#GradsDoingGreatThings: Steph Astri from Arlen Interiors

From Maternity Leave to Magazine Features 

Stephanie Astri  Interior Stylist, Decorator | Founder of Arlen Interiors 

Based in South Cronulla, Sydney 

Design School - Online - Group 25, 2023
Trainer: Melissa Heard

There’s a very specific kind of dream that tends to resurface when life slows down, often during maternity leave, in nap windows, late nights or quiet moments between feeds.

It’s the dream you shelved because it didn’t feel practical.

The one you loved deeply, but didn’t know how to make work.

For Steph Astri, becoming an Interior Stylist was that dream. 

Not loud.

Not urgent.

Just quietly persistent, waiting for the right moment. 

Today, Steph is a Design School Online graduate, working across residential and commercial interiors, with projects featured in Eat Live Escape, Living etc and Interiors Addict, milestones she once only dreamed of. But her path here wasn’t fast, linear, or effortless, and that’s exactly why her story resonates with so many women. Her journey is one of trust the timing of her life, navigating motherhood (and twin girls!), and finally saying yes to putting herself first.

“Interior design was always in my heart”

Before studying at Design School Online, motherhood and finally saying yes to herself, Steph followed a path many women are encouraged toward, one that felt safer.

After leaving school, she was told she’d never get enough work in interiors, so she enrolled in a more "practical" path, teaching early childhood at university. It made sense on paper. But creatively, something was missing.

Years later, while on maternity leave with her twin girls, that familiar feeling resurfaced.

When her babies were just nine months old, Steph launched her account @Arlen Interiors, not with a grand plan, but with a quiet determination to finally try.

A couple of years on, she saw that the Certificate IV in Interior Decoration was being subsidised by the government, at the time.

That was the moment everything clicked.

“As my AHA moment, I’m so glad I did it. It helped elevate my knowledge, skills and best of all, my business.”

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Carving out her own path (with a coffee-date push)

Steph now works as a qualified interior stylist across residential and commercial projects, but she’s honest about how she got there.

There was no big launch strategy.

No perfect timing.

Just a leap of faith and a nudge from the people who knew her best.

“I’ll never forget a coffee date with my best friends. There were five of us all on maternity leave together, and they encouraged me to just do it. So, that’s exactly what I did.”

Sometimes, it really is that simple to just be brave. 

The work she loves most

While Steph works across both residential and commercial interiors, it’s the commercial projects that really light her up.

“It’s incredible starting a blank space from scratch and building it up to a client’s hopes and dreams.”

Her style is intuitive and grounded, layered, warm and intentionally lived-in. Not over-styled. Not overly polished.

Cosy, warm and lived-in isn’t just her aesthetic, it’s how she designs and how she works.

The realities no one warns you about or talks about

Like many creatives balancing business and motherhood, Steph is refreshingly honest about the challenges that came after graduation, maintaining creativity, momentum and family/life.

Work/life balance.

Motherhood.

Red flags.

Imposter syndrome.

Cash flow.

Finding clients.

And then there's social media-  the unexpected reality that quickly becomes a full-time unpaid job of its own.

“Last year was my slowest year in five years, which was depressing. But this year has been better, and I’m grateful.”

Her experience is a reminder that building a creative career isn't a straight line. Some weeks, some months and even years are quieter. Some seasons are heavy. And progress doesn't always look or feel glamorous.

Steph's clients now find her through word of mouth, local Facebook groups and Google (thank you SEO!) - proof that consistency and slow consistent growth matters just as much as talent and creativity.

The unexpected skills and tools that she now uses daily

When asked what she learned at Design School that she couldn’t live without now, Steph’s answer is refreshingly practical:

Canva. It’s the simplicity! So many stylists and designers are using it for their proposals.”

It’s not about flashy expensive software subscriptions or tools.

It’s about clarity.

Confidence.

And being able to present ideas professionally... even during nap time.

 The power of mentorship and community

Steph was part of Mel Heard’s final Design School class, and the mentorship and support left a lasting impact because it was real, practical, human and is what so many mums crave when stepping into something new.

“She was the best, most supportive teacher. Her advice was amazing and so honest. While I don’t miss the madness of fitting in studying, I miss listening to her wisdom each Wednesday.”

And while life and geography can make staying connected tricky, Steph still feels supported by the Design School community, especially through Instagram, DMs, and the quiet cheerleading that happens behind the scenes.

Community doesn’t disappear after graduation.

It evolves.

Advice for anyone standing at Day One

Steph doesn’t sugar-coat it. Her advice is simple and powerful:

“Honestly, just go for it. Look past the fear of what people might think. Just because they might not have the guts to do it!” 

Inspiration, gratitude & trusting the process

Steph stays creatively fuelled through connection: people, events, travel, Pinterest and social media. 

And most importantly, staying curious!

Some days, she still has to remind herself how far she’s come.

“Sometimes, I still pinch myself that I get to do something I love every day.”

From maternity leave to magazine features, Steph’s journey is proof that it’s possible to:

• Follow a long-held dream

• Build something slowly

• Weather hard years

• Up-skill while juggling life

• And still get paid doing what you love

“I’m grateful each day that this is something I built from nothing, and I’ve learnt SO much along the way, especially with a big thanks to Design School.”

And her final words?

“Thank you so much for the feature, Design School. Honestly, what a cute little Merry Christmas to me!” 

 

👋🏼 Special shout to my Study Buddy: Carmel @carmelh2_ds

Feeling seen by Steph’s story?

If you’re on maternity leave, juggling life and creativity, or quietly wondering if it’s time to back yourself, you’re not alone.

At Design School Online, we support women exactly like Steph: learning, up-skilling and building creative careers in a way that works with real life, not against it. 🤎

✨ To learn more about our upcoming industry-recognised short-courses, Masterclasses and Studio offerings in 2026, join the Design School Studio waitlist.