From Car Interiors to Vintage Finds and Home Design: A Story in Progress with Woodward Throwbacks Co-Founder and Head of Design Bo Shepherd

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What happens when you refuse to fit into someone else's box? For Bo Shepherd, the answer was nothing short of transformation. As just the third African-American female interior designer at General Motors, Bo found herself constantly battling expectations about everything from her natural hair to her tattoos. Despite achieving what many would consider career success, something was missing – the freedom to be authentically herself.

When Bo and her partner began exploring Detroit by bicycle, they discovered neighborhoods filled with illegally dumped materials – cabinets, doors, and lumber discarded during renovations. Drawing on construction skills learned from her West Indian father, Bo began salvaging these materials to create furniture for their apartment. This creative outlet quickly evolved into Woodward Throwbacks, a brand dedicated to transforming reclaimed materials into stunning furniture and home décor that caught the attention of retail giants like Nordstrom and Target.

The journey from corporate designer to entrepreneur wasn't sugar-coated. Bo candidly shares the reality behind the glossy success story – from living in their workshop for a year to make ends meet, to the anxiety-filled nights wondering if they'd made the right choice. "I've had night sweats, I've had bursting out of my bed shaking with anxiety," she reveals, pushing back against glamorized portrayals of entrepreneurship. Yet through these struggles, Bo's commitment to authenticity has proven sustainable, expanding beyond furniture into interior design and real estate development. Her recently published book, "Throwbacks Home Interiors," showcases fifteen Detroit homes embodying authentic design across different styles.

What makes Bo's story so compelling is its universal message: success comes not from following prescribed paths but from having the courage to trust your instincts. As she explains, "If you are really passionate and you believe in what you're doing, people will see it." For anyone feeling constrained by expectations or seeking the courage to pursue their authentic path, Bo Shepard's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with Bo's designs and philosophy by exploring Woodward Throwbacks online or picking up her book to discover how authentic spaces truly transform lives.

Check out Woodward Throwbacks as well on their YouTube Channel where you can catch them "in action". As well, pick up a copy of their book to be inspired to new levels at: Amazon. 

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