Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Garza.
Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had an affinity for all things beauty since childhood. Fashion, interior design, make up, and art in all forms. I recall so distinctly rummaging through my mom’s vanity area, redecorating my bedroom as many times as I could get away with, and playing dress-up. In retrospect, I’ve always wanted to be involved and affiliated with doing something creative. Art classes, theatre, dance, musical instruments – you name it! So, it’s really no wonder how I ended up where I am currently. Through these hobbies and interests, I knew I wanted a lifestyle and career where I could still practice my love for fashion, design, and creativity. Initially, my “passion for fashion” as the saying goes, led me to graduate from the University of Houston with my Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Science and Merchandising. My intention was to be in the fashion industry with my degree. But the universe had other plans that led me to a slightly different direction. My senior year in college, I had the opportunity to work with a National homebuilder as a design studio coordinator that I just could not pass up. Funny enough, it was via my marketing minor that this opportunity came about. Still also having a major love and interest for interior design, I felt this would be a great opportunity for me. I later was promoted to an interior design consultant. And the rest is history! I am now almost a decade into my design career within the home building industry and have worked with various national home builders.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There has absolutely been ups and downs. In fact, I think without those struggles and down moments, I wouldn’t be able to appreciate the glorious, high moments. The thing I struggled with the most was really just trying to find and create balance in my life. Between building my social media presence in the Instagram/design community (a second job in itself), work, relationships, friends and family, there were many times I questioned if I was on the right path or doing the right thing. They were often moments I even questioned if I was still truly passionate about my interests and pursuits. Those are the moments that I knew I just needed to simply a getaway, step back, meditate, or even travel in order to recharge and refresh my mind and come back even stronger. I would advise young woman to do the exact same. It has helped me so much. It’s truly revitalizing and I’m sure women of all ages will benefit from doing so.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
As initially mentioned, I have been in the homebuilding industry for almost a decade now as a designer/design consultant. Currently, I’m on the corporate side of the homebuilding industry now with another national homebuilder. This allows me a bit more personal time and freedom to pursue entrepreneurial efforts via social media that I have been working on behind the scenes. Interior styling/merchandising, e-designs and design consultations for both rental (apartments, condos) and owned homes are some of the services I provide. My decor specialty is modern and contemporary styles. With my industry background and years of experience in client/consumer services, it has always been my end goal to have my own interior business. I feel like my years of hands-on work experience is what sets me apart from others.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
Definitely my mother. She’s the woman that has really inspired me since childhood. Seeing her work ethic, drive, and creativity is something I absolutely derived from her. Being in the hair and beauty industry herself, I feel like that’s what sparked that creativity in me as well. Anytime I need advice or even simply just to vent, she’s my go-to person. Even at times where I didn’t wanna push myself, she was there to push me. I remember so vividly her instilling the importance of education and hard work in one’s life. It’s something I remember her drilling into my brain CONSTANTLY growing up. Of course, as a kid and especially teenager, it was so annoying to hear and simply irritating when parents try to tell you what to do, lol. But I am so grateful and appreciative for it now as an adult.
Pricing:
- E-design consultation – $75 (in email/questionnaire form)
- Additional consultations – $45
- Mood/Concept board plus product shopping list/web links for one room – $350
Contact Info:
- Email: stateofnoir@gmail.com
- Instagram: stateofnoir
Image Credit:
Self-portrait image at bar taken at Bisou Restaurant. Self-image in silver metallic corner wall taken at MAD Restaurant.
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