In the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, resides Nicole Dettman, a creative force whose path from childhood aspirations to becoming a Textile Product Designer at Permobil is a captivating tale. With over two years at Permobil's New Berlin Research and Development office, Nicole generously shares her narrative, weaving through the fabric of her past and present.
Childhood Chronicles
My roots trace back to Janesville, Wisconsin, where I spent my formative years in the tranquility of a small town. I'm one of four children with a younger brother, an older brother, and a sister. Our days were filled with laughter from shared adventures, including rides on 4-wheelers and jaunts on bicycles. As a child, I wanted to be a detective, fueled by an interest in solving mysteries.
Post-High School Pursuits
Following high school, I ventured to Pasadena City College, where I majored in Fashion Design. I picked a field that resonated with my desire to create and design. Amidst the bustling chaos of college life, I cherish the connections formed with friends.
Embarking on a Career Odyssey at Permobil
My career path converged with the serendipitous encounter of a job listing at Permobil. Intrigued by the prospect of contributing my skills to a company dedicated to enhancing the lives of others, I happily applied. I first started sewing in Tru-Shape to becoming the lead of Tru-Shape and now to my current position of Textile Product Designer. My typical day consists of crafting patterns, designs, and covers for various projects, followed by digitizing them into Optitex software.
I take pride in my journey, and my tenure at Permobil is punctuated by many different learning experiences, each contributing to my professional growth. I don’t have a specific favorite project, but I do love how much I’m learning about this company from my experience on the production floor to now learning even more with my current Textile Product Designer position.
Beyond the Office Walls
Outside of work, I find immense joy in unleashing my creativity through designing, sewing, and crafting. I also cherish embarking on adventures, staying active with workouts, exploring culinary delights through cooking, and spending time with family and friends. When the chill of Wisconsin becomes too much to bear, my top destinations for escaping to warmer climates include California, Florida, and Arizona.
Pinnacles of Pride and Surprising Revelations
Earning my college degree was not just a milestone, but a testament to my dedication, perseverance, and passion for learning. The experience of navigating through different courses, meeting new people, and expanding my knowledge base truly shaped me into the person I am today.
While many may perceive me as an outgoing individual, there is a side of me that relishes in the simple pleasures of cozying up at home. There is something truly special about preparing a delicious home-cooked meal and watching a good show.
Rapid fire questions:
Favorite restaurant?
Green Dragon, an excellent Chinese place in Los Angeles.
What is your favorite season and why?
My favorite season is Fall. The temperature is perfect, and I love how the trees change colors.
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
My Grandma, she died when I was little.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
This is a hard one, probably The Silence of the Lambs, The Shining or Inception
