Success Story
Virginie Garikian
Madison, WI
I had been working in various management positions in the financial services industry when my husband was offered a great professional opportunity in the United States as an expatriate in 2007. I decided that the time was right for me to pick up a challenge as well and to finally launch myself into the world I always dreamt of: Interior Design. At that moment I decided to pursue the Interior Decorating Course.
How did you grab hold of your life − and make a change? What steps did you take?
I think it was one of those moments in life where you sit down and think about what you have accomplished in live and what kind of dreams you have for the future. Although I was very satisfied with my past life, I felt I needed something new, a new challenge for the future. Interior Design had always been my dream so I knew that was the way I was heading. I did some internet research and started my course. But it did not end there. After my course, I continued studying and working and gradually made my dream of being an interior designer come true.
Why did you make the decision to "Go for it"?
It was not easy for me to live in a new country with no real professional objectives. Prior to moving to the USA I had my own professional career and I loved that. I have a Masters Degree in Finance but I always dreamed to work as Interior Decorator. It was the best opportunity in my life to switch careers and to follow my dream.
Who were your cheerleaders − who supported you?
My husband was supporting me most of all and my family of course. My friends were also really supportive and they were confident I had found my mission. Everybody knew I really was passionate about Interior Design and as I gave a lot of help and advice even before launching my own decoration business, people’s positive reactions fueled the whole process. But most of all, I was the one pushing myself forward and supporting myself. It was a big challenge for me and a great opportunity to do what I was dreaming to do a day…
What was going on in your life at the time?
At the time I started this process I was a stay at home mom with a two year old daughter and a four month old son, while my husband was travelling a lot. Life was very busy but I decide to invest time in my passion and my dream. Everything is possible if you want it…
Tell us the most important thing that changed in your life?
My studies change everything in my life! I started my business as interior design Coach and right now I’m working with customers located in 104 countries. I’m also freelance writer, work very independently and have a lot of freedom, exactly like I always imagined. It has become so much more than a dream now, it is all real now and when I look back at my path it was just a wonderful life and a great experience!
If you wanted to inspire / motivate someone else to Grab Life Today − what would you tell them?
The big question is “are you happy”? If not, think about things that could make you happier and take the directions to achieve your goals. The biggest mission we have on the world is to become happy and to spread it, than, let’s go and don’t forget to visit my website: www.idcvirginiegarikian.com!