Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Casey.
Natalie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I literally turned around, and it was right there. While sitting on the lawn across from the admin building trying to decide what to switch my major to, I turned around, and there it was, The college of Design, Construction, and Planning. Of course, I didn’t know that at the time; I just thought, oh, what a cool building and started exploring the atrium and stairs in the center of the college. When I finally reached the end of my journey, I saw the sign for the building and decided to look up the program, and by the end of the night, I decided to change my major to Interior Design. While building my career as a registered interior designer focused in Healthcare and Corporate Interiors, I was facing a new phase in life because my kids were more independent, and my marriage of 11 years just separated. I re-examined who I am as an individual, not a mother, not a wife; Just Me. And decided to re-visit goals I never completed, one of which was getting my Master’s Degree in Architecture. So, as a non-traditional student, I decided to go back to school after 15 years. It was a tough journey, but I did it! And along the way, created life-changing friendships, created a person my 2 girls could look at as a real-life example of perseverance, and learned so much about who I am as a person. My family is my village; I was empowered because of the strong support I have in them. While maneuvering my career field as a woman and a Black American, there were times I wanted to walk away. But the support of my family kept me going. That support is why I became a board member of BAM Orlando (Black Architects in the Making). I wanted to not only help expose the field of Architecture to children who look like me but also create a safe village to empower them as they grow in a tough career field. As a member of CREW Orlando and BAM Orlando, I strive to create a long-lasting imprint in the central Florida community, specifically for women and minorities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Many nights crying, many nights of 2 hours of sleep, many nights wondering… WHAT THE HELL AM I DOING? As a woman, there was always a guilt factor that I think many mothers and wives feel when doing something just for us. I struggled to find my voice for a long time. I buried a lot of emotions and just smiled and nodded in my personal life and and did the same at work. While I loved design, I almost guarded my true creativity and kept it to myself for fear of judgement. Going back to school taught me to have a voice. The classroom was my soap box to just wildly design and voice my opinions on all matters of life from politics to history to gender roles and express them in my drawings. My classmates were not afraid to do the same, so it also became the place where I also learned to listen, accept and appreciate others and their journeys.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a registered interior design and 2 exams away from being a registered architect. I design for corporate interiors, healthcare, and most recently hospitality spaces. However, my proudest moments in my career are not my big projects; it’s actually the simple projects that help improve our community. Currently, as a member of CREW Orlando and serving on the community outreach committee, I helped orchestrate the commissioning of artists to paint a 90′ tall mural on the CityVue Building in Downtown Orlando. We raised the funds to hire artist, supplies and equipment in such a short period of time. The art piece highlighted residents of Parramore from the past that played significant roles in the neighborhood but were never praised while alive. The Mural is dedicated to the Unsung Heroes of Parramore and will be unveiled and dedicated on September 7. The process has been nothing short of amazing. I learned so much as I dug through old archives and immersed myself in the history of Parramore. Being that CREW is an organization for Women in Construction and Real Estate, the mural mostly highlighted females in the neighborhood. I felt connected to these women as I read about all the awesome journeys that they endured for MY equality and sacrfices made for the current opportunities and access I have today. When I am a part of these types of projects, I am in my happiest place.
Any big plans?
My future is now. My plans… to stop planning and start doing. My husband and I are currently in themidst of “renovating” our marriage and repairing damage from the past. Part of our ambitions are to live in a way that makes the most of everyday. We decided to stop putting off dreams and starting living in them. We have plans to travel to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Italy. We want our 2 daughters to understand that hurdles are only temporary. How you act in the midst of challenges determines your character. With dedication to be a change-agent all things are possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bamorlando.org
- Instagram: interiorarch.nnc
