Ten years ago I was encouraged by my big sister to start my own business - Joy Interiors. My initial reaction being that there was no way I could do this, having been employed for years within an organisation that I truly loved (but didn't quite fit with my growing family) with absolutely no business background it was a dream that seemed unachievable. At this point I had already studied and had qualified (through the National Design Academy https://www.nda.ac.uk ) - but to actually put this into practice and make a living from it seemed too good to be true. Fast forward ten years and looking back over this time I realise how far I have come from this self doubting individual to owning a successful Interior Design Practice, with a vast portfolio - working with absolutely wonderful clients.

As Joy Interiors grew, so did my love of trying new things - all still sitting comfortably within the interior design world. I am working with some amazing like minded people who I feel so lucky to have the chance to realise dreams and visions with, at the same time pushing myself out of my comfort zone and developing skills, contacts and confidence to enhance everything I do.

So - what do I do?

1) Joy Interiors

First and foremost I am an interior designer. I love working with people to help them achieve looks within their homes that not only make their hearts sing but work on a practical level too. I have developed a certain aesthetic on my Instagram page of the modern country look - but I also work with many other styles/settings and genres including commercial work - I have now designed and project managed in excess of 15 funeral homes for the Co-operative, and many other different locations that you may not instantly connect with Joy Interiors.

Within the interior design services that I provide - I can also visit you within your home and simply help with the finishing touches, accessories, styling and just walking through your home and offering practical advice on how you can make changes to achieve a completely bespoke, individual look. This is proving to be my most popular service at the moment and I am currently setting aside a day each week to fulfil the demand. I have travelled to Wiltshire, Cambridge, Chipping Norton and the Derbyshire Dales in the last few weeks alone.

2) The Joy Events

A few years ago I had the idea of opening up my home just before Christmas and creating a unique, intimate shopping event - whilst raising funds for a charity close to my heart. It was so successful and I had such lovely feedback. As a result, this grew and I have now held several 'Country home & lifestyle' events - which has resulted in the creation of 'The Joy Events' (www.thejoyevents.co.uk) at the end of 2019 with Klara from Birds in The Attic(http://www.birdsintheattic.co.uk). A huge part of the success of the events was being able to work with Klara, who sprinkled total magic on everything and really made the events shine within the Brocante world. I feel privileged to be working with her and she is definitely one of life's treasures. (take a peek at www.thejoyevents.co.uk for details of 2020 dates for events and workshops)

3) Interior Junction

18 months ago, Emma (www.cabyn.co.uk) Keeley (www.milkhomeuk.com) and myself got together.......the result of which was the realisation that there wasn't an interior focussed event for the Midlands/North of the country (with the majority being down South and mainly in London). So, we had a vision and we brought it to life! Interior Junction 2019 was amazing - held within the Roundhouse venue in Derby, we had shopping, styling demonstrations, talks, panel chats, workshops, food & drink, live music, DJ and so much more! We put so much work and love into creating an event we would want to attend and tried to think of everything. The feedback after our first one was mind blowing - Instagram went crazy! We also learnt an awful lot too - and planning for this years is well under way and is looking to be even bigger and better than the last one (September 26th and 27th www.interiorjunction.co.uk - sign up for all our launches and ticket sales). If this wasn't enough, we also thought it would be a good idea to host a 'pop up' Interior Junction, with an evening social event taking place on March 28th at The Mills, Darley Abbey, Derby (all details on the website). Again, I feel so lucky to be working with such talented creatives who put their hearts, souls and much more into everything they do.

4) Instagram

With over 55,000 followers on my Joy Interiors account I now feel I need to include this within 'what I do' !!! I absolutely love IG, it is such an inspirational platform - I have met so many lovely folk on there and find it a really kind environment to be within. It is also free (unbelievable really) and I am able to showcase the work I do, let people know a little more about me and it allows them to find me and to help them within their homes. It has changed and evolved over the last few years but I still see great benefit from a business perspective, and it is also a creative outlet for me that I really do enjoy. As such, I am also contributing to the IG pages for The Joy Events, Interior Junction and Joy Interior Pretties. So it may well be myself you are chatting to if you follow them!

5) More

The above are all the main parts of my work - there are other things I am also involved in, which include being a mum to three beautiful boys, a wife to a very hardworking, supportive husband - and as true a friend as I can be to those I love. The above allows me to do all of these things and even though work is getting busier by the day - these are the main reasons for doing what I do and I appreciate every moment.

I guess I owe my sister a huge thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.

Nicky

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