#WCW: Amanda Barnes
Woman Crush Wednesday.
We love to celebrate female movers and shakers who are successful locally, nationally, internationally, and most importantly, personally.
This week, we are so excited to highlight Amanda Barnes, San Francisco interior designer and owner of Amanda Barnes Interiors.
We asked her to share with us her story and her thoughts on success.
How did you get started in your field/career?
I spent thirteen years in the biotech industry but always spent my free time indulging in interiors. After spending several years consulting on interior design projects on the side, I finally found the courage to leave corporate America to pursue what sets my heart on fire.
Biggest "break" thus far and how were you able to achieve it?
After switching careers and following my passion into the world of interiors, everyday feels like a big "break". There has been sacrifice along the way, some days that feel like a total win and others that are no more than a series of lessons learned. The transition into being a small business owner is a process that never ends and I am constantly trying absorb as much as I can from every part of the design process. Waking up every day to a balancing act of family and doing what I love while calling it "work" is a life that I never thought was possible and I am forever grateful for.
Biggest roadblock and how did you overcome it?
Without question, I am my own biggest roadblock. As a mother of two toddlers, I am in a constant battle with myself over managing "mom guilt" and pursing my design dreams. I love to focus on the creative side of my job but need to stay acutely aware of the needs of my business. I do not have formal training in this field so I have to push myself hard every day to keep learning and expand on the experience I have garnered. My goals and my aspirations for Amanda Barnes Interiors are constantly evolving and the only way to keep them moving forward to is to keep learning and pushing myself every day.
If you could tell your younger self one thing to jumpstart her career, what would it be?
Do what makes you happy. Your hardest day in a job you love is better than the best day ever in a job you like. When you follow your heart, work does not feel like a job and your day from start to finish is filled with things you love.