Cobb woman pursues dream for art and design - Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

We all have dreams, but for too many of us they end up unfulfilled. Patty Wilson of Cobb County wasn't about to let that happen to her.   

After working for years and raising a family, she decided to go back to school and already has become a success in her new field.
    
The mother of two ended up in business and finances. With her kids getting ready to go off to college, she decided to follow her heart and throw herself into the world of interior design.

"I kept being drawn back to design and art, and the creative side of me," said Wilson.

So Wilson enrolled in the interiors class at Chattahoochee Tech. It didn't take long for her to draw the attention of instructor Ginger Burton.

"She brings a great perspective and approaches it from all angles," said Burton.

Last November, Wilson and other students were challenged to design a chair for the college's lobby space. A national furniture company plans to build the chair, and maybe even add it to their product line.

"I did a lot of thinking about the space and how I would feel in it," said Wilson.

Wilson went to work, and after spending close to 100 hours, she came up with her design. Officials from the furniture company were so impressed that they say they might unveil it at an international convention in Chicago.

"It feels great to have someone appreciate your work," said Wilson.

Burton couldn't be prouder of her student.

"That's why I love what I do.  It's rewarding seeing the light bulb go off and the passion kindled," Burton said.

Wilson hopes her story encourages others, even her children, to chase their dreams.

"Follow your heart, but guide it with your head.  If you have passion, you'll find a way to make money doing it," said Wilson.

Wilson says she drew inspiration for the chair by using the three majors taught at her branch of Chattahoochee Tech -- interiors, television production and culinary arts.