10.30.12

Meet Valerie Drago, Passionate About Design & IIDA

Valerie Drago has been instrumental in starting the Cal State Long Beach IIDA Student City Center. Below she tells us how she followed her passion for design.

Growing up in a home with an amazing mother and father who is a professional photographer, I learned, from an early age, to be a bit more observant, and admire the world around us, through a lens. I believe it was through that lens I developed an appreciation for the arts in all its forms, with a singular interest in interior design and architecture.

Valerie followed her passion for Design

Although, being fortunate enough to have acquired an artistic skill at a young age, I chose to explore other possibilities and ventured into the wedding industry. And, at the age of 20, I opened my own business creating custom wedding invitations, but never leaving too far behind my passion for interiors.

After several years, and having experienced the joy (and difficulties) of owning my own business, I decided to follow after my passion and go back to school. I am now a senior in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design program at California State University, Long Beach.

I recently joined IIDA, to become more acquainted with the industry, as I transition from the classroom to the ‘real world’ once again. I am truly looking forward to the next chapter in my life. Being part of this organization, I believe, will provide support and professional growth in years to come. 

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