When people outside the industry ask what I do, I say….

I tell people I’m a branch/showroom manager, but when they ask what that actually involves, I usually say it’s easier to list the things I don’t do!

If I was in charge of this industry I would…

I’d want to make young people feel these roles are available to anyone with a passion for design. I never in a million years thought I’d be where I am today – I stumbled into this by pure chance. That’s why it’s so important to show that you don’t need a traditional path to succeed in this field. Passion can take you a long way…

What I love most about my job is…

Helping turn customers’ dreams into reality. It might sound cliché, but it’s incredibly rewarding, especially when someone walks in feeling overwhelmed and unsure about their kitchen plans. We sit down over a cuppa, have a genuine chat, and they begin to trust us with something so personal. Seeing that trust turn into a beautifully finished kitchen that transforms not just their space, but often their daily life at home – that’s the part that makes it all worth it.

The thing people might not know about me is…

I did kitchen fitting for a year when I was 18!

The work story I always tell to make people laugh is…

When I had to hoist a metal-framed structure (that was to be used to hold a three tall larder) up a five-storey apartment building because it simply wasn’t going to fit through the doorway… and that was my first ever day working for Joel LaRosa Design. It didn’t scare me off though… and the end result looked amazing. It was well worth it!

The industry person I most admire is…

Probably my dad, Warren Astley. He introduced me to the world of fitting and also gave me my very first job. He’s never one to take credit, but if it weren’t for that opportunity, I wouldn’t have had the path I’ve been lucky enough to follow ever since.

He was the best stepping stone I could have asked for. He taught me the kind of patience and work ethic that’s become the foundation of how I lead and support my own team today.

I wish this industry would talk less about…

Promoting the companies or brands, and instead support more of the independent companies out there. There are some amazing independents that are really striving and I don’t think they get enough credit sometimes!

My proudest professional achievement is….

It would have to be winning the kbbreview Rising Star award, of course!

If I could go back to the day I started in this industry, I would tell myself…

To keep going, that there’s going to be so many doors open for me. When I was fitting I felt so out of my depth being a girl and sometimes subject to some backlash from it. It felt easier to quit some days but I’m so happy I persevered, thanks to my parents who have always told me to keep my chin up.

The song I always sing in the shower is…

Something with a bit of a beat! Best way to unwind is probably Down Under (feat. Collin Hay) by Luude. But if it was a bath I’d put on something a bit more tamed and zen… like anything by Kaelo.

*Georgia Astley was the recipient of the Rising Star award at this year’s kbbreview Retail & Design Awards.