Beautiful
environments, color, and unique items were always of interest
to me. As a teenager, I would beg my mother to be able to change the
wall color in my room, re-arrange all the furniture, and even
re-cycle (in some way) some of the accessories. She did not mind
buying the paint, as long as I did all the painting! I was allowed
to push around the furniture and even found ways to
"recover" some of the items in my room to match the decor. I was in
seventh heaven! This experience combined with a home economics class
in the 7th grade where we had to decorate our future bedrooms,
sparked me on to my passion. Somehow, I knew that this was something
that was not only my life's path, but also something I can share
with others some day.
Even though, for practical purposes, I
went to college and acquired a Marketing degree, I felt I was not
where I needed to be. So, several years later I returned to college
and studied Interior Design at Eastern Michigan University. Since
then, my career took me on a few paths. First,I worked for Ethan
Allen in a few locations for a total of 12 years, where I was
fortunate to advance from Designer to General Manager. I spent a
couple years working with builders merchandising their model homes,
and a couple more years working for EXPO Design Center as a
Designer. I have been fortunate in that all experiences prepared me
for my next step.
In 2004, after much support from friends and
family, I decided to venture out on my own. That is when
Design Inspirations
was founded.
Besides running my business, I also:
> - Teach a variety of Interior Decorating classes at Anne Arundel
Community College for their Adult Continuing Education program.
> - Teach a variety of Interior Decorating classes at Prince
George's Community College in Laurel for their Adult Continuing
Education program.
> - Have written many articles on various decorating topics for
"Taste of the Bay" magazine.
> - Have written and continue to write articles for various internet
e-zine sites.
> - Work exclusively with several Realtors in the area - as their
Certified Home Stager.
> - Hold speaking engagements for interested groups and
organizations
> - Have been on radio shows sharing my knowledge about Interior
Decorating.
> - Am privileged to be a guest speaker for cruises on major
cruiselines.
I do believe that the above combination of
experiences, coupled with my education and skills, lends
itself to a unique ability and insight that helps me tremendously in
my career. The side benefit is the smiles and joy that I bring to
clients every day...makes my day!
I am also in the process of writing a book,
and dream of one day being able to Redesign a villa or an inn
somewhere in a beautiful part of the world.
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Gina (back
center) with Stephanie Poplar (front center), host of Journey to
Wellness & Success on Radio One's 1010 AM that airs live on Friday's
at 2 p.m. |
February 2, 2007, Gina was featured on the program with Feng Shui
Practitioner and House Staging Professional Yarrow (front right),
and Artist & Faux Painter Lolita Welkos (back right). Patsy Anderson
(front left) of Women's Expo moderated the segment on House Staging,
Interior Re-Design & Faux Painting
Gina recently cruised to the Canary Islands. On board, she was
part of the Royal Caribbean International Enrichment Program.
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Gina
presenting one of several enhancement lectures to guests
aboard the ship.
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One
of the
many spectacular views in Funchal, Portugal, a port-of-call
during the cruise.
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Gina is a
member of the following organizations:
Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce
