My name is Nyla Brown, and I’m a first-generation college student from St. Louis, Missouri. I’ll be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall, majoring in Interior Design. Interior design has been a part of me for as long as I can remember, even before I had a name for it. I used to rearrange my bedroom just to see how it would make me feel—more peaceful, more myself. Over time, I realized I could turn this passion into a purpose. What stood out to me about this scholarship is Sallie Rowland’s story. The fact that she was a woman breaking into the design field during a time when that wasn’t common is powerful. I feel like I relate to that in my own way—as a young woman entering an industry that still doesn’t have a lot of people who look like me. But like Sallie, I’m not afraid to take up space. I want to bring something new to the table, while still learning from those who came before me. When I read the Luminaut values, I saw myself right away. Starting with “humble yet hungry”—that’s how I’ve always moved. I know I don’t have it all figured out, but I’m always learning, always working toward something bigger than me. I had to teach myself how to apply for college, apply for scholarships, and even how to believe that I could really do this. I come from a place where most people don’t get to chase creative careers. But I’m doing it. Not because it’s easy—but because I’m hungry to make a real difference. “Focused yet fun” describes how I approach design. I’m serious about my goals and about making something of myself, but I don’t want to lose the joy in what I do. Interior design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about creating a feeling. A sense of peace, comfort, or inspiration. I want my designs to reflect who I am: thoughtful, expressive, and full of heart. Being “super yet human” is something I’ve learned the hard way. I’ve had to be strong through a lot of things—figuring things out without a roadmap, making decisions alone, and not giving up when I felt overwhelmed. But through it all, I’ve stayed true to myself. I don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. I care deeply about people, and I want to create spaces that feel good for real people—families, students, young professionals, anyone who wants to feel like they belong in their space. Eventually, I want to own my own interior design business, where I focus not just on luxury but also on accessibility. I’d love to work with schools, churches, or families who want beautiful spaces but don’t think it’s within their reach. I want to give back to communities like mine and show others that you can do something creative and still be successful. This scholarship would mean more than just financial help—it would remind me that I belong in this industry and that my dreams are valid. I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing this for every girl who never thought she’d get the chance to walk into rooms like this. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider me for this scholarship. It would be an honor to continue Sallie Rowland’s legacy and represent Luminaut’s values through my work and my journey. Sincerely, Nyla Brown

My name is Nyla Brown, and I am a proud first-generation college student from St. Louis, Missouri. I recently graduated high school and will be attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale this fall, where I’ll be majoring in Interior Design. I’ve always believed that God gives us gifts not just for ourselves, but to serve others—and interior design is one of the gifts I plan to use to do exactly that. Growing up in a family where no one had gone to college before, the idea of higher education felt both exciting and intimidating. My family has always worked hard and believed in doing their best with what they had, but when it came to things like college applications, financial aid, or planning for a career, I often felt like I was on my own. Even though I had love and support around me, there were times when I felt like I was walking in the dark with only a small light. Still, I kept moving forward. I didn’t always believe in myself the way I do now. I stayed back in kindergarten due to childhood challenges, and I had to learn to be patient with my growth. Over the years, I taught myself not just how to read and write—but how to believe. I learned how to be nice to others even when I didn’t feel seen. I learned how to study, how to ask questions, and how to keep going when things got hard. And through it all, I held tight to the vision God placed in my heart. In high school, I pushed myself to achieve more each year. I made the honor roll multiple times, took three years of art classes to strengthen my creativity, and eventually won the Optimist International Award for Student of the Year. I didn’t win that award just for academics—I earned it because of my attitude, my character, and my willingness to keep showing up and doing the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy. I’m proud of that. I had to earn everything I have today with faith, work ethic, and resilience. Interior design has always been a quiet passion of mine. I started noticing early on how much the spaces we live in affect our moods, our habits, and our confidence. As a child, I would constantly rearrange my room just to make it feel new. I would play around with textures, colors, and layouts before I even knew what “design” really meant. It was my way of creating peace when the outside world felt overwhelming. Over time, I realized I could turn this love into something greater—a career that blends beauty, comfort, and purpose. Going to college is my next step not just to gain knowledge, but to expand the kind of impact I want to have in the world. My dream is to one day open my own interior design business and specialize in affordable design services for families and individuals who may not think good design is within their reach. I want to serve communities—especially people who live in underserved neighborhoods—by showing them that they, too, deserve spaces that feel like home. I believe everyone deserves a living space that inspires peace, motivation, and self-worth. This major isn’t just about decorating rooms. It’s about creating environments where people can heal, grow, and be their best selves. I want to work with schools, shelters, churches, and small businesses to help them design spaces that feel uplifting and intentional. Eventually, I plan to build a nonprofit branch of my design company that offers free or low-cost design help to families going through hard times—like those transitioning out of homelessness, domestic violence, or natural disasters. My vision is to help people rebuild their lives, starting with their space. But I know that dream won’t come without hard work, and college is a big investment. Being a first-generation college student means that I’m figuring things out as I go. My family doesn’t have the financial means to pay for my education, so I’m relying on scholarships, grants, and my own determination to make it through. I’ve already started applying for work opportunities on campus to help cover what I can, and I’m committed to staying focused on my studies. Still, a scholarship like this one would make a huge difference in my journey. It would ease the financial stress, allowing me to focus more on developing my craft, taking advantage of opportunities, and growing into the designer and woman I’m meant to be. To me, going to college is about legacy. I’m not just doing this for myself; I’m doing it for the people who came before me and for the ones who will come after me. I think about my future children, my younger sisters, and even the girls in my city who may look at me and say, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” I want to be proof that it’s possible to come from humble beginnings and still rise to something meaningful. I want to carry my family’s story with pride while writing a new chapter for us—one filled with purpose, creativity, and growth. Reading about Alberta Bean’s life touched me deeply. Like my own grandmother, Alberta came from humble beginnings but worked hard to make sure her children had more than she did. That kind of love and sacrifice is powerful—it’s the kind that builds new legacies. I would be honored to receive a scholarship created in her name. I promise to carry her spirit of resilience, strength, and faith into everything I do. Thank you for considering my application and for honoring the lives of women like Alberta, who paved the way for people like me to dream bigger and work harder. Sincerely, Nyla Brown