07/20/2026
Some projects have a way of finding their true purpose.
During COVID, I convinced myself I’d have loads of free time… so naturally, I started building a dollhouse. Not just any dollhouse—I obsessed over every detail. I sourced tiny artisan-made pieces, customized wallpaper, installed real walnut veneer floors, sourced, sanded, and primed baseboards and crown molding, even opened up the kitchen into an open-concept layout. I hand glued every single cedar shingle onto the roof.
Then life got really busy.
The dollhouse sat unfinished in my guest room for years.
At the Ferguson North Grand Opening Ferguson Home, I met the sweetest 10 year old who introduced herself with her own business card and told me she was an interior designer. She asked me thoughtful questions about the profession, and I left that conversation completely inspired.
I knew exactly who should have the dollhouse.
Watching her excitement when I gifted it to her was so much more rewarding than finishing it myself. She had a list of prepared questions about me and the industry which I covered for her in detail. I can’t wait to see how she brings her own vision to life.
One of the greatest joys of my career has always been mentoring the next generation. Whether through years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentoring aspiring and emerging designers, or simply encouraging young women to dream bigger, I believe there’s always room to pull up another chair at the table.
Here’s to passing the baton—and to the future designers who remind us why we fell in love with creativity in the first place. Robo
🎞️ Jake Mizell