Name: Dvira Ovadia
Age: 28
Occupation: Interior Designer
Designer Dvira Ovadia knows a thing or two about reality TV and realizing her dreams.
“An extremely remarkable learning experience that teaches me every day that I have to continue to believe in myself and my skills,” Ovadia says when asked about her new career as chief designer for Debbie Travis branded Condos and Homes — details of which are being kept under wraps until further notice.
The soft-spoken 28-year-old beat 13 others for the coveted title on the spring/ summer TV series, From The Ground Up with Debbie Travis — Season Two, and since reporting to work last month, there’s been no resting on her laurels.
Concept development, project planning and co-ordination, designing, sourcing products, trade meetings and admin duties are all in a day’s work for Ovadia, who exudes a polite, swan-like air of professional etiquette matched by what seems like a diligent, thorough work ethic.
And just what does the protegé think of her mentor?
“She is inspirational and great to work for because she believes in those she hires,” Ovadia says of Travis. “She let’s me flap my wings and be creative rather than question my every move.”
Ovadia’s moves in the industry stem back 12 years, five of which were spent working and seven spent studying interior design and architecture in Toronto and New York.
She was born in Israel to a Russian mother and an Israeli father of Egyptian decent. She moved to Brussels as a child and immigrated to Canada at age 12. A spring wedding is planned for 2008 in Israel.
Reflecting on the allure of becoming Travis’ chief designer, Ovadia concludes: “For me it was about excelling, learning, growing and being challenged. I am one who just can’t run with the rest of the sheep. I have to run ahead of them.”
An award-winning and multi-faceted media personality, Lawrence’s career spans journalism, television (hosting, acting, producing) and public relations (event management, publicity). Log onto lawrence-chau.com for more buzz.
