December 4, 2014
Haley Roddy, Lady Darwin Design
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
"Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing". I guess I am just one of those people.
I feel very lucky to grow up in an artistic family full of strong characters who taught me that it was ok to be whatever I wanted, say whatever I thought and make myself be heard.
From a young age I knew I wanted to be somebody but it took me awhile to work out who exactly that was - and what form of art I would take up.
I am so glad that I have ended up in the industry that I am.
I found myself fascinated by the world of interior design and furniture so I soon discovered that I had a knack for mixing my passions for textiles and colours.
My career has formed from a lot of good luck, taking a chance and a tiny bit of hard work.
I ran away from my little hometown and started out studying fashion design after a bit of modelling when I decided that I wanted to MAKE the clothes, not wear them.
Midway into my fashion studies I grew restless again and realised that Interior Design was more for me so I moved my attention to that.
Six years on after a lots of part time work and a chance internship with an eccentric design legend I eventually returned back to Darwin in 2006.
I was picked up (literally - while waitressing) by a commercial design firm looking for some fresh blood.
There I learnt many things that I am eternally grateful for - but my heart wasn't in commercial design and eventually I needed to do more.
I am mostly inspired by art, colour, travel, photography and textiles and I have retained a bit of wild gypsy in me.
I would describe my style as eclectic though I never lose touch with my clients own individual style and personality.
I really enjoy discovering extraordinary pieces and bringing them to life in spaces that have soul.
I have evolved my business to focus on residential design and event styling - these days I mainly focus on new build home design, small scale renovations and colour consulting.
Interior Design is where I currently want to make my mark in the world so I continue on my quest of beautifying spaces one by one.
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Combining a creative industry business with family, travel and life in general while maintaining happiness.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
Finding time to fit everything in. Mostly I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to achieve what I want to do.
I love my work but there are other things I love to do too so it's a struggle to balance these out, I think relaxation time is so important for people in the creative industry.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Take a chance, don't doubt yourself and just start somewhere!
I wish I had put my ideas into action sooner but I didn't know if they would work or how to blend all the ideas I had to form an actual career but eventually when I just started trying small bits at a time it worked itself all out.
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I am an avid blog reader and design website trawler I could spend days on my laptop in my garden being inspired by the images or funny posts that I come across.
I read lots of different types of blogs not just people in similar industries to me.
Just some of my favourites are:
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I admire the work of many designers but one stands out as having inspired me the most.
Agatha Ruiz De la Prada is a fashion designer whose home inspired me to study interior design.
I saw it in a magazine and thought if someone with style that crazy can be a designer, then so can I.
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
Stop procrastinating and believe in yourself.
If you are naturally a creative person you should have faith that you will always be able to find a regular job while you take a crack at your next business venture - so I say just get in there and give it a shot.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
I stopped day dreaming and started putting my whimsical ideas into action.
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