miss about the old career?

The curtain going up.

How do you feel now that you've taken the leap?

I love it. It is nerve wracking sometimes but I am very glad I did it.

Now when you go to a party, how do you introduce yourself?

Interior designer.

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