an
inspired
journey
BY Rose McClement
Michelle Vooght, the chapter leader of the
Holistic Network, invited me to be the speaker
for the month of April. Such a privilege
particularly since this is my favourite network. I
guess then it is appropriate for me to tell some
of my professional tale that has been my life’s
work to this point. While I thinking of my
approach to this article, it occurred to me, that
actually each one of us should write an article
for this mag. Why? – because we see each
other around at the meetings; we chat and
maybe even read up each other’s profiles on
the Xtraordinary Women’s website. But in truth
– how much do we really know about one
another?
I have been working in the interiors trade for
well over 25 years. I have to confess, I did not
head in this direction because I had a burning
passion for it. I did not even indulge in reading
interior magazines for that matter. Neither had I
trained to be an interior decorator or interior
designer. However, I definitely had a love for
“beautiful things”. An opportunity opened up at
Milton’s Interior in Kenilworth. I applied and got
the job. That in-and-of-itself was completely
and utterly confounding. I had zilch experience
– nada! Here was one of Cape Town’s most
prestigious interior decorating companies,
whose client list read like the Who’s Who of
Cape Town, employing ME of all people. Talk
about them being desperate! OR – rather on
the flip side of that coin – talk about the
Universe working in favour of bringing me into
my Life’s Destiny Path!
Long story short – you can imagine – I went
through an absolute baptism of fire in that
job. I learnt everything the hard way, made
umpteen mistakes, had Richie Rich’s mother
threatening me with lawsuits (ouch).
Nevertheless, I am the eternal student - I
persevered, carried on. As I grew more
comfortable with the work, the love and
passion for interiors found root and stayed.
That was the years 1980-85. I took a break to
grow my children and re-entered the trade in
1994. That too was intimidating. I had to
once again find my feet, catch up with the
latest trends, suppliers, fabrics and all the
necessary knowledge you need to be able to
consult with clients - to get on top of the
game. It was a tough road back, but again I
persevered.
“I persevered, carried on. As I
grew more comfortable with the
work, the love and passion for
interiors found root and stayed.”
Between ‘96 –‘99, with the complete support
of my husband, we took the brave step of
opening up our own small interior shop in
Diep River. That was my very first attempt at
flying solo. Boy oh boy – what an experience!
However, once it started to bleed financially
and I had a job offer I could not refuse, we
shut up shop. But that baby step was critical
to my path, leading me to where I am today.