As a re-entry student at SBCC, Leann Anderson was able to turn her dream of becoming an interior designer into a reality. Today, Leann is the founder of JumpStart Interior Design, working with clients to create spaces that reflect their vision and style.
Who: Leann Anderson
Profession: Interior Designer at JumpStart Interior Design / Capital Projects Coordinator, General Services Department, County of Santa Barbara
How long were you at SBCC? I attended SBCC from 2007-2013 as a part-time student.
What was your focus while at SBCC? Interior Design
Best Memory? My best memory as a student was finishing the Interior Design program and graduating with honors. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment. My best memory as an alumni was being asked by Associate Professor Laura Welby to be one of three former SBCC interior design students to design a living room space on the Design Santa Barbara TV show. It was such a thrilling experience.
How did the SBCC experience influence your professional path? Deciding to venture back to college as an older adult was both exciting and intimidating. After completing my first two classes, I was hooked on the Interior Design program. Throughout the program, all the professors created such a positive learning environment. From my time at SBCC, I was able to take my hope of switching careers to interior design from a possibility to a reality.
What are you doing now? In 2015, I became a Certified Interior Designer, and launched my own interior design firm JumpStart Interior Design. I work one-on-one with clients learning how they want to use their space to create a design that reflects both their vision and style. I try to keep my designs “green” by assessing with the client any existing furniture and accessories to reuse and/or repurpose within the final design.
I also work full-time at the County of Santa Barbara in the General Services Department as a capital projects coordinator. Projects include new building construction, renovations, and remodeling of existing spaces.
How are you making an impact on the world? My goal as an interior designer is to create functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing environments for residential and commercial spaces.
Why is SBCC an important educational institution for the Santa Barbara community? SBCC offers so much to the community from core college classes to continuing education. It is a great place for returning adult students to learn a new trade or hobby. I look forward to my next class at SBCC.
Are you proud to be a Vaquero Alumni? Of course!
