A Tapestry of Life: From Childhood Dreams to Interior Design Realities
Introduction
This month, I’ve decided to take a different approach to my blog by documenting and writing about the highlights of my life and career that ultimately led me from childhood dreams to interior design reality. Join me on this journey to gain deeper insight into who I am.
Roots of Creativity: Nurturing Passion from Childhood
Growing up in a household where creativity thrived, I was immersed in a world of artistry and craftsmanship from an early age. Naturally, I found myself drawn to various forms of expression. My fascination with textiles and the art of sewing took root in my childhood as I watched my mother effortlessly transform fabrics into stunning garments for me to wear and intricate home decor pieces. From elegant tapestries to delicate needlework, her skilful hands brought beauty and warmth to our surroundings, igniting a passion within me to explore the boundless possibilities of fabric and thread.
Educational Crossroads: From Aspirations to Unexpected Paths
During my time at Brisbane Girls’ Grammar, my aspirations were focused on fashion design or architecture. My teachers recognised my potential in the creative industry, not only through my art but also through the effort I put into my history and French assignments, which I took upon myself to illustrate extensively. I’ve even retained some of those assignments to this day, covering diverse topics like Chinese Art, Fashion, and Architecture. Despite my initial interests, my parents, prioritising security, steered me towards attending business college, subsequently leading me into the legal world here in Brisbane.
Athleticism and Ambition: Cultivating Drive Beyond the Classroom
My drive and ambition remained evident. I was highly involved in sports during school, participating in swimming training every morning, playing tennis for Grammar and captain of the team, softball (as both pitcher and shortstop), and netball. This athletic involvement extended beyond school, encompassing nine years of training in Martial Arts, culminating in the attainment of a Probationary Second Dan Black Belt and the esteemed title of Dai Sempai.
London Bound: Professional Growth and Cultural Immersion
My passion for travel and adventure persisted, eventually leading me to the vibrant city of London for a significant portion of the 1990s. There, I worked as an executive assistant and paralegal in law firms, handling exciting cases in Entertainment Law, Medical Negligence and German Corporate Law. I had the opportunity to work on the film “Christopher Columbus” under the guidance of Marlon Brando’s lawyer, as well as contribute to notable cases like one of Britain’s largest Euthanasia cases and the “Manchester Bid” for the 2000 Olympics.
Amidst my professional endeavours in London, I found time to explore England’s historical buildings, immerse myself in galleries, and travel extensively throughout Europe and Scandinavia to absorb its diverse cultures.
Exploring Europe: Broadening Horizons and Inspirations
My travels throughout Europe not only expanded my professional horizons but also enriched my personal experiences. The fashion scene in England and Europe also captivated me, adding another layer to my experiences. While living in London, I devoted my time to studying Tibetan philosophy and many weekends were spent exploring Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard, where I discovered and immersed myself in fantastic bookshops, aromatherapy shops, and delightful whole-food cafes.
Eastern Encounters: Spiritual Quests and Cultural Influences
After immersing myself in Tibetan philosophy for a considerable period, my adventures led me to India in 1994. Accompanied by a friend from New Zealand, I embarked on a six-month backpacking journey through the northern regions, extending to the volatile area of Kashmir and up to Ladakh on the Tibetan Plateau. The bus rides along treacherous dirt and gravel roads with sheer drops were hair-raising experiences.
Fortunately, I found myself traversing these mountainous regions when the bubonic and pneumonic plague broke out in Surat, as the remote areas provided a safer refuge compared to the disease-ridden plains of India.
Road trip to Leh Ladakh, Monastery Library, the city of Leh
Melissa sitting under Tibetan Prayer flags near the Namgyal Tsemo Monastery in Leh, Ladakh
Subsequently, my travels took me southward to Delhi, passing through Agra, Varanasi, and over to the state of Orissa, before heading to Calcutta and the picturesque hill station of Darjeeling. It was in Darjeeling that I encountered remarkable individuals from both Indian and Tibetan communities.
I visited Tibetan weavers and spent time in the tea plantations, admiring Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain to Everest, from Chowrasta. From there, I ventured into Sikkim, where obtaining a visa was limited to just 15 days at that time, before returning to India and going to Nepal.
Oh, the tales I could recount from my adventures and the countless carpet shops and bazaars I found myself drawn into! These encounters, all left an imprint on my mind for concepts in design today.
The pinnacle of my 1994 Indian expedition was undoubtedly the honour of meeting the Dalai Lama at his residence in Dharamsala – a moment I shall forever cherish. My affinity for India prompted a return visit in 1997 for a few months, during which I reconnected with Tibetan and Indian acquaintances from my earlier journey.
While in Darjeeling, I received sombre news via word of mouth of Mother Teresa’s passing in Calcutta. It was then that the Tibetan women I was lodging with entrusted me with a blessed white scarf and incense to be delivered to Calcutta for her funeral.
Honoured by the request, I safely conveyed these items to two nuns associated with Mother Teresa’s mission, who assured me they would be placed on her coffin before the funeral – an experience that made me feel privileged to be part of history.
Darjeeling Tea Plantation West Bengal
Melissa Visiting villages in Thar Desert, Rajasthan State of India
Moroccan Memoirs: Solo Adventures and Serendipitous Encounters
During my time in the UK, I ventured to Morocco, travelling solo and immersing myself in the culture of old towns such as Casablanca, Meknes, and Fez. My first Hammam experience in the ancient city of Fez and the vibrant souks left a lasting impression.
The intricately carved doors fascinated me, prompting me to capture numerous photographs, which filled my album. An overnight journey to Marrakech led me to encounter my future husband at Hotel Essaouira on a rooftop the following day, where we often indulged in mint tea while admiring a Moroccan artist at work with pastels – a memory I hold dear along with the artifacts I collected during my travels.
Souks in Fez and a wood turner who is one of the few people who still uses his feet to turn wood
Marrakech, Morocco, Hotel Essaouira where I met my husband, Medicinal Souk, gentleman selling mint for Mint Tea
Middle Eastern Marvels: Archaeological Wonders and Culinary Delights
In 1999, while still residing in the UK, I embarked on my final solo adventures of the decade, this time to the Middle East. Traversing through Syria, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt, I marvelled at the rich archaeology and savoured the diverse cuisines found in bustling souks.
A particular highlight was my visit to Palmyra, also known as Tadmor, in Syria – the ancient ruins left me awestruck. I feel particularly privileged to have seen the ruins as they’ve faced significant damage due to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Spending considerable time in Egypt, I journeyed to Aswan down to Abu Simbel and out to Dahab in the Sinai Desert. I cherished my stay in Cairo, where I forged connections with locals and met a girl who worked with Dr Zahi Abass Hawass at the pyramids, regaling me with tales from their tomb explorations – a trip that continues to influence me to this day.
As you can see, I feel privileged for the life I have lived and for the amazing people I have met. I feel these diverse experiences have profoundly influenced my perspective and approach as an interior designer, enriching my creativity and understanding of global aesthetics and cultures.
Ancient ruins at Apamea, Northern Syria and Syrian girls I met along the way
Palmyra Ruins, Syria. The city is mentioned in tablets dating from as early as the 19th century BCE
Ruins at Palmyra, Syria, and artisan making a gold, bronze and silver plate
Petra in Jordan, Wadi Rum, and what’s left of Lawrence of Arabia’s House
Egyptians selling melons and garlic in Aswan, Egypt
Relaxing in Dahab, Sinai Desert, Egypt
Me sitting on the bottom of the Pyramid of Chephren at Giza and the awesome Pyramid of Cheops (Top Right) standing at 137.2 metres high.
Renovation Revelations: From Passion Projects to Professional Pursuits
Before travelling in 1990, I had always been interested in renovating homes. My first renovation was at the age of 22, which set my course for my future of buying homes and renovating them in between living in the UK and Australia. My husband and I are now working on a major renovation that you can see on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/motzdesigns_reno, where we have crafted everything to date.
Crafting Connections: From Travel Tales to Design Inspirations
From meeting and conversing with remarkable artisans in India and the Middle East, my travels have profoundly influenced all aspects of the hands-on work I undertake in my business today, whether it’s curtain making, upholstering, or crafting soft furnishings. Moreover, I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with a kindred spirit – my husband Jonny – who shares my passion for creation and craftsmanship in his spare time.
Growing up in a family of makers further ignited my ardour for creativity. Woodworking, painting, or sketching – creativity coursed through our veins, infusing our home with the vibrant energy of creation. This shared bond not only strengthened familial ties but also served as a wellspring of inspiration and support for my creative pursuits.
As I embarked on the journey to becoming an interior designer, the skills and passion for sewing that I nurtured from a young age became indispensable. From meticulously selecting fabrics to crafting every stitch with care, sewing seamlessly integrated into my design process, enabling me to translate my visions into tangible, aesthetically pleasing, and functional realities.
Conclusion:
Reflecting on the highlights of my life and career, I feel grateful for the diverse experiences that have profoundly influenced my perspective and approach as an interior designer.
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Author: Melissa Ots
Photo Credits: Melissa Ots
