Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Dukes.
Hi Mary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in the Philippines and moved with my family to Northern California when I was nine which was crazy, terrifying and wonderful all at the same time. A few tough years with bullying in middle school pushed me to drop my accent and master English as my first language. I experienced some amazing years in high school and made some lifelong friends along the way, but when it was time to move on to college, I wasn’t sure I wanted to follow my mom’s career path into the medical field, and meanwhile, discovered my underlying passion for interior design. I decided to pack up my things and move to San Diego to attend The Design Institute of San Diego. During these years, I fell in love with the city, architecture, art, weather, coffee, food, and ultimately my husband.
After school, I started my career as a commercial interior designer, worked on some incredible projects from Sleepy Hollow, New York to Pasadena, California with some very talented industry veterans that have become even better friends.
Although my career is in Interior Design, I would always find a way to make time for my art. Art has many different forms, and that’s why it continues to blow my mind and then you add your own spice to it — then it blooms into something else!
During the Pandemic, I was actually on Maternity Leave for my first son and was due for Labor and Delivery in two weeks. While being on leave, my husband and I lost our jobs due to the Pandemic and had to move from living downtown San Diego to the country all in one year. It was definitely a crazy year, and we’re thankful everyday for God keeping us healthy and most importantly blessing us with a beautiful son.
Living in the country for almost two years now has been an absolute dream! Being surrounded by nature has changed me a lot, it almost feels familiar like the Philippines. Nature just all around you along with the beautiful San Diego weather everyday, you just can’t beat it. Finally we’ve settled, we have been blessed with another baby that we may think is due on August 2022. We are beyond excited for a new chapter in our life and I can’t wait for what the future holds for our growing family.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Well, no path is an easy path, I believe everything requires work. So, continuing to find inspirations daily to create or recreate is a big struggle for me. I have to overcome these doubts about being an “artist” or if my work is always enough. But without the struggles and discomfort, we’ll never grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve worked on many projects over the years, from award-winning apartments to decorating my son’s birthday party, I’ve learned to find joy in the process and create things that make you happy.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Youtube/Patreon
1. Tina Tran – I’m a Wonder
2. Tiffany Tan – Applecheeks
3. Paloma – PalomathePeach
Books
1. The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book – Chris Grimley
2. The Art of Miyazaki’s Spirited Away
3. Polaris, The Art of Meyoco
Contact Info:
- Email: curatedbymary@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedby_mary/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpDJ6hvMf6yuYiZh42W2XUQ
