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DeAnna Radaj is the owner of Bante Design LLC, an integrative lifestyle  design company, which fuses Eastern and Western design/lifestyle  philosophies. She is a nationally recognized speaker on healthy home  design, color therapy/theory, psychology of clutter, and a variety of business topics for the small business owner and entrepreneur. Visit the Bante Design Web site for a list of all workshops and appearances at bantedesign.com.

Designing spaces that are not only beautiful and comfortable, but also  bring out the client’s personality, is her design philosophy.  A graduate of Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in  marketing, she also studied interior design at Milwaukee Area Technical  College (MATC). Her 15+ years as Operations and Marketing Director  for the Nature of Things stores has resulted in numerous design challenges in the development of store spaces, custom product development and merchandising strategies. She has trained clients on coaching employees, sales, merchandising and marketing/public relations.

Thank you DeAnna for answering a few questions for us! To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

Latest projects include my columns for Design2Share & CasaGuru... Also working on an article Feng Shui for Dogs for Animal Wellness magazine.

Have you received any awards for your work?

I've receieved the "Pick of the Day" for favorite article numerous times on the DivaToolbox site!

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, my company offers over 60 workshops/seminars that we offer across the US.  Topics include design, Feng Shui, creativity, clutter, color and healthy home design.  Workshops are divided into 3 categories for adults, teenagers and the Designign the Business of Your Dreams which is a series of workshops, seminars & keynotes for small business owners & entreprenuers.  Most of the workshops are also available as webinars for my "far away" or international "fans".

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?

I've been writing short stories, my speeches (since jr high-college for forensics & debate), workshops and subsequently my columns since I was 12 yrs old.  I've always loved to write as a way to convey information and ideas.  Writing has helped as it's just another way to teach/educate about your product, service, company and/or ideas.  And especially now, with the internet and social media, good writing skills are imperitive to be taken seriously and to be successful.  Also, as a  marketing major (first degree from Marquette) we had to write for marketing and business proposals, ad copy for advertising and public relations classes and how to be concise and get your idea across in an effective way to appeal to your target audience.  So, I'd say my education has helped to shape my writing skills to be better able to reach my target audience.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I write a monthly column called Harmony2Share for Design2Share.com, a weekly column, Blue+Yellow=GREEN for CasaGuru AND I also contribute to Animal Wellness magazine, the DivaToolbox, the Healthy Home Institute and GreenAndSave.com.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

My workshops for sure as I'm face-to-face with my readers. And radio shows as I get to reach a broad audience quickly.

What will your next project be?

I have 2 books I'm working on con-currently...Sweet Intentions a book on Feng Shui and Chocolate!  The other is Fabulous Feng Shui Entertaining which tells how you can use Feng Shui to help you in party planning, event planning or just trying to invoke that "special" mood for an intimate evening.  Menu options, color schemes, table settings and accessories all to be included!

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Many of the people I get to interview for my Women Making a Difference radio show-these are incredible women who have done so much by following their passions.  They prove interview after interview that you can affect great change by just taking that first step-volunteering at a food bank, starting a website w/a blog that gets you to interact quickly that grows to a global movement...the list goes on.  They inspire me personally (anyone can make a difference!) and on a business level (if you follow your passion, success will follow-it also makes you define what is "success" to you...is it monetarily?  Most people you can help?  Book sales?)

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Anything I do (whether a workshop, a design project, writing) that effectively conveys my idea in a clear, concise way to my readers/clients.  I'm all about the conveying of information and ideas to people who may not have access to that info.  I also keep the emails from people who've read my work (or taken a workshop, heard a radio show or had a space designed by me) and how they've applied the information and it made a difference in their life!  Whether it helped them de-clutter, move forward in starting a business, or taking the information and living a healthier, more "present" life....I LOVE those emails.  It validates what I do and on the days when I wonder "what the heck am I doing?" it makes it all worthwhile!

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Be persistent...it's all in the timing.  ALWAYS spellcheck!!!!  Be organized-have a system set-up before you start pitching ideas, doing research...whatever.  You'll save yourself time and energy if everything is set-up (i.e. a good foundation) beforehand!!  Don't let anyone deter you from your passion!  You may not be the next Shakespeare, but you can have an affect on others whether it be by a blog, as a free-lancer or a self-published book.

How did you get started as a writer? 

Writing the books started from prodding from my workshop attendees who wanted something tangible to purchase to refer to after a class.  The columns were based from the books as they had attracted notice from an editor who wanted to include "snippets" in an upcoming issue...the response from the "snippets" led to the columns...you never know what will lead to what...Be open to all!

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite? 

Ask and It Is Given by Esther Hicks: this book really resonated with me!  I love the positive message, exercises in changing your perspective to look for the good and take responsibility for actions and reactions you have in everyday situations.  Easy to read and excellent tips to apply to your life.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: just one of my favorite books from when I was young!  I always thought I was Jo... going against the grain, outrageously individual, strong and adamant in standing up for her principles, her family and her passions.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Totally depends on what's on the calendar...On an average day, the dogs get let out and we feed the birds, while the dogs chase chipmunks, I meditate a bit and get mentally ready for the day.  A trip to Starbucks and off to the office...there, again, it's up to whatever project I'm working on.  As I'm a designer who consults on a variety of projects, does workshops/webinars and have a variety of writing deadlines for columns and free-lance jobs, I can be simultaneously researching designing a rehab space for dogs with cancer, to designing a master bedroom for a client, to getting ready for a designer roundtable on bathroom fixture design AND preparing for a presentation the next week...It's craziness and chaos and I LOVE it!

Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?

Yep-Jo McReynolds-Blohowiak, a mentor, friend and incredible inspiration!  AND my 9th grade English teacher, Mr Young...He's the one who first said I'd make a great writer!  Thanks Mr Young!

Who is your favorite writer/author?

I love Doreen Virtue for her topics and writing style, Charles Krauthammer who I think is one of the smartest men out there and Sanaya Roman...LOVE her!

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)

Calling All Angels by Train

Thank you DeAnne! We wish you ongoing success with your Feng Shui and design workshop and seminars!