Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorinda Walker
Dorinda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, how much time do I have? Lol. The shorter version is I am originally from Nashville, but born in Chicago. I am the oldest of three – the daughter of a jazz musician and a professional strong black woman who instilled in me that through Christ I could do anything I put my mind to. So I was always raised around music and taught about the variety of prominent black people who achieved great success. I first started dancing in the church at around 14 years old. And our church was serious. We had full-blown recitals, but I had never attended an actual dance class. It wasn’t until I was introduced to it after attending Fisk through my good friend Davon, who is now my brother. I used to dance on the yard all the time in college (so much my nickname was Dancefever) and he would always say you know you could do this as a career right? And even though I was raised as I stated by jazz musician, who did that as a career, it never even crossed my mind that I could pursue it professionally. I was in love with creating routines and constantly did in both high school and college and upon his encouragement decided to take my first dance class at 19. I bombed it, but was determined to try again with a more beginner level class with a different teacher. The next time I did that teacher, Keith Fitzpatrick, took me under his wing and mentored me. Through there I started teaching at local studios, dancing for artists in the city, as well as starting to choreograph. Eventually I signed to an agency, but still hustled up most of the work myself through putting together a reel and sending cold emails. Later at a dance session I met my now husband of 11 years, who was also a dancer, and shortly after we got married, We decided to open our own studio which is a whole story in itself. We were the first studio in Nashville to consistently have professional adult hip-hop classes and grow a thriving community. We helped to get several dancers hired on legitimate gigs and introduced them to the industry. We hosted workshops with established dancers and choreographers from all over the country and brought a lot of attention to the Nashville dance scene at the time, which I will forever be proud of. Fast-forward a few years, we decided to close that chapter and the pandemic happened. At that point, we felt a shift a
and a nudge honestly from God to break out of our comfort zone and move to Atlanta. We thought coming to Atlanta we would start to focus on our own dance careers, but that hasn’t been the case. We both have literally pivoted into completely different industries which we never saw coming. That’s not to say that I don’t still love dance, but I think my relationship with it has changed. And through this winding road of discovery, I’ve landed in interior design. I have always had an eye for making places look nice from our studio, to all of the places we have lived, but I never thought my obsession with HGTV would turn into an actual career decision. Once I realize I had true interest there, I decided to enroll into school at the art Institute Atlanta. Unfortunately, a few months into my schooling, the entire institution folded. So I began sending out my information, putting together a small portfolio with some of my work from school as well as personal projects to different designers, looking for internships or assistant work. It wasn’t until a dance associate commented on an Instagram story I had looking for work, saying to contact a friend of his who was looking for some help. (Thanks Nile.) I am now a design associate for Michael Jeffrey Homes alongside principal Michael Jeffrey who is an amazing luxury, designer and mentor. Mind you, it was just a mere
two years ago that I decided to fully pivot into interior design. I am learning a lot and taking all the knoweledge I gain to soon launch my own firm Ssoul House Design. My goal is to create a successful profitable business with a team of amazing talent and one day be listed in Forbes Best small employers list. So all that to say it’s been a crazy ride but one I am thoroughly enjoying. .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily been smooth, but I mean it never really is. I’ve dealt with several different transitions that have proven difficult such as having kids and dealing with postpartum depression, relocating to a new city with no family outside of my husband, not having work and difficulty with finding jobs. And then, of course, now this huge career pivot. It’s never really easy but at the end of the day, I believe it’s worth it to get closer and closer to your purpose. I’ve had a lot of crazy things happen but all in all they’ve all made me better or allowed me to reevaluate what I was doing. There was always a lesson to be learned. Whether hardships were my fault or not there is always some bit of knowledge that I take away from every situation that I’ve been able to apply later down the line or I know I will be able to.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I haven’t officially launched my own firm yet, but I’m on track to debut sometime next year. My goal is to help people create spaces that they love to invite their circle to – whether that’s friends, family associates, etc. I want to design for those who love to entertain and want to do it in a beautiful space that they can call their own, that reflects their unique personalities. I’ve personally always enjoyed hosting people, especially loved ones and enjoying music, conversation, and a good meal around the dining table. I want to get people back to doing that. Whether it’s a planned celebration for a life event or an impromptu visit from a best friend. I want people to be able to feel proud of the homes they inhabit and serve as a beautiful background to new cherished memories. So I don’t have any services or offerings yet, but I definitely want people to be familiar with Ssoul House Design for when I do.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important characteristic for success I believe is confidence, which may be cliche but it’s true. From it will spawn all of the other things that are needed to make things happen but you have to believe in yourself, and the gift God has given you first. That’s the base. If you don’t you won’t attempt tasks as if you are planning to succeed. You’ll always second guess, or the no’s and closed doors will make you quit because you’ll take those as unnecessary signs. My dad used to always tell me to be a creative as a career you have to be a bit delusional because it could be decades before you pop. So you need crazy belief in self and your purpose to get you through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ssoulhouse.com
- Instagram: @dorindanicole @ssoulhousedesign
