Get to Know Anjie and Laura!
Photo by LOTUSWEI
In this post, we’re going to take you behind the scenes and share a little bit about the co-founders and educators behind Mindful Design School, Anjie Cho and Laura Morris. Read on to learn how Anjie and Laura met, how they came to feng shui, what they do for fun, and more!
Get to Know Laura Morris
How did you get into feng shui?
Before getting into feng shui, I worked as the director of marketing for a multinational company in Toronto and then as an interior designer. I felt like something was missing in my design business and had known about feng shui for years, so I decided to learn more about it. After a 4-day feng shui training that left a lot of my feng shui questions unanswered, I decided to enroll in the BTB Feng Shui Masters Program in New York, where I met Anjie!
What surprised you the most about feng shui?
I knew that it was more than just moving furniture around, and I knew there was deeper significance in all of the design details. What I didn’t know was that feng shui extended to reading people’s qi. I learned that looking at someone’s space and energy would actually tell you something about a person.
What has changed for you since starting Mindful Design?
Starting this school and having a business partner has helped me create boundaries and structure around business. I’m also more able to put things in perspective than when we first started, and I don’t stress out as much as I used to.
What would you say to your younger self?
Embrace your creativity and know that it will support you. Trust your gut and play around with new things. And don’t pluck your eyebrows!
What do you do for fun?
I like to travel, hang out with my family, ride my horse, and paint.
Who’s your favorite fictional hero?
Gandalf — some days I just want to be a wizard and hang out with hobbits.
What’s something you’re excited about now?
I’m looking forward to planning new things for the business and slowing down a bit as my son is going off to university.
What is your personal motto?
Don’t borrow worry.
What is your most treasured possession?
My grandmother’s earrings that she gave me. I wear them when I want to feel connected to her.
What is your favorite simple feng shui tip?
Clean out your wallet (get a new one first if your current wallet has seen better days), and put a new red envelope with nine new dollar bills inside. I also like to add the Holistic Spaces animal charm for the year.
Get to Know Anjie
How did you get into feng shui?
After studying architecture in school, I began working as an architect. Around my Saturn return, I realized that I wanted to bring more spirituality into my life, and I began studying yoga and meditation. This helped me figure out that I wanted to find a way to incorporate more depth and spirituality into my work, which led me to feng shui. I was initially resistant to practicing feng shui, but I was amazed by what I discovered and I kept learning more.
What surprised you the most about feng shui?
I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur. I thought I’d always be in an office, working for someone else. Once I got into feng shui, a whole new lifestyle and way of thinking opened up to me. I also didn’t expect it to be a door to understanding my cultural heritage in so many ways — it has really helped me to embrace and have curiosity about my cultural heritage.
What has changed for you since starting Mindful Design?
I learned how much I love teaching and how much it nourishes me. After teaching a class, I feel energized rather than depleted.
What would you tell your younger self?
I’d tell her that she is beautiful. We are all so judgmental and critical of ourselves, but we are also so beautiful.
What do you do for fun?
Meditation is now fun for me, after so many years! I love going on retreats, doing ceramics and art, and I also study Japanese tea ceremony and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).
Who are your favorite fictional heroes?
The Queen of Hearts and Totoro
What’s something you’re excited about now?
I just finished writing my second book!
What is your personal motto?
Keep it simple.
What is your most treasured possession?
I’m not a huge possession person, but one of the things I treasure is my mom’s Rolex.
What’s your favorite simple feng shui tip?
Go out into your garden or a local store or farmer’s market and find a flower that you love. Instead of looking for a particular kind of flower, notice what you are drawn to. Then, bring it home and learn a little bit about it. Put it in a vase and let it be your gift for the day!