A: I was born an artist and was artistically inclined as a child. So the arts have always been in me in different forms. I started decorating and designing my first house ten years ago. Based on that experience, I had many visitors to my home who loved what I did. Then I decorated my second and third homes and it was revealed to me by various sources, including family and friends, that I should consider becoming a decorator. Eventually I started working with my first client, the Pastor of my church. Then I worked with another friend and before I knew it I was back in school studying Interior Design. I was working a full time job in another field and working part-time on building my business. In 2005, I met my business partner, interior designer and friend, Susan Schemm. We decided to work together and start Design Scheme Interiors, LLC. Last year I quit my full time, “good” government job to do this full time.

What makes your approach to interior design different from that of other designers?

A: I feel I transcend the traditional approach to interior design because I look beyond what is considered “trendy” and celebrate the uniqueness of the client(s) I work with. I believe that homes need to support the individual mentally, physically, and spiritually. Therefore, I consider myself a holistic designer, whereas I integrate the 5,000 year old ancient Chinese art of placement called of Feng Shui, Color Therapy, and environmentally-friendly design into my work. However, I do not push these principles on my clients. If they ask for it, I provide it.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

A: My husband, Howard Ways, Sharne Algosston, author and a Philadelphia designer, and a New York designer by the name of Robin Lennon.

You do a workshop for homeowners called “Introducing the Decorator In You.” In that you stress the need for homeowners to change their thinking about who is the design expert in our life. Can you elaborate on that?

A: Yes, I preach that you need to realize that you are the best expert when it comes to your living environment. If you focus on your intuitive sense of what you want, need and love, then you will create an environment that, in turn, becomes classical and ageless and reflects your true being. It is helpful to rely on experts like me to provide resources or suggest possibilities, but is not wise to rely on expert opinions as law. People should feel free to decorate according to their own rules!

Where does your drive and design inspiration come from?

A: My inspiration comes from other designers work, art, my travels and even people’s homes I visit. My drive is from my parents who taught me that I could do and be anything I wanted to do.

Other than design what other things are passionate about?

A: I am very passionate about music. I bought a guitar a couple of years ago and have been trying to learn how to play it and write songs. I also enjoy making cloth dolls which feed my artistic soul. I also enjoy traveling and reading autobiographies of my favorite musicians. Lastly, I am passionate about the arts! Since my roots are in art, I want to ensure that Ward 7 has a huge presence in the arts industry and promotion in Washington, DC.

As a new Board member of the Ward 7 Arts Collaborative what do you intend to focus on?

A: I would like to focus on working with engaging young people in the interior design profession, volunteering my time to create wonderful spaces for those in need, and chairing the Arts Bank. In addition, I would like to integrate Ward 7 Artists work in the design work I do.

Name one thing people don’t know about you.

A: I am one of the biggest Beatles fans I know. John Lennon and Paul McCartney inspire my drive to create and write music