W HERE A RE THEY NOW
CLASS O F 2003
Clay Eastham
Clay Eastham graduated with the SBS Class of 2003 and went on to study international business at Colorado State University. Currently, Eastham is a primary owner at Eastham Interiors & Home Collection, a family business based in Fort Collins, Colorado. “From the time I was small, I knew God had gifted me with a special ability where colors and textiles and space were concerned. I was raised in a home where we always had beautiful things, and my father encouraged my mother to be creative in design and decorating. Like any kid, I watched what was going on as we flipped houses in Houston (27 homes in 25 years, to be exact!). I loved it all and knew I wanted to do something in design or retail. When I finished my international business communications degree, I thought about the import-export business, but in late 2011 God brought a businessman in our community into my life, and he encouraged me to open a retail-design business as that was sorely lacking in Fort Collins. He had a string of floral shops in northern Colorado and owned lots of commercial spaces, so he offered me 4,000 square feet to start and six months free rent! My parents encouraged me and supported me all along the way. I feel so blessed by God – and blessed for a specific reason. He has blessed me not because I’m using the abilities He’s created within me, but blessed because several years ago I decided no matter what, I will follow Him. Everyone has struggles in life and things they deal with, but God has given me strength to align my life with Him and to refrain from whatever tempts me and makes my life less than it could be without Him. So all I have is really His – He’s just using me to accomplish His work. And I’m having the time of my life!” While at SBS, Eastham participated in choir, Spanish club and French club. He also enjoyed taking part in a variety of overseas trips during Interim Term. “I’m so grateful for the foundation SBS gave me in art and design – I encourage any student to take full advantage of the plethora of programs offered at my alma mater,” added Eastham.
CLASS O F 2007
Laura Rickaway
Laura Rickaway graduated SBS in 2007 and received her Bachelor of Science in interior design with minors in business and international studies from Auburn University. Rickaway is currently a project designer at Lucas / Eilers Design Associates in Houston, Texas. “We focus on residential interior design – new construction, remodels and second homes. This has been a great place to learn and grow as a young designer. I love that every day is different. My favorite part of my job is to design and specify things, as well as see the final installed result and an excited client. It is very gratifying and exciting. A few weeks ago one of my clients likened me to Celerie Kembel (a designer I greatly admire) and it was quite a special compliment,” said Rickaway. In addition to her role with Lucas / Eilers Design Associates, Rickaway serves as the Night Owl Secretary for the Kappa Kappa Gamma Houston Alumni Association, she is a member of VICTORY, a branch of the American Cancer Society, as well as a member of The Cattle Baron’s Ball. She also enjoys playing in an adult kickball league.
January 2014
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