A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog about "The Value of Hiring an NKBA-Certified Designer" which also mentioned my journey of becoming a CKBD (Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer) by the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
Since I received this certification in 2016, I thought of settling on this achievement.
However, I have a fear of disappointment in becoming stagnant. I like challenging myself by setting a goal after I have achieved a tough target, task, or ambition. This is actually how humans survive and grow: continuously casting nets of dreams and ambitions beyond oneself to look forward to the future, never settling for less.
Looking back, before I embarked on the journey to becoming a designer, I wrote a note to myself at the back of my college notebook in 2009 during an Art Class: "I will become an Interior Designer." This was the time that I had been taking the Nursing course. I became what I wrote myself to be...what I desired to be, and what I predicted myself to be. In fact, I did not just become an Interior Designer, but I became a Certified Interior Designer in the State of California earlier this year.
After I received this certification in March, I got fixated on setting a more excellent goal, to become a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer. It's an additional word to my current title, but it's a superior status in the industry. According to NKBA, "The Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer® (CMKBD) is a program that recognizes noteworthy experience and achievements in the kitchen and bath industry."
My doubting voice initially attacked and whispered to my head, "Who cares? Nobody even knows the real value of becoming a CMKBD. It's just a title. This will be a lot of work, and it will take some time...you're already busy...This certification is way beyond you, and it may be impossible to achieve..blah..blah..." On and on the doubt crept in. Who cares if I add an "M" to CKBD? Would anybody even notice or acknowledge?
However, I do care. I am not competing with anyone but myself. The goal is personal to me because I genuinely love what I do. Becoming the best version of myself is my business; moreover, in my career, it serves me and my clients very well to "be the master of my craft." This appellation will set me apart.
I blocked all the negative and doubting thoughts that same day, and I started to fill out the CMKBD application and gathered the requirements little by little. At first, my thought was just to at least try and put an effort. If I did not get approved, maybe it was not meant to be.
Eventually, as I got more excited about it, I decided that I would do anything possible to achieve this goal! With the help of colleagues from my former job, I was able to complete all the requirements.
I met the following requirements set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:
Be an NKBA certified member in good standing
Possess CKBD certification
Have an additional two (2) years of experience in the industry beyond the date of receiving the CKBD, meaning that CMKBDs must have a minimum of 7 years of industry experience; four (4) years of this additional experience must be from full-time kitchen/bath design work.
Earn 100 NKBA hours from NKBA courses, approved college education, and /or CMKBD experience requirements with education documentations.
Engage with the industry by (1)Activity in groups or events outside of the NKBA, such as by sitting on industry-related boards, participating in industry events (2)Design contest placement, or honorable mention.
Promote Professionalism by promoting the value of professional kitchen and bath design services to increase consumer awareness by publishing an article or blog post for consumer or end-user groups.
Cultivate new talent by offering internships to students of kitchen and bath industry-related programs who are from schools other than those accredited by the NKBA.
Work Experience Verification
Today, Friday, September 25, 2020, I received a letter from NKBA with my CMKBD certification and CMKBD pin! To others, this certificate might be just a piece of cardboard with a fancy seal, but to me, it's 9 years of the professional marathon. This status was not just handed to me, but it is an acknowledgment of my dedication and experience in the industry.
This certification officially confirms that I am a "Master of My Craft."
I was hesitating to write a blog about this accomplishment because I did not want to sound like I am bragging, but journeys like this which started with a dream cultivated with passion, dedication, hard work, and perseverance should be shared to inspire others, not to be hidden and wasted.
I have read multiple stories about triumphant people who started from humble beginnings, and I realized that they were not always successful. Those stories inspired me and gave me hope.
I once heard Steve Harvey quoted his dad: "Aim for the stars, so just in case you fall, you'll be among the stars." Ever since I was young, I have always dreamt dreams that are bigger than me; dreams that scared me...dreams that made other people think I was crazy because the challenge and the thrill pull me. Defying the odds and overcoming impossibilities are more rewarding than the summit itself.
I hope my son (who is two years old) will read this someday and be proud of his mom and be inspired to take heed to his own calling.
I am a master of my craft because I love my craft. I am not forced to do it. Nobody has to push me or encourage me to do better. Investing in myself is second nature because I simply enjoy what I do. Achievements are just bonuses. I think everybody owes it to themselves to pursue what they love and are talented to do once in their lifetime.
I hope this inspires you to not only settle for less, or chase your dreams, or do what you love to do, but I hope my story encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Don't aspire to be like others. Aspire to be the master of what "you" can only offer. You were wired and created to do something nobody on this earth can do. Imagine that. I think you owe it to the world to serve your purpose.
Nothing beats passion and talent. I can assure you that if you got those two, you will be unstoppable. Opportunities might not always come, but your hunger and willingness to grow will lead to incremental success. You can do this.
Check out NKBA's short article featuring my certification!
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