Ontario Ladies’ College (OLC) Inspired My Love of Learning

With a flair for interior design and a commitment to lifelong learning, Class of 1978 Ontario Ladies’ College alumna Heather Hogarth’s (nee Tait) road to success has taken an entrepreneurial path. “As an interior designer and property developer, I buy properties, fix them up and sell them. I always love a challenge and enjoy picking houses that need attention and love,” said Heather Hogarth. “I have renovated over 90 houses over the years and enjoy giving a house a new life.”

Heather attributes her creativity to her time at Ontario Ladies’ College. “I was a high-performing Track & Field athlete when I came to OLC for Grade 12 and Grade 13 as a boarding student, and I tried a variety of sports such as gymnastics, swimming, basketball and volleyball while at the school. However, I remember performing in the house plays and being the makeup artist, and that opened the door to my creative side,” noted Heather. “That combined with the Home Economics class I took while at OLC which I won a scholarship for Interior Design.”

The creative thread is woven throughout Heather’s career. “I’ve always been open to new opportunities to grow, so when one of my interior design clients asked me if I had ever considered designing jewelry – I thought, what a brilliant idea. I loved taking Chemistry while at OLC, so I became a Gemologist for five years and created beautiful jewelry,” added Heather. She has also worked in the film industry as a Key Set Costumer and Key Makeup Artist.

“OLC instilled my love of learning,” said Heather. “I encourage students to try everything while at school. Take a risk and try something new while finding the humour in every situation. That’s how you discover what you truly love and grow.”

As a mother, Heather is a huge advocate for girls’ education and believes in giving back when you have had a positive experience and great memories. “You can solve all the problems in the world with education,” Heather added.

Some of Heather’s favourite memories include getting caught sneaking into the kitchen to make pancakes with her two roommates in Grade 12, the Big Sister Little Sister program, dances at Lakefield College, the House Plays, skiing at Dagmar and the friends she made from Bahamas and Hong Kong. “My only regret is not staying in touch with friends from OLC – I’m looking forward to seeing classmates at the 150th Alumnae Reunion in June 2025 and looking at lots of photos and reliving all the great memories. OLC was special, and I know others felt the same magic.”

In closing, Heather added one last favourite memory, “The house system at OLC allowed me to meet a smaller group of friends and make more connections. I was originally in Maxwell, then became the Athletic Prefect in Grade 13, so I moved to Farewell, and that offered me the opportunity to connect with more amazing people while finding the right balance between academics, athletics and my creative side.”

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Heather (Tait) Hogarth is a Class of 1978 OLC alumna with a passion for interior design and keeping doors open to new opportunities that allow her talents to grow.