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Green Interior Design: From nurse to designerDesigning a home (and life) that feels great |
While Nurse Jennifer Brouwer was caring for patients, she couldn’t help but notice that hospitals aren’t designed with wellness in mind. Her desire to create places where people could feel better led her to go back to school to become an interior designer.  Jenn remembers always having an interest in design, but as a child, didn’t know how to channel, or how to ask her parents how to pursue it. They certainly didn’t want their daughter to be a starving artist. So, she went the safer route. She’s thankful for the nursing detour now, realizing it prepared her to be a better designer and parent. In this interview with Extraordinary Women TV, Jennifer says the role of designer is part psychologist, friend, marriage counsellor, accountant and tradesperson. “You have to think quick on your feet and manage change well,” she says. (Luckily she mastered these skills as a nurse.) 
I had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer at interior designer, Tobi Fairley’s Blog Camp earlier this year. I can tell you first-hand, she is passionate, humble, open, determined, sensitive, intuitive ... the real deal. At the time, she was hesitant to start blogging for her Canadian-based business, Jennifer Brouwer Design. Already successful, with 13 years under her belt, she knows herself well enough to know that she couldn’t embark on blogging without giving it her all. Fortunately, she decided to jump in because every week she’s sharing valuable insight such as:
 I love her candour and levity around cooking meals for her family. She jokes that she’s not the best cook and the meals aren’t the healthiest, but she’s committed to having dinner at home with the family. What she doesn’t realize is that cooking anything at home is one of the healthiest steps you can take for your family and that taking time to plan and prepare a weekly menu is the hardest part. The practice of posting a weekly menu for her readers reminds us that it doesn’t have to be the organic, gourmet, perfectly styled meal, every night... the planning and intention behind it are the most important ingredients. 
This philosophy translates to the no-nonsense way she’s designed her life. She takes responsibility for her happiness and realizes it’s not luck or positive outlook that’s causing her success - it’s passion and commitment to making an effort. She also plans for things that are important to her and takes time for herself. All of which feed her creative spirit and make her a better mom, wife and designer. I hope you’ll spend some time with Jennifer. Watch her interview here , read her blog and follow her on Twitter. @jennbrouwer. |
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Oh my goodness Denese, I can not thank you enough for this lovely tribute. I musty have missed this on twitter? I'm utterly speechless, ask my hubs that isn't a frequent occurrence. Beautifully written,I am truly honored and touched by your kindness xo
On Denese's behalf - no problem. Ed.
Jennifer Brouwer 13-Oct-2011 03:25 AM