Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Martinez Sanchez.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for design and art overall started very young. As long as I can remember, I have always drawn. I believe that is where my interest in proportions and aesthetics begun which ultimately led to the aesthetic of a room. I still draw and now paint, but I have a passion for residential design. After high school, I studied abroad in France for a summer session at the Paris American Academy of Art and completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design at Lamar University. I then moved to Houston to begin my career. I first worked at Kuhl Linscomb, a high-end lifestyle store that sells everything from moisturizers to one-of-a-kind antiques and art. Then I worked at a high-end residential firm and French antique business for 7 years where I mainly got most of my experience. This was a small company which meant I had to take on many roles from designer to bookkeeper. Although this was a very demanding job, it prepared me for entrepreneurship. In 2019 I became a mother. This changed everything and led me to launch my company. Et Voila – Lilian and Victoria was born!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, no matter how much experience you have in management, accounting, etcetera, you will still face the fear of the unknown. Entrepreneurship means having to constantly problem solve and weigh the risks. You no longer have a steady paycheck coming in. It is up to you to line up your income and plan accordingly. With that said, I have been lucky enough to be able to have maintained somewhat steady income. However, I still have made mistakes and bad investments that cost me a couple of months of income, but you live and learn. Not to mention, the lack of product to maintain my retail side of the business due to the global pandemic and massive shipping and manufacturing delays. Other than that, it has been as smooth as it can be. I can’t complain. I have the privilege to be able to do what I love and be in complete control of my schedule.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lilian and Victoria is an online shop that sells vintage style furniture, lighting, art, home decor, fashion, and accessories. We also offer interior design services. We partner with builders to create the home of your dreams. We work with experienced carpenters, painters, tile and flooring installers, and wallpaper and art installers for all renovations. We accept projects of all sizes and from construction to final selections of furnishings and custom pillows. Most designers tend to offer a certain style and become known for that look. I really love and appreciate many styles from contemporary, traditional or bohemian. My goal as a designer is to create a space my client loves. A space that represents them and their lifestyle. I love bringing a room to life and help make the space not only beautiful but more functional. I love it when my customer tells me how they use their renovated space so much more now or it’s so much easier to live in. That is what keeps me going in this industry and makes it all worth it. When you love where you live, your outlook on life changes. You face the day with a different attitude and pride that leads to positive changes in your life overall. So, from helping customers select the right piece for them from our online shop or a full design project, we’re here to help.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
There are a lot of events in the city for creatives that will help you connect with other people in the industry. Local magazines and social media can help you find these events. Having connections in your field will help you expand your services and knowledge. I have come across many of my vendors like painters and installers by asking my peers for contacts when my usual partners can’t take on a job. I also ask workrooms that I work with regularly for contacts. Like my custom frame shop has connected me with one of the art installers that I work with. So don’t be afraid to ask. You have to start somewhere.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@lilianandvictoria.com
- Website: lilianandvictoria.com
- Instagram: @lilianandvictoria
- Facebook: @lilianandvictoria
Image Credits
Carolyn Marie Photography
