IIf you’ve visited this blog before, you might already know my daughter Courtney is studying interior design. She has contributed a few posts here and will be writing regular columns in the future. Over the past year she has been searching for an interior design internship as she prepares for her final year of college. It’s an exciting milestone — a chance to gain real-world experience and start building a professional portfolio. As a proud mother, I’ve loved watching her pursue this path.
Courtney often talked about her ideal internship: working at a beautiful design firm alongside a designer whose aesthetic matched her own. She wanted a place where she could not only love the surroundings but also learn from someone who understood her creative perspective. That was the dream she kept in mind while she applied broadly and attended interviews.
Of course, most opportunities didn’t perfectly match that vision. That’s common when you’re getting started — many positions offer experience but don’t always align with every personal preference. Courtney remained open-minded, willing to take any position that would help her grow, knowing that experience is the first step toward a lasting career.
Then her dream came true: she was offered an internship with Kelie Grosso at Maison Luxe in Seattle. It was the perfect fit — a firm with a refined aesthetic and a designer she admires. I was thrilled for her; this opportunity matched both her creative tastes and her desire to learn from an experienced professional.
This accomplishment is entirely Courtney’s. I didn’t contact anyone or pull strings to secure the role. She pursued the opportunity on her own, and her persistence paid off. I couldn’t be prouder of her dedication and the way she advocated for her own goals. I’m also grateful to Kelie Grosso and the Maison Luxe team for welcoming her and for providing this valuable professional experience.
Working in such a beautiful environment will undoubtedly inspire Courtney. For our family, a thoughtfully designed space makes life richer and more joyful, and she shares that belief wholeheartedly. Being surrounded by carefully curated interiors and professional practice will help her grow as a designer and refine her personal style.
What a wonderful opportunity for a young designer
This internship feels like a dream come true for a passionate, aspiring interior designer. It offers exposure to professional processes, client work, and an environment that aligns with Courtney’s aesthetic sensibilities. I’m excited to see how this experience shapes her design thinking and skills over the coming months.
I’m so proud of Courtney and thrilled for this next chapter. She’ll be sharing more design ideas and reflections from her internship at Maison Luxe, and I can’t wait to feature her work here. She’s even posted her own announcement and photos about this opportunity on her personal blog, where she shares more about her journey and excitement.
For anyone pursuing a creative career: keep seeking the opportunities that match your passions, be persistent, and celebrate each step forward. Courtney’s story is a reminder that dedication and a clear sense of what you want can lead to meaningful, fulfilling experiences.