Etrelya Finley started her college career studying fashion and design before life happened and she had to take a step back from school. Twenty years later she leaned into OCC’s program opportunities and affordable courses and completed her degree. She soon received not one, but two dream job offers.
Growing up, Finley was raised in a very fashionable household. Her father worked as a stylist at Sears and her mother made the clothes she and her siblings wore.
“My father always dressed very dapper before leaving for work,” she explained.
Finley herself started designing silk ties and making clothing adjustments at the age of 14. From the beginning, her path was headed in a creative direction.
After high school, she majored in Fashion Design at Oakland Schools Technical Campus and transferred to the University of Phoenix for business. Then she got married, had children, and took a step back from school.
When her oldest daughter earned her college degree, Finley returned to college at OCC.
“It was time to get mine in,” she said.
Skilled in fashion design, at home in interior design
While raising her daughters, Finley continued to work on her own business Etrelya Designs. She manufactured and designed leather accessories for women and men which were carried in specialty boutiques. Finley even, very innovatively, mixed fashion with interior design.
“I also design custom fashion-forward, leather wall artwork pieces for clients which adds the perfect finishing touches to their interior remodels,” said Finley.
This brought forward an interest in combining both types of design. With a previous background in fashion, she decided to focus on Interior Design at OCC.
“Fashion design goes hand-in-hand with interior design,” said Finely. “I always knew I wanted to combine the two.”
Finley explained that at OCC she learned the architectural, lighting, drafting blueprints and electrical plant skills needed to prepare her for a career in interior design. As part of the curriculum’s internship requirement, she started an internship at Beaver Tile & Stone.
She was a natural leader in her Interior Design classes at OCC and always displayed a creative approach in her work.
“Etrelya has had a wonderful influence on her classmates, consistently encouraging those around her,” said OCC Interior Designs Program Director and Faculty Lead Michelle Pergeau-Dudgeon. “She always includes an artistic flair to both her individual and team’s work. There’s no doubt her dedication and creative gifts will help her in her success in the industry.”
Dream job offers come in
Finley’s hard work has paid off. She achieved the milestone of finishing her degree, graduating from OCC with an Associate in Arts, and quickly received two dream job offers—one from Crate & Barrel and one from Beaver Tile & Stone.
“Had I not done that internship as part of OCC’s curriculum, I would not have gotten those career opportunities,” she explained.
Finley accepted the offer as Showroom Interior Designer with Beaver Tile & Stone.
“I chose Beaver Tile because of the opportunities and the support they offered me to expand my knowledge. The world of tile is used in almost every project whether it's residential or commercial,” Finley explains.
While working at Beaver Tile & Stone, her plan is to continue developing her business combining fashion and interior design and create her own product line on the side.
“The agreed-upon schedule at Beaver Tile & Stone allows me the flexibility to work with private clientele without impacting my showroom work hours. It offers me the best of both worlds for which I am grateful and excited for,” Finley explains.
Family’s school of choice
Finley mentioned that OCC quickly became her family’s school of choice due to its affordability and robust curriculum.
“Always look at what makes more sense fiscally and you will reach your goal,” she advises.
Finley credits OCC for helping her achieve her dreams: “I wouldn’t have had it any other way, I’m glad I took this route.”
For more information about OCC’s Interior Design program, visit online at oaklandcc.edu/programs/int/
About OCC
Oakland Community College offers nearly 100 degrees and certificates programs with the resources students need to be successful and advance our community. As a top transfer institution, OCC offers one of the state’s most affordable tuition rates and flexibility in scheduling with face-to-face and online options. The College is nationally recognized for its high-demand career training with expert faculty in their fields. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
###
Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu