How Interior Designer Young Huh Unlocked Her Creative Calling

In this episode of Radio Cherry Bomb, host Keri Diamond interviews Young Ha, a celebrated interior designer, author, and founding member of the AAPI Design Alliance. Young shares her transformative journey from a law career to interior design, revealing how she discovered her true calling after years of dissatisfaction and self-doubt. She recounts the emotional and practical challenges of pivoting mid-life, including a breakdown during her pregnancy, the support of her husband, and the pivotal moment at a cocktail party that sparked her career shift. Her new book, 'A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling: Interiors,' reflects her holistic design philosophy—centered on emotional experience, strategic execution, and personal authenticity. Young also discusses her love for gardening, cooking, breakfast nooks, and the creative synergy between food and design. Her work on high-profile projects like the Wow House in London and her advocacy through the AAPI Design Alliance underscore her impact as a trailblazer for Asian American designers. The episode blends personal storytelling with practical insights on design, self-discovery, and the courage to reinvent oneself. Key takeaways include: 1) Design begins with emotion—define how you want to feel in a space before choosing style; 2) The most powerful design tools are mood boards and color psychology; 3) Self-doubt and fear are normal—use them as fuel, not barriers; 4) Your personal life (garden, kitchen, family) is the best inspiration for your creative work; 5) Community matters—supporting underrepresented voices strengthens the entire field. Young Ha’s story is a testament to the power of listening to your inner voice and turning creative longing into a life’s work.