The first woman who influenced my take on design is my mom, Sherard Haas. This was unintentional because she really didn't ever dwell on our home or having the finest of furnishings, but nonetheless, taught be valuable lessons. The first being to keep the things you love and discard the rest and it will "work" every time. She didn't have a house full of random accessories; she displayed items that meant something to her or had a purpose. I never saw her buy an antique, but we had a house full and each piece had a story of family history. She taught me a lesson of function - she uses all of her silver, china, and linens on a regular basis because they didn't have any use for stored or polished and untouched. My mom is the reason I am simply no good at designing a "show house." I don't look at homes as a showpiece, but a place where you live and raise a family. In the houses that we lived in, no room was off-limits to children. We lived in all of them, and they were comfortable and welcoming.

The next woman to influence me was, of all people, my English teacher. I really didn't have any interest in design until high school when I chose "Color Psychology" for the subject of my term paper. I had always loved art and thought it would be a bearable topic. I ended up really enjoying the research, something very few students can claim. I found it interesting: Why certain colors compliment each other, how red and yellow stimulate hunger (hence every fast food sign), and the calming affects a serene blue or green may produce. When I got the assignment back from my teacher, Wanda Sigler, she wrote "Very enjoyable. You should become an Interior Designer!" I hadn't really considered it, but she was a tough teacher so I took a compliment like that to heart. Then, after graduation, she wrote me a letter, which I still have, basically saying to go for it and she would get me to do her house. (Mrs. Sigler, if you are reading this, call me!) So I thought about it, took her advice and majored in Interior Design.

The last and most influential woman to inspire my knack for design is my aunt and godmother, Camille Luscher. She is a local interior designer and the closest thing I have to a mentor. She has flawless taste, is business savvy and has played a huge part in my decision to start my own company. She is confident in her work, but doesn't need any recognition. As long as her client is happy, that is all that matters. Professionally, I have been in situations I wasn't sure how to handle and she is always there to give consistently smart, helpful advice. Every Christmas, she gives me a design related coffee table book. She signs and dates each one, and I cherish them as much for the fact that they came from her as the information I reference on a weekly basis.

Whether intentional or not, each of these women have - and continue - to influence me. I have learned to be purposeful, follow my heart and continue learning about my field.

Mobilian Perry Harvill is an interior designer. For custom design work, contact Harvill at perryharvill@hotmail.com.