Quotable Queen: Andrea Yannella

This week's Quotable Queen is Andrea Yannella: a Mother, Wife, former Dancer and Choreographer, and now Interior Designer! The following is her story.

A new and dear friend asked me to write a blog about myself. I have always found myself to be an artistic creative thinker and improviser, but I've never been quite comfortable with speaking about myself and my accomplishments, nor speaking about the process in which I get ideas and my creative inspiration. And, certainly, not writing about them for masses of people to read and see! With that being said, I feel like I am entering uncharted territory, and it is a bit unnerving.

As a young girl, I struggled with school and was diagnosed with both Dyslexia and Auditory Processing Disorder. I found school overwhelming and frustrating. Thankfully, my mother found an Art Therapist in Philadelphia who helped me stay centered and focus my nervous energies into art! It was so helpful to me, and it gave me so many positive outlets and skills that I still use today.

Since then, art has always been in my life. I received my BFA from Temple University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. As a young adult, I was a professional dancer and choreographer performing and choreographing works in New York City, Philadelphia, and the DC area. I was surrounded by artists and choreographers as I taught at Cappa Performing Arts School in Philadelphia. It was an exciting time in my life, and I was fulfilled.

Now, I no longer dance. I am a bit long in the tooth, but I still teach art classes at Brickton Art Center. I have two young children, Ava and Joe, and my loving husband, Chris. Much of my focus is dedicated to my family, but I have been doing interior design work to keep me engaged! Though I attended Harrington Interior Design, I would say I am more self-taught, merging my background in art, dance and design to create unique, personalized interiors.

I started A.Y Interiors 3 years ago, primarily focusing in the North and Northwest neighborhoods. I am happy to assist clients with all design dilemmas and create warm sophisticated spaces within their budgets. Especially now, I think the home really needs to reflect you and your family! So, it is always an honor to be welcomed into this very personal and unique experience and to be a sounding board for all aspects of the design.