If My 10 Year Old Self Could See Me Now…

Do you ever wonder what your childhood would have been like if you had grown up with a cell phone in your hand? My (ahem) significant birthday this year announced to the world that I don’t fall into either Gen Y or Z. The side ponytail is another clue.

Nope, instead, I grew up using one of those enormous camcorders you had to rest on your shoulder. Remember those? The kind that filmed on big video tapes you played back on a VCR? (The Millennials are scratching their heads.) But I was connected to that apparatus like my 13-year old is now connected to YouTube. Because with it, I created my own TV network where I was the star, anchor, talk show host, and commercial pitch man. Today they’d say I was “creating content” and a stage mom would submit me to be the next internet sensation. But back then, when my middle school friends and I acted out commercials that looked more like blooper reels, we just had a million laughs doing it. Those silly times are some of my fondest memories.

Being on camera has always been in my blood. It might be because, when I was a kid, my dad wrote a bestselling memoir which led him to guest spots on talk shows like Oprah (when she had big hair) and Donahue (remember him?) More than that, though, I think it’s because I have always been able to relate to people and make them laugh, and I feel at home when I can connect with folks in a way that reaches them.

But when I got the first call from a national TV network asking to make a show about me and my interior design work, I actually was so shocked I had to sit down right where I was. My legs felt like Jello. (This was a tad awkward as I happened to be in the Waxahachie city hall at the time and suddenly I’m just sitting on the floor outside an office, huddled by the water fountain.) I really couldn’t begin to process that this dream of mine might really have a long shot of coming true. I was thrilled to have a chance to walk through the door to my lifelong dream (right after I got up off the floor)!

However, I quickly learned that creating a TV show is a very long game, and is a combination of 1) being in the right place at the right time and 2) a lot of factors completely out of my control. So over the next three years I was contacted and interviewed for numerous opportunities. I was even chosen to host a show on a major home network! I thought, “This is it—the dream has arrived!” But, like times before, network needs and budgets quickly changed and the dream stalled out.

I was disappointed but undeterred. I knew that people are fascinated with the behind-the-scenes of the remodel/interior decorating world, and I was excited to show them how I turn normal design on its head with my unique, client-centered design philosophy. Most designers–including me–have a  trademark style, but I am passionate about learning my client’s style and helping them create their dream space.  As a result, my style repertoire is as varied as my client list.

What I have realized is that I don’t need a national network to share my love of creating beautiful spaces! Just like my favorite 13-year old, I have a cell phone and internet service, and so now I am making my own dream come true. Drum roll, please!

I am thrilled to tell you that my own YouTube design show, Real Life Design With Courtney Warren, launches on March 13!  What will you see when you tune in? For starters I’ll be documenting the building of our new house in Ellis County (what a ride THAT’s been! Can’t wait to share!) AND, you’ll get to see up close the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes stuff of working with design clients all over the Dallas Metroplex!

I am also accepting submissions from families that need a refresh or makeover, so if you are interested in submitting your home for consideration in this new series, please email hello@coourtneywarren.com with the subject “YouTube Makeover”.

I specialize in helping you love your home!

To say this is new endeavor is exciting would be the understatement of the decade.  I won’t say it’s completely new territory for me–remember I’ve been at this since at least age 13 (wink wink)–but it is certainly a new take on my lifelong love of “Ready, camera, ACTION!” And I’m counting on your support!

Will you join me on March 13 at the Courtney Warren Home YouTube page? If you want to be reminded via email, text HAPPYHOME to 24587.  Until then, if you see me sitting on the floor in a random public place, don’t mind me—you’ll know I got good news!