May 16, 2017

Meet Orli Shoshan of O Designs by Orli Shoshan

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Orli Shoshan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Orli. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Every person grows through his or her life experience. My artistic expression evolved over the course of many years working and traveling throughout the world.

I was born and raised in Israel. After serving in the Israeli Army at a very early age, I began working with an Israeli airline after a great deal of travel, specifically in Thailand, India, and Australia, It was also, most importantly, my first trip to Chicago!

Not long after, I was discovered overseas and began a successful career in modeling; working in printed media and on the runway. While in Australia, I worked in television, with shows including, “The Wheel of Fortune-Australia” and “Aerobic OZ Style.”

The work was more difficult than one would expect, but I loved it because it was in the realm of design and fashion. In fact, it was in Australia where I produced my first fashion line, “ORLI,” which was a sportswear line sold at high-end boutiques and gyms across that country.

My name, my modeling, and my designs became well known in this area and it brought me to an acting role in the popular Sci-Fi franchise, “Star Wars.” In that series, I played the exotic Elian Jedi Master, Shaak Ti. At the time, I honestly had no idea that the series, or my character, would become so popular. It still surprises me that all over the world there are Shaak Ti action figures, LEGO sets, comic books, bubble gum cards, and video games!

The ability to continue to travel while exploring my love for design was absolutely wonderful. After many years of moving around the world, I went back to my roots in Israel and attended the prestigious acting school, “The Studio,” by Yuval Carmi. After completing my academic work I decided to start a second fashion line, this time for lingerie, called “Mia Luce.”

I returned to Chicago after many years, and met my amazing husband. We have two beautiful children together. As my family grew and home became the place of most substance for me, I took my interest in fashion to interior design and staging, using all of my travel and life experience to create amazing surroundings for others.

There was great grace in the fact that I connected with Dream Town, Realty. Their new vision for Chicago real estate, as well as the forward-thinking manner in which they conduct business was a perfect fit for me and O Designs. They have been wonderfully supportive and I am dedicated to reciprocate that support.

It isn’t that far off, really. Just like a fashion designer looks at a model, I now look at individual environments. Just as a director leads a team of actors, an interior designer creates a feeling based on what was learned, and, the inspiration behind it. There is nothing more incredible than knowing that I can organize, accessorize, and create areas of comfort and beauty. And, what is more beautiful than a person’s home?

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I believe that anyone who has grown older has struggles. Of course I have had challenges along the way. However, I look at the challenges just like I do the wonderful experiences. We are what we have experienced and how we have accepted all of the moments of life.

The bumpy roads have more character.

O Designs by Orli Shoshan, LLC – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
O Designs by Orli Shoshan, LLC is a boutique home staging company in Chicago. I think what sets me apart is what I referred to earlier, which is my world travel and diverse design experience. Because I have been in so many places and interacted with so many different people, I feel that I am better able to get a sense for the individual’s personality. I take what I know, and give the rooms creative expression.

In addition, I take pride in the fact that unlike many staging companies, I pay great attention to detail. Staging is not about just filling a space. It is about bringing that space to life with imagination, inspiration, and incredible energy. It is about knowing what sells, while maintaining the intuition that produces an unforgettable environment.

I believe that too often we think of staging only as something a person does when they want to sell a house. Of course, that is something that I have had great success doing. However, I also believe that our own homes; the places we live surrounded by those we love, deserve the same kind of attention to detail and comfort.

What I am most proud of is the fact that all of my customers are extraordinarily happy. Of course, I love this for my business, but most of the satisfaction is knowing that I have made them feel the best that they can feel.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success comes from knowing yourself through and through. If you know this, you are able to concentrate on others fully. You are also able, as I said earlier, to bring the best of your life experiences to your work, your home, and your family.

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