Andrea Paredes

What this episode covers

Andrea Paredes grew up in Venezuela with a desire to explore new places, so she studied hotel management there hoping that it would provide opportunities to travel. Later when she was asked if she wanted to go to Thailand Andrea seized her chance. In Bangkok, just as Andrea was looking for a more creative pursuit in life she landed a job with a company that specialised in both hospitality and interior design where the owner created a range of amazing themed bars and restaurants across the city. When Andrea told the owner that she was more interested in learning interior design than working in hospitality, he cut her a deal where she became an apprentice while she studied at night to gain her qualifications in the field. After Andrea’s mentor at the company moved on Andrea and her partner felt it was time for a change and they moved to Australia. They liked the Gold Coast so much Andrea enrolled to study painting and decoration at Academique to further her professional knowledge as she sought to establish herself as an interior designer here. While looking for interior design work Andrea decided to learn how to become a barista at a local café, but when the owner saw her CV she said: “forget making coffee, would you like to redesign the interior of my café instead?” It was her first design job in Australia and since then Andrea has steadily built an impressive portfolio here through the establishment of her own interior design business.

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