Mave De Piaz is proof that you can follow your dreams and change career no matter your age. After working in administration and raising her family, the TAFE NSW Nepean alumnus decided it was time to follow her interest in interior design.

Mave enrolled in the Diploma Visual Merchandising and Diploma in Interior Design at TAFE NSW Nepean, is now working as a Visual Merchandiser at Myer Westfield Penrith and has not looked back.

“I have had an interest in interior design since I was young, it’s been something that I have always wanted to do,” said Mave De Piaz.

“It wasn’t until my children were old enough that I had the opportunity to do some study. I completed a foundation course in interior design and someone mentioned I should look into visual merchandising, as they thought it might suit. I am glad I did as it is more aligned with what I liked which is the styling side.

“The Diploma of Visual Merchandising is a great course, I loved it. It gets you thinking outside the square. All of my teachers were very supportive and always encouraging us to be creative. The course taught me a very broad range of skills; learning things such as colour blocking have come in very handy in my job.

During her studies, Mave had the opportunity to do work placement at Ikea and Myer Penrith, and began her visual merchandising career at Myer Parramatta before transferring to Myer Penrith, where she now manages the styling of the homewares section.

Working as a Visual Merchandiser means that no day is ever the same as there is always something to do, or fix and with the in-store displays changing every fortnight means Mave needs to be up-to-date with the latest trends.

“I’m constantly doing the decorating, moving things around. There is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into creating the beautiful displays. Working in the homewares department means I can be very creative as I have charge of the floor and I can take ownership of the area.”

For Mave, having the opportunity to work in her dream role is one she is very thankful for.

“I’m still astounded that Myer has given me the opportunity as a mature age employee but I’m very grateful as it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life.

“If you’ve got the passion then follow it as you won’t regret it.”

To find out more about studying visual merchandising at TAFE NSW visit www.tafensw.edu.au or phone 131 601

Media contact: Teresa Lane, TAFE NSW Media and Communications Business Partner 9796 5476, mobile 0412 773 887