If you are letting me into your home, it's important you know more about me, so here goes...
Born and raised in Neath, but lived and worked in Swansea since 2011, because I just love being by the sea! I have a little dog called Monty, who is my fur baby. He has been by my side since I started SA1 Interiors, watch out for him on my Instagram. I come from a family of graft (carers, miners, scaffolders) so hard work is familiar to me. It means I can also handle builders really well (it’s a skill).
I worked for Swansea University for the best part of working life, a wonderful 13 years managing the South and Southeast Asia region for marketing and operational strategy. I was able to fullfill my love of travelling, seeing wonderful things, meeting incredible people, and getting inspired for all things interiors! It also gave me insight into many interesting things, such as the temples of India, the food of Malaysia, the history of Rome, and the eccentricity of Thailand! All of which you will see reflected in some of my interiors at home. I left Swansea University to fulfill a dream, having done all sorts of wonderful things already, I was eager for a new challenge.
This job enabled me to develop skills and experience that no interior design qualifcation could: project management, problem solving, relationship building, resilience, confidence and listening. I have managed international teams by setting up offices overseas; overseen multi-million pound budgets, generated millions of pounds in revenues, and worked towards tight deadlines and targets. I would also add negotiation - I worked in India for many years - its a daily activity there. If you have ever visited and shopped in their markets, you will understand :)
I have studied, many times (3x NVQs, CIM, BA, MA, and Dip), only the latter in interior design. Most of my topics were management and marketing, which were far more useful for running a business. I am currently registered with BIID, completing regular CPD courses and working towards accreditation. Continuously keeping on top of important areas of knowledge, particuarly regulations for commercial interior design.
I was fascinated by interiors from a young age. I never had Barbie bedding, or My Little Pony wall paper, I wanted the grown up stuff like my aunty! I always knew my own mind and what I liked. I have always had a good eye for style, detail and generally putting things together, which I then went on to develop through study.
More recently, I have expored Human Design which revealed some interesting truths about me that you may find useful to know:
I’m a Generator - a natural ability to create and a natural ability to bring ideas to life. An ideal trait for interior design.
A willingness to experiment through trial and error - to learn. This enables wisdom which I share. Five years into interior design and even longer in managing projects - I have learned a lot.
My ability to handle a crisis - if you have ever goen through a renovation, you will know that a ‘crisis’ can happen regularly, big or small. I have the ability to ground everyone during any moments that feel like that.
One of my greatest strengths is communication. I listen deeply, speak honestly, and have a knack for knowing the right moment to share an idea or a perspective. Working with me means you'll always know where we stand — and you'll feel confident in the direction we're heading together
I hope that one of the things you will take away from working with me is that I was able to listen to what you wanted, what you loved and how you want your space to make you feel. Besides that, I hope that you will get to have a space in your home that you love as much as I will have loved creating it.
You can find out more about my design approach and ethos in my Journal, where I often write about this kind of topic.
That's it from me, come and say 'hi' and keep in touch on social media,
Shelley xx
