Born and raised in Calgary during a time when Canada’s energy policies were reshaping Alberta’s economy, Barbara grew up without initially recognizing her own creative potential. As a child and teenager, she never imagined herself as artistic and instead planned to pursue a career in law. That changed unexpectedly when she met her friend’s mother, who had happened to be an interior designer. Seeing her work sparked something immediate and lasting, redirecting Barbara’s ambitions entirely toward the arts and, specifically, interior design.

In high school, a teacher helped nurture this newly discovered passion for creativity, giving her the confidence to pursue it seriously. Barbara went on to study interior design at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University) and began what would become a lifelong career in the field. She practiced in Calgary for approximately 15 years, building a strong foundation and developing her professional identity.

Her career later took her to Toronto, where she worked with a large interior design firm on major commercial projects, including work connected to the Toronto Stock Exchange. One of her most notable positions was as an interior designer for Imperial Life Insurance. This offered extraordinary opportunities such as traveling extensively to branch offices across Canada, designing spaces in a wide range of communities. She also served as curator of the company’s head office art collection, purchasing artwork and shaping the visual identity of the space. The role came with some perks, including a car and driver, and involved frequent travel to Montreal during the development of a new office.

Despite her success, she eventually stepped away from large firm work and returned to more independent practice, later relocating and continuing her work across different cities, including Vancouver. However, her life changed dramatically following a serious car accident in which she was a passenger. The crash resulted in a traumatic brain injury, spinal damage, and a fractured hip. Initially, the severity of her condition was underestimated and it took approximately three months before she received a proper diagnosis of brain injury.

The aftermath was profoundly challenging. She was unable to practice interior design for around four years. Yet even during recovery, her drive to create never left her. She began making silk flower arrangements, which she sold at craft shows. This was both a creative outlet and a way to stay engaged with making.

Gradually, Barbara returned to design work before relocating to Kelowna following her father’s passing. Initially, she did not expect to continue designing there, but she soon became involved in major residential renovation projects and immersed herself in the local arts community. She contributed to the city’s public arts committee and supported organizations such as the Chamber Music Society, reflecting her broader commitment to creative culture.

Her professional influence extended beyond design practice. As president of the Interior Design Association in Alberta, Barbara played a key role in advocacy efforts, including legal action involving the provincial government and architects over regulatory authority under the Architects Act. She was deeply engaged in advancing recognition of interior designers’ expertise, particularly in areas such as building codes and life safety.

Alongside her professional career, she had been sewing since the age of 14 and developed a deep appreciation for textiles. Over time, Barbara collected a wide range of materials, including antique silk kimonos sourced from Japan, along with beads, fringe, and feathers. Eventually, she began transforming these materials into handbags: each one unique and crafted from rare, high-quality fabrics.

One pivotal moment came while she was in Washington, D.C. dining on Pennsylvania Avenue, when a woman approached her, captivated by one of her handmade bags. The woman immediately offered to purchase it on the spot, pulling out cash and requesting a custom piece. In another instance, one of her handbags became the most bid-on item at a silent auction, affirming the appeal and value of her creations.

After her mother passed away, she returned to Vancouver. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she revisited handbag-making more seriously and launched a website. Although initial sales were limited, she continues to hold a collection of these pieces and is now renewed in her intention to share and sell them.

Now at 75, having stepped away from full-time interior design, she remains driven by the need to create. Her current goal is simple but meaningful: to continue making beautiful, handcrafted items while generating some income and staying connected to the creative life that has defined her journey.

Had she not pursued interior design, she believes she would have inevitably found another way to work with textiles and form because, at her core, she has always been a creator.

“Design and creation is my passion. It is my reason to live. I love creating beautiful anything, it enhanses people's lives, gives me purpose and makes the world a better place.” - Barbara