Transitioning to a new career can be challenging. But many who make the leap find reward in the outcomes. We sat down with Nancy Peal, Senior Interior Designer in the Onni Real Estate group, to gain more insights on how she managed to pull that off.

How it started

Nancy grew up in Indianapolis and studied communications at the University of Michigan. Her goal after that was to study law and become a child advocate. But that never felt right.

“Ever since I remember, I’ve been tearing pages out of Architectural Digest,” she reminisced. With encouragement from her mom and a long-running passion in her heart, she enrolled in the Harrington College of Design.

TRANSITIONING

She admitted in a heartbeat that “It was scary.” But she constantly encouraged herself, worked harder than usual, and never settled for anything less than the best. She advises anyone transitioning not to lose sight of their end goal because that will be their greatest motivation.

Building herself

Over the years, she has worked as a furniture specialist in the Merchandise Mart, started her own design business, and worked on design teams for several firms. She never stops learning, and even as a busy design executive, she still makes sure to soak up and save design inspirations however she can. This is how she keeps creating inspirational projects.

Her favorite project was a gastroenterology center that she did under her business, Appeal Interiors. Creating a design that was a vital part of the patient’s healing process was a rewarding experience for her.

THINGS SHE WANTED TO SHARE

Nancy says she loves the decision she made. She advises readers to appreciate what they have and don’t focus on things they don’t have or can’t do yet.

Nancy believes Queen Latifah would have played her perfectly if her life were a movie. She also has a major crush on Travis Kelce, but no one should tell him.