Eiko's Open Road

EIKO OKURA

Interior Designer

LEADER INFO:

INTERESTS:

Design Environment & Nature

THEMES DISCUSSED:

Experience Self-Reflection Acceptance Confidence Beliefs & Faith Courage Instincts Chance Opportunity Honesty Values Goals Inspiration

FOUNDATION:

Accomplishing Goals

BIOGRAPHY:

• Majored in aesthetics/art philosophy in Japan, but quickly realized her major was not particularly marketable in the job industry.
• While she was in this in-between state, she found herself constantly rearranging her furniture to calm her.
• Realized that this practice of designing her home was what she wanted to do with her life, went into interior design.
• Moved to the U.S. to pursue more design opportunities; got a stroke of luck, found a job right before her visa expired.
• Says that deciding to go into interior design was not a "long, philosophical conversation" with herself-her passion was obvious.
• Believes most of our interests should be obvious, but we complicate them; once you're grounded, you can "see what emerges."
• Says her "North Star" in her designs is her virtue; in her career and her personal life, she tries to do what feels right and honest.
• Doesn't believe that you should tune out others' advice, but says you should always put your own voice above the others.