Chelsea designs her career for every stage of life

Back in 2008, Chelsea completed a Diploma of Graphic Design (CUA50720) at TAFE Queensland, launching a career in marketing, advertising, and publishing.

She went on to work with agencies, signwriters, and a financial advisory firm, and even became Art Director of a local 80-page magazine.

“When I first chose to study, I couldn’t decide between graphic design and interior design. But graphic design gave me an amazing foundation and opened the door to many opportunities,” Chelsea said.

When Chelsea became a mother in 2018, she shifted gears, working as a freelance graphic designer from home.

But her passion for interiors, fuelled by building and renovating homes with her husband, never went away.

A turning point came when freelance work slowed down, and she applied for a role at an interior design firm.

“They hired a recent interior design graduate instead, and that really made me realise how much I wanted to make the career shift.”

“My son was only one and a half at the time, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to retrain before I was ready to return to work properly,” Chelsea said.

Deciding to return to study, Chelsea enrolled in the Diploma of Interior Design (MSF50222) with TAFE Queensland, studying online to balance her family commitments.

“As a mum, your schedule is never predictable, but being able to fit study around my children gave me the confidence to commit to it fully. I wouldn’t have been able to go back and study if it weren’t for the online option,” she said.

Studying online with TAFE Queensland gave Chelsea the flexibility to study in a way that suited her, allowing her to learn in her own time - essential to her success.

“I needed the flexibility to study whenever I could - late at night, during nap times, or between school drop-offs and pick-ups. “

“Online learning meant I could keep working toward my dream career without sacrificing time with my kids.”

That flexibility was complemented by her teachers, who Chelsea credits with helping her succeed both during and after her studies.

“They were amazingly supportive and available throughout my study. Even after graduating, they’ve checked in with me and answered questions.”

“They also helped find employment and contract work as the course finished, which made me feel confident about my future,” she explained.

Her course gave her the technical skills and industry-ready experience to begin working immediately.

“I went from not knowing how to use a CAD program to creating complete sets of technical drawings and 3D renders.”

“The role-playing elements of the course - presenting designs to teachers and peers as though they were clients - helped me build confidence to step into the industry and eventually start my own business.”

Chelsea’s teachers also encouraged her to enter the KBDi Student Design Awards 2025, where she submitted one of her kitchen designs.

“I had no idea what to expect, but when I saw my entry listed among the winners, I was in disbelief. It was such a proud and grateful moment,” Chelsea said.

The recognition didn’t stop there - she was also named 2025 Graduate of the Year, celebrating her achievements as she stepped into her new career.

Now running Soul Sanctuary Interior Design, her own design consultation business on the Sunshine Coast, Chelsea describes working for herself as exciting and liberating.

“My dream career is this: working with clients who trust and value what I do and designing spaces that feel like a sanctuary while reflecting individuality.”

“In the future, I’d also love to move into boutique commercial design, especially restaurants and moody, atmospheric spaces.”

For Chelsea, TAFE Queensland has been a partner at every stage of her career journey - from launching her first career in graphic design, to retraining in interior design while raising two young children, to winning national awards and starting her own business.

“Studying with TAFE Queensland has completely changed my career course - twice. Each time, it’s given me the practical skills, confidence, and support I needed to take the next step,” Chelsea concluded.