Shanti Cope

I was born in British Columbia, Canada then moved to New York City and then Westchester and Southern Connecticut. I went on to Northeastern University in Boston and earned a degree in Psychology. Thus, I was well equipped to work in the family furniture and interior design business. I continued my education by attending and graduating from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan with a degree in Interior Design. When the family decided to retire, I moved to "corporate America" and had a very successful career designing point of sale material and displays for one of the nation’s largest consumer packaging companies. My husband Craig and I decided life could be better in the Florida Keys. We began searching for a new opportunity and change in lifestyle in this wonderful place. I discovered and purchased Island Décor Art Gallery bringing together my passion for interior design and the creative development process. I began to offer interior design services and as that grew, I found that I could not focus on both the gallery and my interior design clients. Not to mention we had also welcomed a son, and I wanted to have the flexibility to attend the important activities in his life, so I decided to close the gallery after 5 wonderful successful years. I continued to work with my interior design clients but had always known that I would eventually expand my business once our son was older. When the time was right, I decided to pursue my Real Estate license and start my career with Coldwell Banker and Schmitt Real Estate Co. in Key Largo, Fla. This allows me to use my interior design expertise to assist my clients in buying and or selling their homes.