top of page

From Cancer to Fulfilling Dreams: Interior Designer Shares Her Strategies for Overcoming Adversity

Updated: Jul 17, 2023




AMR Interior Design's CEO & Creative Director, Brenda Brix, recently had the honor of being featured on an episode of The Business of Thinking Big with Lianne Kim. In this remarkable interview, Brenda delved deep into her personal journey of receiving a cancer diagnosis, redefining her role as a CEO, and the tremendous benefits of having a second-in-command.

Throughout the conversation, Brenda shared an awe-inspiring mantra that propelled her forward during her battle with cancer: "I did not survive cancer to be afraid." This powerful mantra not only shaped Brenda's fearless attitude towards life but also transformed her business focus, leading her to find joy in every moment.


Brenda emphasized the vital importance of adaptability, discussing how she managed to maintain success despite the pandemic's impact on her business and her ongoing breast cancer treatment. She also touched on the significant transformation she experienced by restructuring her approach to work smarter, not harder.


Transforming Adversity into Inspiration lies at the core of Brenda's story. Her encounter with cancer was a life-altering experience that shifted her perspective on what truly matters. It served as a catalyst for her to embrace life to the fullest and pursue her long-held aspirations. Building her business and creating innovative designs had always been Brenda's passion, and conquering cancer revealed her inner strength to overcome any challenge. Empowered by this newfound resilience, Brenda set her sights on designing her own custom table line—a project that had been close to her heart for quite some time.





The driving force behind Brenda's pursuit was her empowering mantra, "I did not survive cancer to be afraid." This mantra became her guiding light as she embarked on this new venture, reminding her to push beyond her comfort zone and embrace her creativity without hesitation. Brenda was determined to infuse elegance, unique features, and exquisite craftsmanship into her tables, leaving an indelible mark on the interior design industry.


Months of tireless Research and Design followed Brenda's decision to create her custom table line. This endeavor demanded meticulous planning, extensive research, and unwavering attention to detail. Brenda devoted countless hours to studying different styles, materials, and finishes, ensuring that her tables would not only be visually stunning but also practical for everyday use. She left no stone unturned in her quest for perfection, collaborating closely with skilled artisans and craftsmen to bring her vision to life.


The Results: A Dream Realized. After months of relentless dedication and hard work, Brenda is now ready to unveil her custom table line at Edmonton Design Week in October 2023—an authentic reflection of her indomitable spirit and resilience. Each table in the line exudes sophistication, elegance, and a touch of Brenda's unique design sensibility. These tables seamlessly blend functionality and artistry, instantly becoming the centerpiece of any interior space.


Brenda Brix's story stands as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her battle with cancer not only transformed her perspective on life but also inspired her to fearlessly pursue her dreams. Through her custom table line, Brenda showcases how triumphing over adversity can ignite one's creative pursuits, resulting in the realization of a long-awaited dream. Her journey serves as a reminder to all of us that we possess the strength within to overcome any obstacle and transform our dreams into reality. Let Brenda's empowering mantra, "I did not survive cancer to be afraid," become a profound source of inspiration as we navigate our individual journeys, forging ahead with unwavering determination and a fearless spirit.


This captivating podcast episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur seeking to thrive amidst significant setbacks and gain invaluable insights from Brenda's triumph over adversity, emerging stronger than ever. As a visionary Creative Director, Brenda excels in utilizing process, structure, and technology to streamline every aspect, including tackling the challenges that come her way.



If you have a question about working with us as your interior design firm that you would like to see answered, please email info@amrdesign.ca.

Anchor 1
bottom of page