If you look up the word ‘perseverance’ in the dictionary, you may find a picture of OBMI Interior Designer, Chanika Jones. Her story encompasses all the trials and triumphs involved in pursuing a dream and inspires all of those who want to follow our dreams.
Chanika’s journey as the talented and passionate interior designer we know today began in 2005 when she decided her dreams reached beyond her current role of Constable in the Police Support Unit. Although her job was important, she knew that she had untapped creativity that needed to be unleashed. Unsure of what the future held Chanika enrolled in the American Intercontinental University in Atlanta for Interior Design. As often dreams are difficult to realize, a series of events led her to postpone her design dreams and return to Bermuda. As time progressed, Chanika always held her dream of sharing her creativity with the world and was focused on chieving her goals. Ready to restart her studies she enrolled in Academy of Art University (AAU) in San Francisco. Combining a series of online and traditional coursework she was determined to succeed and become an interior designer.
While delicately balancing being a mom, working full time and enrolled in her studies she began to see positive results of her dedication. She received the Ministry of Education Mature Student Award, achieved several personal goals – including receiving her Personal Training Certificate – and becoming actively involved in the Bermuda interior design community. She knew she was on the path to success and became an impassioned and committed student member of the Bermuda Society of Interior Designers (BSID). As a result of her hard work and extra efforts, Chanika received multiple scholarship awards from the organization.
In 2016, Chanika realized she was ready to yet closer to her dream and quickly accepted an offer to join OBMI as a student intern. Not many months later, Chanika joined the team as an Independent Contractor, while still enrolled in the online interior Design Program at AAU.
Chanika’s journey and dream that began in 2005 moved into the stages of success in May of 2018 when Chanika received her Bachelor Degree in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University. Already knowing what exceptional talent and passion Chanika had for her chosen field, OBMI was quick to offer her a position within the firm as a full-time Interior Designer. Today Chanika enjoys serving her clients on a variety of projects including design of residential interiors, commercial interior fit-outs and renovation projects.
Chanika’s story demonstrates what steadfast resolve can accomplish. Nearly anything is achievable when passion and perseverance are combined. OBMI is proud and privileged to have Chanika as a member of their professional Interior Design team.
To learn more about Chanika and view her project bio, click here.
