This year I celebrate my 12th year in the design world - and what an incredible journey it’s been. Design has always been my passion, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else. But let’s be honest — it’s not an easy business to be in! It’s challenging, demanding, and often very stressful. From being employed to becoming self-employed, every phase has taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into the designer (and person) I am today. I truly feel blessed!

The Early Years

         Ever since I can remember, I’ve loved creating and building. As a kid, I’d rearrange every piece of furniture in the house, shifting things from place A to B, stacking chairs, draping blankets, and stepping back to think, “Maybe yes… maybe no.” My “projects” usually ended in a bit of chaos - but also creativity. I built what I called “the neighborhood,” using stools and chairs as houses and blankets as roofs. Looking back, that was probably my first design studio.

         My grandpa was a handyman - the kind who could build anything. He built the house we lived in and had a tiny millwork shop full of every tool you could imagine. Neighbors constantly came by to borrow something because, as they’d say, “If you need a tool, he’s got it.”

         I was always right there beside him — watching, asking a million questions, soaking it all in. Once, he looked at me and said, “We need to put a belt around your head.” I was puzzled until he laughed and added, “To contain that brain of yours.” That was his way of saying I was bright. Tough love, but enough to keep me curious.

Dreams, FIT, & Rejection

         As I got older, I became obsessed with details. Every space I walked into, I’d study and mentally redesign. I always wanted to upgrade things for the better - and honestly, that part of me never changed.

         In high school, I debated between becoming a teacher or an interior designer. My English was still rough back then (I had just moved to the U.S.), but I loved helping others learn - tutoring classmates in algebra and seeing them succeed. Still, my heart was set on design, and I dreamed of attending the Fashion Institute of Technology.

         Dreams do come true if you work hard enough! My first attempt was a rejection, lots of tears of course - I repivoted, and attended local community college instead for two years but never stopped dreaming of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC). After my second attempt, I got that long-awaited acceptance letter. I jumped on the bed, cried, and screamed with joy! That moment taught me one of life’s biggest lessons — rejection isn’t failure; it’s redirection.

         FIT challenged me, pushed me, and helped me grow into a stronger designer.  Oh those unforgettable sleepless nights perfecting the projects! But after graduation, reality hit: finding that first job was brutal. “You need five years of experience,” they said… to get your first job. Right! So I waited tables, stayed motivated, and kept applying. When a friend said, “You graduated college and you’re waitressing?” it stung — but it also fueled me. I wasn’t giving up!

The Corporate Climb

         Eventually, persistence paid off. I got my first interview - butterflies, shaky hands, the whole thing. I showed up with my 27-foot-long thesis project and a 250-page airport design book. Yup yup I did that! When I rolled it out, the interviewer’s eyes nearly popped. After ONLY two rounds, I got the job!

         Working in corporate design was thrilling - real budgets, real deadlines, and real stress. I quickly learned that college hadn’t prepared me for everything or anything really! Late nights perfecting renderings and presentations became my norm. Too many nights working till 2am! Too many! There was little mentorship and constant pressure to deliver. But I also met incredible colleagues who became lifelong friends and mentors in their own way.

         Those years taught me resilience, precision, and how to manage projects like a pro. They also gave me the skills I now teach through Interior Design Den, especially in my AutoCAD, SketchUp and Enscape courses - the exact tools that helped me grow into a confident designer.

🖥️ Explore my digital design courses →

The Turning Point

         After years in corporate, I started feeling uninspired. The constant deadlines, the late nights - it just wasn’t lighting me up anymore. I was overworked, underpaid, and craving freedom. I don’t blame anyone - I take responsibility for not asking for more support or pushing harder for what I deserved. But deep down, I knew a new chapter was waiting for me.

          I pivoted - worked for a wallcovering company while freelancing on the side. It was fun at first: new people, travel, endless creative conversations. But the real gift of that time was realizing something bigger - I could do this on my own.

Rebirth & Independence

         After giving birth to my son (Luka!), I like to say I was reborn, too. Something in me clicked - this fierce belief that I could conquer anything I set my heart on. That’s when Anastasia Mitrovic Interiors LLC was born.

         Starting a business was nerve-wracking but exhilarating. I poured my energy into building a client experience that felt intentional, personal, and rooted in creativity. Every project - the good and the bad - shaped me into the designer I am today.

         Motherhood changed me. It gave me focus, clarity, and purpose. It also reminded me that there’s beauty in balance - the same philosophy that inspired my Furnish & Flourish e-book series, created for designers who crave structure and creativity in their work. And basically not having 100 tabs opened and loosing your mind slowly..

📘 Discover the Furnish & Flourish e-book series → 

Why I Started Interior Design Den

         Interior Design Den was born out of my own experiences - especially those years in corporate when I felt alone and without guidance. I wanted to create the kind of mentorship I always wished for: a supportive, educational space for designers who are ready to grow their skills, build confidence, and elevate their workflow. Back in 2020, a college professor came across my work and offered me a teaching position. I was so honored! But with a newborn at home and my focus pulled in another direction, I had to turn it down. What I didn’t realize then was that his offer would plant the seed for something even better -creating my own online courses.

         Teaching and sharing what I’ve learned brings me so much joy. Through my courses, e-books, and now even my newsletters, I hope to empower you - whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your career.

If you’d like to see how I use my setup day-to-day in SketchUp and Enscape, or want more digital design tips, join my newsletter!

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If you have any questions, feel free to email me any time - [email protected]

Love,

Ana 🌸