Design Anatomy

What motivates someone to leave a successful career path and venture into the unknown? Ruby Shields did just that when she bid farewell to her flourishing advertising career to embrace her true passion: interior design. Join us as Ruby opens up about the pivotal moment at 27 when she realized she had to make a drastic change for personal happiness. Ruby’s journey is marked by the courage to take risks, driven by advice from her father and a tenacity cultivated since childhood. Her story underscores the importance of making life choices that align with personal fulfillment, even when it means embracing uncertainty and the challenges of starting anew. Ruby Shields' experience as an interior designer is as vibrant and multifaceted as her career transition. In this episode, we discuss how Ruby’s advertising background enriches her design aesthetic, shaping her unique approach to building a portfolio and networking within the industry. Ruby offers invaluable insights for emerging designers on using social media creatively, illustrating how past experiences can influence professional growth. From overcoming personal adversities to celebrating achievements and mentorships, Ruby’s narrative is a testament to resilience and ambition, providing inspiration for both new and seasoned professionals navigating the evolving design landscape. The transformative power of mentorship, self-awareness, and ambition takes center stage in our conversation with Ruby. We explore her current projects, where she gets hands-on with tasks like painting and tiling, showcasing her dedication to honing her craft. The episode dives deep into the significance of setting aspirational goals, embracing life’s unpredictability, and honoring the legacies of those who've inspired us. Ruby Shields’ journey is not just a career story; it’s a celebration of breaking cycles, living authentically, and paving a path for future generations to follow. Follow Ruby's journey on her socials Web: https://studioshields.com.au Instagram: @_studio.shields & @studio.shields_theview Bree is now offering a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open - Book now Join Lauren for The Conversation Circle beginning Monday 15th June. This fortnightly small-group mentoring program is designed for interior designers, decorators and stylists who are ready to fast-track their business growth, gain clarity, and have the support and accountability to take action. To ensure everyone receives personalised guidance and mentoring, the group is intentionally limited to just 6 designers . This creates space for meaningful conversations, individual feedback, and practical support tailored to your business. For more info & application process please see below: The Conversation Circle 2026