It’s been just over a month since high school teacher and electrician Shay and Dean won The Block so we caught up with them to see what life’s been like since and their plans to continue working in interiors. We were blown away by some of Shay’s styling so we’re happy to report she’s quitting teaching for now, to concentrate on a new career.
“The Block was a wild ride and just getting through it gave us such a sense of achievement,” says Shay. “The auction was such a buzz of excitement and nerves, to have everyone come away with a great result was incredible. We feel so humbled by the win and feel it is a great platform for us to launch our new design business.”
Their new venture, The Wild Creatives, is billed as a holistic approach to creativity. “We encompass design consultancy for those looking for assistance, an online store and a lifestyle blog,” Shay adds.
Before going on the show, the couple loved being creative and had already renovated two properties, on much humbler budgets! “Our experience on the block encouraged us to push ourselves and make innovative design choices. We never gave up on what we knew was right for our rooms and we were encouraged by the feedback from the judges. We knew we wanted to continue to be creative and to help others to be inspired through design and so with a lot of dedication and collaboration, The Wild Creatives was born in the lead up to the auction.”
Despite loving teaching, Shay has decided to take a break from her former career to concentrate on design and give it her best shot. Electrician Dean will continue to run his business in Newcastle, NSW, while also contributing to The Wild Creatives.
In terms of their online store, they’ve chosen to only stock products designed and made in Australia. “We have collaborated with other Australian creatives to design exclusive pieces for the home and we are so proud of the quality and design of each piece.”
Interest in the interior styling consulting work has been strong and they were busy in both Newcastle and Melbourne in the lead up to Christmas. “We are also quickly filling up for 2016. We have been keeping busy helping clients building new homes make design choices, collaborating on ideas for those renovating their current property, and having fun with clients who want a personal interior styling and shopping service. We all know I love to shop for homewares!” Shay says.
There’s plenty lined up for 2016 including styling workshops by Shay. Watch this space for more info. “We can’t wait for the year ahead, it is going to be fun and full of creativity.”
