Meet Jagrati Bahety | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jagrati Bahety and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jagrati, how do you think about risk?
I believe risks are an integral part of both personal growth and career development. Taking risks pushes us out of our comfort zones, leading to new experiences and valuable learning opportunities. One of the most significant risks I’ve taken was moving from India to the USA. In the fall of 2021, I transferred to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), which was a major leap since I had only visited the USA for vacations before and had never lived outside India on my own. This decision marked an incredible change in my life and career.

This was the biggest risk I’ve taken because I had to transition from everything that I was familiar with into a new culture. Everything that I was familiar with suddenly vanished, and I had to learn a whole new culture and make new friends. Living and studying in a new country provided me with immense opportunities to grow as a designer and as an individual. It allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures, expand my professional network, and gain a global perspective on design. This experience has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of embracing challenges. By taking this risk, I have not only enhanced my skills and knowledge but also gained confidence in my ability to navigate and thrive in unfamiliar environments.

Risk-taking has played a crucial role in shaping my career, enabling me to pursue new paths, and achieve goals I might have otherwise considered unattainable. It has reinforced my belief that stepping into the unknown can lead to extraordinary personal and professional growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was in college in India before transferring to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design). Studying in two different countries has given me a unique cross-cultural background and perspective. I am most proud and excited about the fact that I followed my passion and graduated from SCAD with summa cum laude honors and received an outstanding academic achievement award. I am starting my career as project coordinator at JMA Architecture, which will provide me with invaluable hands-on experience and further solidify my commitment to this field.

It was definitely not easy. Initially, back home in India, education was primarily focused on book knowledge. Transitioning to a field that requires a lot of hands-on work and critical thinking was a challenge, but one that I enjoyed. Moving to a new country meant learning about a new culture, adjusting to a different education style, and essentially starting from scratch while trying to maintain my personal, social, and academic life. The one thing that kept me going through these challenges was my passion for interior design. I viewed these challenges as learning and growth experiences both professionally and personally. The unconditional support from my friends and family, who kept reminding me to keep going and not give up on hard days, was invaluable.

I’ve learned many lessons along the way, but the most important ones are to be independent, give your best and honest effort in everything you do, and have patience, persistence, and adaptability. These qualities have been crucial in helping me navigate and succeed in a new environment.

I want the world to know that I’m driven and persistent. Being an international student isn’t easy, but it offers incredible opportunities to learn about diverse cultures, expand your horizons, and push yourself to achieve things you never imagined. My story is one of resilience and determination, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their passions and embrace the challenges that come with them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Savannah for a week, I would plan an exciting and diverse itinerary to showcase the best of what this beautiful city has to offer. We would start our journey with a stroll along River Street, enjoying the historic cobblestones and waterfront views, followed by a hearty lunch at The Savannah Tequila Co. After exploring the shops and galleries, we’d dine at Myrtle & Rose Rooftop. The next day, we’d begin with breakfast at The Collins Quarter, then take a leisurely walk through Forsyth Park before having lunch at PJ Thai. The afternoon would be spent exploring the Historic District.

A visit to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) would be next, including a tour of Clark Hall where I spent much of my time, and a visit to the SCAD Museum of Art. We’d have lunch at Coco & Moss, walk down Broughton Street to explore shops and cafes, then dine at Bar Julian, enjoying the rooftop views. A day trip to Tybee Island and a lighthouse visit would be followed by drinks at Alley Cat Lounge.

The Georgia Queen Anne Cruise would kick off another day, with lunch at Orale Tacos + and a visit to Doki Doki for some ice cream. We’d wrap up the week with another breakfast at The Collins Quarter, more Forsyth Park relaxation, and exploring historic squares. Dinner at Madame Butterfly and drinks at the Tiki Bar would close out the trip.

Savannah has a really rich history and vibrant nightlife, which you truly appreciate once you live here. We’d spend nights exploring different small bars and speakeasies, and days immersed in the rich history and charm of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my family has been my rock. Their unwavering support, motivation, and encouragement have been crucial to my journey. My parents have worked incredibly hard to ensure I received a good education and had the opportunity to come to the US to pursue my passion. They have given me endless life lessons, raised me to be independent, and taught me to never give up on my dreams. My sister has also been a constant source of support since day one, listening to my everyday stories and being there for me through thick and thin. Her presence has been a steadying force in my life, providing me with comfort and encouragement.

Additionally, I want to give a big shoutout to all of my friends I’ve made over the past years. Their support has been invaluable, whether from afar or while experiencing similar challenges and joys alongside me. These friendships have enriched my life, and without them, I wouldn’t have been able to make the most of my college experience or create lasting memories.

Without all of these incredible people, my journey would not have been as fulfilling or successful. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me navigate the ups and downs of life and achieve my goals.

Website: https://assets.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:4783ed1a-e004-4264-8c99-48acccbb1568?view=published

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jagratib_design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jagrati-bahety-0b45031a4/