Kamille Glenn’s Exceptional Journey: From Aspiring Astronaut to Influential Interior Designer
Kamille Glenn’s story is a compelling narrative of transformation, community, and purpose. From her childhood dreams of exploring the cosmos to her impactful career in interior design, her journey offers invaluable insights for those navigating the design world. Let’s explore the various stages of her career and the profound lessons she has gleaned along the way.
Early Aspirations and Educational Pathway
Kamille Glenn’s early years in Clinton Hill were marked by a fascination with space, aspiring to become an astronaut. However, a creative pivot occurred during her tenure at Brooklyn Technical High School, where she majored in industrial design. This burgeoning interest led her to the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where she pursued interior design. Her academic background provided a robust foundation, equipping her with the technical acumen and creative vision necessary for a thriving career in design.
Gaining Experience and Identifying Gaps
Upon graduation, Kamille joined the esteemed Rockwell Group, working on high-end restaurants and resorts across North America. This experience was instrumental in refining her design skills and understanding the industry’s intricacies. However, it also illuminated a significant gap: the lack of Black representation within the design community. This realisation became a catalyst for Kamille, prompting her to revisit ideas she had noted in her college journal about fostering a more inclusive design community.
The Birth of dsgnrswrkshp
In 2019, Kamille founded dsgnrswrkshp, a collective dedicated to empowering Black makers across various design disciplines, including exhibition, lighting, furniture, and fashion. The collective’s mission is to cultivate kinship through design, offering a platform for underrepresented designers to connect, collaborate, and share their experiences. Leveraging social media platforms such as Instagram, Slack, and Clubhouse, along with virtual events, dsgnrswrkshp has successfully built a global community of like-minded individuals.
Engaging the Community
One of dsgnrswrkshp’s standout events, VISIBILITY x DSGN, held in February 2021, utilised the 3D VR platform MootUp to unite over 100 attendees from around the globe. The event featured discussions led by prominent designers from various fields, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. This innovative approach to community building has been pivotal in amplifying the voices of lesser-known designers and promoting their work.
Career Advice from Kamille Glenn
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Follow Your Passion but Stay Open to Change: Kamille’s transition from aspiring astronaut to interior designer underscores the importance of remaining open to new opportunities and interests. Your initial career aspirations may evolve, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
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Build a Strong Foundation: Education and early career experiences are crucial. Kamille’s academic background and her tenure at the Rockwell Group provided her with the skills and insights needed to excel in the design industry.
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Identify Gaps and Act on Them: Recognising the lack of Black representation in design prompted Kamille to create dsgnrswrkshp. Identifying gaps in your industry can lead to meaningful and impactful initiatives.
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Leverage Technology for Community Building: The use of social media and virtual platforms has been pivotal for dsgnrswrkshp. Embrace technology to connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive community.
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Stay True to Your Mission: Kamille’s commitment to empowering underrepresented designers has been unwavering. Staying true to your mission can help you navigate challenges and stay focused on your goals.
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Give Back to the Community: Kamille’s future plans include creating design programs for children in Black communities. Giving back not only enriches your community but also adds a sense of purpose to your career.
Looking Ahead
Kamille Glenn’s journey is far from over. With aspirations to design interiors for Black clients and introduce design curriculums in schools, she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the design world. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring designers, demonstrating that a career in design is not merely about creating beautiful spaces but also about making a meaningful impact on the community.
As Kamille aptly puts it, “If we can see it, we can know it’s possible.” Her journey is a testament to the power of vision, community, and purpose in shaping a fulfilling and impactful career in interior design.
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