(design.inspiration) erin dando

Flicking through an old issue of real living recently I came across a feature on Erin Dando of Blossom Creations. Usually I know every feature and profile off by heart because I see them about a hundred times before the mag goes to print. But this issue was put together while I was on maternity leave. Anyway, I decided I had to learn more about Erin and her environmentally friendly range of designs.

Which five words best describe you? A very nice person indeed.
What was your first job and what path have you taken since then? I got my first job was when I was in 14, I worked as a pharmacy assistant. Things have changed a fair bit since then! It took me a long time and many false starts to work out what I wanted to do career-wise. I studied communication at Uni (specialising in Advertising and Marketing), taught English overseas, worked in marketing, admin, and also worked for a non-profit organisation. I then went back to study graphic design and started my business.
What’s your proudest achievement? Well I’m 3 months away from having my first baby – can I answer that question then? I’m sure it will surpass anything I think I’ve achieved so far!
What’s been your best decision? It’s hard to know where to start - so many small decisions have led me to where I am now… My decision to live and work overseas led me to meeting my husband (we met in Japan), as well as giving me invaluable life experiences. My decision to leave work full time and go back to study led me to starting my own business. My decision to start the business has opened so many doors for me, taught me so much, and exposed me to so many amazing people and experiences. So I guess in general - my best decision has been to follow my heart, it always seems to work out.
Who inspires you? I’m not going to say anyone famous or well known because really I’m most inspired by everyday people - people who are facing or have faced enormous odds, hardship or terrible situations and not only get on with life but shine through and manage to inspire others with their outlook. People like that really help to keep things in perspective. I also admire people who have been brave enough to make big changes/decisions in life in order to pursue their passions, beliefs, or dreams. There are so many people in small business, people aspiring to a certain career path, or people passionate about a cause who face enormous challenges but put 100% into making things happen – again without bemoaning the small stuff. That takes a lot of courage and strength.
What are you passionate about? Family, relationships, people. Of course I’m passionate about design, environmental issues and a number of other creative pursuits - but it’s people that really matter to me.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt? To be patient and trust in yourself. Things always happen for a reason – whether it’s good or bad, there’s always something to learn from it.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? I never met my grandfather, I’d love to be able to sit and have a chat with him and hear his stories. Based on what I know about him I think we would have been great friends.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? There’s still a lot of travel I’d like to do. My husband and I dream of spending time in Italy (mostly cooking and eating!), I dream of travelling to Ireland with my Dad (we both love Irish music), and I dream of one day showing my kids around places I’ve grown to love in my travels throughout Japan and South East Asia.
What are you reading? Dead giveaway here – currently on my bedside table are these books I’m flicking between: Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering by Sarah Buckley, Hypnobirthing – The Mongan Method by Marie F Mongan; New Active Birth by Janet Balaskas; Painless Childbirth by Giuditta Tornetta… Any guesses what I’m getting prepared for?!?

images courtesy of blossom creations and real living