We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Edna Donald. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Edna below.

Edna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My roots are in Gary, Indiana – a hardworking, blue-collar town. Mom sewed, Dad worked the steel mills, and I was the youngest of seven. Something about spaces always fascinated me; I’d rearrange my room constantly, seeking that perfect feeling.

That passion led me to Norfolk State, where I dreamed of becoming an architectural engineer. It was tough – too technical for my creative side. So, I followed my heart back home to Indiana State and switched to Interior Design. My dorm was my sanctuary, a cozy haven where friends would destress during finals.

Degree in hand, I faced the classic struggle: Chicago firms wanted experience I didn’t have, even for entry-level jobs. I hustled, went back to school, and even landed a fantastic unpaid internship at Knoll Textile. Finally, that break as a Junior Kitchen Designer in Valparaiso!

Since then, stints at retail stores taught me the ropes, and I’ve tackled projects from basic to semi-custom. But now, I’m ready to level up. My heart lies in truly unique home renovations or exciting commercial projects. Sustainable design and smart home tech – that’s where my passion and my brand are headed.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The struggle of losing shelter more than once has deeply impacted me. This experience fuels my desire to create a safe, supportive space – not just through design, but through my business itself. This non-profit co-living space would offer a temporary haven for individuals getting back on their feet. Often, homelessness isn’t solely caused by addiction; life simply throws curveballs, especially financially. Moreover, many individuals are undergoing personal transformations and need a fresh start, independent from existing social networks. I believe everyone deserves a space to breathe, free from the constant anxiety of overstaying their welcome. This wouldn’t be just a roof, but a springboard – offering classes, access to mental health professionals, and a dedicated space for reflection and renewal.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Creatives often struggle against the expectation to always follow the rulebook, to stay within neat lines. But for those of us who learn, think, and simply operate differently, those rules feel stifling. It’s not that we see anything wrong with the conventional approach; it just doesn’t work for us. Imagine a room filled with only white furniture – to a creative mind, that feels lifeless, empty. We crave color, texture, the unexpected – elements that help us thrive and express ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thiq_designer
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edna-donald-a879a834/
• Other: @designs_by_edna on instagram (my buisness page)

Image Credits
Three photos were taken by Aisha Rasion others were taken by me.