GATHER 2025 | Reigniting Joy: Aligning Values with Passion for a Fulfilling Career
In Vedic astrology, I am in what’s called my Rahu-Sun dasha. This period of time is all about using my voice, my story, and lessons learned to inspire and empower others. This season is about reinvention and visibility- stepping from behind pretty design pictures and into the truth of who I am. Speaking at the ASID GATHER2025 conference was in total alignment with this astrological season. I gave my first solo presentation about reigniting joy in our careers through alignment, and more than 50 designers joined me!
Throughout my professional journey, I’ve learned that reconnecting with my core passion and focusing on alignment in my work and life has accelerated both personal and professional growth. That clarity has taken my business to the next level, and it’s why I love sharing my experiences with the hope that I can positively impact the journey of others. My goal for this session was to help designers reignite the spark that first drew them to interior design, and to remind them of the profound impact that purpose-driven work can have not only on their careers, but also on their lives.
When I reconnected with my own “why,” it completely changed the trajectory of my career. It led me to co-host a television show Home Is Where The Heart Is (on Hallmark+), participate in national show homes, join panels and events, and receive recognition in the media. Most importantly, it brought me back to joy. That alignment between my personal purpose and professional actions has opened doors I never imagined, and it allows me to design in a way that truly resonates with clients, creating spaces filled with meaning, joy, and belonging.
But I was honest with the group about how this journey hasn’t always been easy. After almost 20 years in the industry, I found myself questioning my purpose. The challenges of running a business and recurring client frustrations had dimmed the spark that once fueled my love for design. Like so many others, I experienced burnout and disillusionment. Through soul-searching, I discovered that to reconnect with the joy of design, I had to reevaluate my values and uncover my evolving “why.” Only then could I align myself with the right people and opportunities that fueled growth instead of depleting me.
During the session, I guided attendees through The Light Path™ Method, which gave them the chance to reflect on their personal core values and how those values show up in their work. It was powerful to watch designers clarify what they love most about their craft, identify barriers that might be standing in their way, and create a plan to realign their services with their passions.
Thank you to everyone who joined me, for the grace you gave me (because I lost my spot in my script a few times 😂), and for the thoughtful words shared at the end. Until next time!
