From my blog, there needs to be more activity. Occasionally, as an interior designer, I will have a brainstorming session, especially when I need to make a life-changing decision, whether personal or business. I brainstorm because I prefer to make the right choice in the first round, and I do not want a mistake that will waste my valuable time.

As a business owner, I have a lot to tackle daily, and one of the critical aspects of who I am as an interior designer sits by the waste side, which is blogging.

I am human and sometimes become frustrated, but I understand why I could not blog for an extended period. For instance, I feel highly accomplished even if I stopped blogging and looked at how long I have been designing and how my business and presence as a designer have grown. Also, I asked myself: Have I already achieved enough for Kimberly A. Carter-Lyons? Let me think for a moment.

I would love to know where this image originated. It reminds me of myself as a little girl spoiled rotten and, of course, a brat. However, as a small child and now an adult, my parents continually talked positively about specific aspects that should serve as a solid foundation for my life. As a result, I have firmly stayed true regardless of what is going on in my surroundings.

Education is highly significant, and no one can take it away.
When it comes to me, I love myself unconditionally.
Never, ever sell out – PERIOD!
Always be a leader.
Never sacrifice my morals and values.
It is okay to dream, but make sure it becomes a reality.
Stay original and authentic.
Reach beyond the stars, but if I choose to soar past them, so be it because I will be closer to the most exceptional designer ever – God.
I saved the best for last and before all people and things in this world – ALWAYS KEEP GOD FIRST!

However, have I already achieved enough for Kimberly A. Carter-Lyons? I struggled with it for a while, and some procrastination came along. Yes, ma’am, procrastination. As I said, even though I have been designing for years, I felt there was no need to reach higher with my education. I would often ponder because my parents always said there was no limit or time frame for school. So, I know and understand the importance of knowledge and how essential it is for an interior designer to continually achieve at a more significant level regardless of the credentials already accomplished. Moreover, about four and a half years ago, I came to a complete halt, and I felt it was mandatory to make another life-changing decision.

I did not post then because I realized it was not the appropriate time. Nevertheless, today, I have reached another milestone in my life. The pot of gold at the end of the rainbow has been a colorful blessing. I always needed to dig deeper into commercial, hospitality, and global design. So, I decided to acquire another degree. It was not easy at all because I already had a busy schedule. At the same time, several reasons for not becoming comfortable helped me make an accurate decision. Trust me, owning an interior design studio, my fast-paced personal life, and trying to balance everything was no joke. It became a real-life struggle.

With my enduring dedication, strong will, determination, and my favorite word of all, perseverance, I was about to accomplish another milestone in my life. At times, I felt as if I was depriving myself of sleep, but I felt incredibly energized for some reason. My body was going in one direction, yelling, slow down, girl, but my brain told me, you got this! I knew the result once I got past the silver lining in the sky. It has been crazy hard work, but earning another degree in different design areas has changed my life.

I proudly took hold of yet another accomplishment and blessing. My Interior Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts (MAGNA CUM LAUDE) at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta. Oh, and by the way, that is me being overly excited! I did my walk on June 18, 2018, and I am beyond proud of myself for acquiring another degree. I walked with amazing people while earning a high GPA with honors. I am also a proud member of The National Technical Honor Society and Kappa Pi Honor Society because I am that nerd chick – Yes, baby!

The world of interior design has too many levels to be stuck on one. I am after my own heart because I love Kimberly A. Carter-Lyons! I have officially started a new chapter in my life. God already had everything planned; I just needed to follow through and listen to my heart, which I did. I did just that, and now it is time to explore all my unlimited assets in the ever-changing world of interior design!