Coco Lawson joined the Heritage community this winter as part of the Denver Fundamentals Program. Coco has always loved interior design and the design process. She has found it intriguing how such simple design changes such as paint color, throw pillows, and window treatments can transform the look and feeling of a room. Despite Coco’s creative skills and love of design, she never pursued a career that allowed her to explore this passion.
In her teenage years, Coco began working for her parents in their real estate business. When her parents purchased a plumbing and heating supply company, she worked as their bookkeeper in their accounting department. She spent 26 years working with her parents, helping them grow their business.
Last year, Coco and her family relocated to Denver for her husbands’ job. Although this move and change of environment was difficult and quite uncomfortable for Coco, it allowed her to start focusing on the things and interests she had always loved. She realized that the move to Denver was the perfect opportunity to reinvent herself and pursue a career in the field of interior design!
Going back to school and pursuing a new career path was not only a move that would help Coco fulfill her passion, but she saw this new journey as an opportunity to be an example for her children. A mother of four, she raised her children to believe that they could do anything and be anything and to follow their hearts. Attending Heritage allowed her to take her own advice and lead her family by example. She wants her children to be fearless in life and occupation. Although attending Heritage felt like a step far outside of Cocos comfort zone, she knew that going back to school was the perfect way to show her children what it means to be fearless and how to follow their hearts and passions.
From the moment Coco found Heritage online, she felt like it was the place for her. Her interview solidified her feelings, and she knew that Heritage was the next step in her career journey. She loves that she has found a school where all instructors and administrators truly want every student to succeed and grow. Although she has only been a part of the Heritage community for a couple of months now, she says that
“to date, being a student at Heritage has been the greatest experience of my life. There are days when I don’t feel like I can make it through because it is such an intense program, but you’re encouraged daily to be the best version of yourself.”
Coco embarked on this mission of completing the program knowing it would not be easy, but she had no idea that she would love going to class each day as much as she does. In two short months, the amount of information she says she has learned is mind-blowing and inspiring her to continue growing and developing her skills as a designer. After completing the program at Heritage, Coco would like to continue her interior design education by working for an established Denver designer. She recognizes the vastness of design knowledge required and would like to spend some time learning under someone before she ultimately opens her own design business. Coco says that
“I still have a long way to go, and it doesn’t get easier, but Heritage has changed my life in more ways than one, and I am forever grateful and thankful for this opportunity.”