Today we’d like to introduce you to Liset Millan.
Hi Liset, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thank you so much for the opportunity! My journey started about 19 years ago when I began working at a small company, my father, Jorge Millan, and my brother, also Jorge, founded called Millan Intelligent Design. That’s where I learned so much about design, construction, and work ethic, lessons that shaped who I am today.
Later, I joined another small architecture and design firm, but at that time my two boys, Alan and Ian Alvarado, needed me a lot. The job had very little flexibility, and one day I had to make a tough choice, keep working long hours or spend quality time with my kids. I prayed and asked God to guide me, and that moment became a turning point in my life.
My family and friends kept encouraging me to start my own company. Some days I felt ready, and other days I wasn’t, because starting your own business always takes courage. With my sons and family cheering me on, I finally decided to take the leap. My sister Brenda helped me set up everything legally, and that’s how Odas Group was officially born in 2018.
Those first months were full of uncertainty, kind of like learning to ride a bike. You practice with the little training wheels until you finally take them off. You might fall a few times, but you keep going. That’s exactly what happened with Odas Group. I “fell” a few times, but each challenge made me stronger and more determined.
At first, it was just me, and it took time to build trust with clients. But as people started seeing my work, they began recommending me. Our projects started coming only from referrals, which has been such a blessing. We began with residential projects and later expanded into commercial ones. Today, we’ve completed work across Harris County, Houston, Baytown, Galveston, Brookshire, Richmond, Canyon Lake, Waller, Conroe, and more.
Being a woman in this industry hasn’t always been easy, there are still people who doubt you just because you’re a woman. But I’ve never let that stop me.
Now, Odas Group isn’t just me, it’s a wonderful team of drafters, engineers, and collaborators who put their hearts into every project. Together, we’ve built a company that values excellence, service, and faith. And the best part? We all get to do what we love while still enjoying quality time with our families.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been worth every step. Starting Odas Group in 2018 was both exciting and challenging. In the beginning, I was doing everything on my own, managing clients, drawings, permits, and all the behind the scenes details that come with running a business. There were days when I doubted myself and wondered if I had made the right decision, especially when projects didn’t go as planned or when things moved slower than expected.
As a woman in this industry, I’ve also faced situations where people underestimated me or didn’t take me seriously just because I’m a woman. Those moments were tough, but they also pushed me to work harder and prove that perseverance, faith, and integrity open doors that doubt tries to close.
There were financial challenges too, especially in the early stages, and times when I had to balance being a mom and an entrepreneur, which is never easy. But every challenge taught me something valuable. I learned to trust the process, to surround myself with the right people, and to keep moving forward no matter what.
Today, when I look back, I’m deeply grateful to God, because He always sustained me through every season. I’m thankful for those struggles, because they built the foundation of who I am and what Odas Group stands for, resilience, faith, and excellence.
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?
At Odas Group, we specialize in architectural and structural design services for both residential and commercial projects. Our work goes beyond drawings and plans, our goal is to truly understand each client’s vision and turn it into something functional, beautiful, and lasting.
We’ve had the blessing of working on projects across Harris County, the City of Houston, Baytown, Galveston, Brookshire, Richmond, Canyon Lake, Waller, Conroe, and other surrounding cities. Each project, no matter how big or small, is approached with the same level of care, excellence, and responsibility.
What truly sets Odas Group apart is our commitment to integrity, service, and faith. Our motto has always been to be a blessing and a help to others. We believe architecture and design can make life better, not just for our clients, but for the families and communities around them. We always look for what benefits our clients the most, guiding them through every step of the process with honesty and transparency.
I’m very proud of the team behind Odas Group, a talented group of drafters, engineers, permit Expeditor and collaborators who share the same values and passion for excellence. We’ve grown through word of mouth and referrals, which to me is one of the greatest compliments a company can receive. It means that our clients trust us enough to recommend us to others, and that speaks louder than any advertisement.
More than anything, I want readers to know that Odas Group was built with faith, perseverance, and heart. We’re not just designing buildings, we’re helping people bring their dreams to life, while maintaining balance and purpose in everything we do.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always very creative and observant. I loved drawing and paying attention to small details, I think that’s where my passion for engineering first began. I was always fascinated by how things were built and how they worked. Over time, that passion naturally evolved into a love for design and architecture. I’ve always enjoyed thinking about the foundation of something before imagining how it would look in the end.
I was also very family oriented. My parents taught me the value of hard work, faith, and integrity from a young age. I remember spending time helping my dad and watching how dedicated he was to everything he did, that inspired me to always give my best. I also remember my mom teaching me to be dedicated and to do everything with love, no matter how small the task. Those lessons from both of them shaped the way I approach life and my work today.
Even as a child, I had a strong sense of responsibility and compassion. I loved helping others and finding ways to make people feel supported, which is something that still guides me today, both personally and professionally.
Looking back, I think those early experiences, creativity, family values, God and faith, became the foundation for who I am and how I lead Odas Group today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.odasgroup.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/odasgroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odas.group
- Other: odasgroup@gmail.com
