Today we’d like to introduce you to Oscar Banta-Guevara.
Hi Oscar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My business started from a passion for Interior Design and all things beautiful. Growing up my role model was my father, a self-made entrepreneur in the construction industry. I was inspired by my dad’s work ethic. He instilled in me the spirit of creativity and a determination to succeed. My dad would always counsel me on earning my way in life through working hard and having a stellar reputation. He would say that if I poured my heart into a project for a client, they would be sure to speak well of me and I would always have work. I cherish the pearls of wisdom he handed down to me.
After graduating from the Art Institute of Houston in the Interior Design Program, with an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design, my career path led me into the retail industry. It is here that I would work alongside business owners catering to an affluent clientele seeking design assistance with high-end home furnishings, art, color and textiles, decorative accessories, heirloom quality rugs, and fine linens.
My career started off as an Assistant and progressively advanced to greater positions of responsibility includingBuyer, Sales Manager, and ultimately Store Manager. My unique understanding of handling and earning the trust of my clients garnered me a steady stream of regular clients seeking my personal assistance and advice.
After several years of retail management, I decided to pursue a role working alongside an Architectural Digest“Top 100 Interior Designer” to further expand my knowledge of running and handling a design firm. My role as a Senior Design Associate afforded me the experience of managing high net worth design projects from conceptual design to completion. In my role, I worked directly with design clients (home and business owners) representing the firm.
During the pandemic, the design industry saw a tremendous increase in demand for home renovations and interior design projects. Every vendor and every workroom that I had a relationship with were experiencing a higher-than-normal work volume. It was then that I felt confident in the economic climate to begin developing a business plan. After years of being in the background, I decided to take the leap of faith and follow my dad’s advice and be my own boss.
I’m very fortunate that I have a husband who helps run a multi-million dollar company and has a proven successful track record of leadership and adapting to the current business environment. His input has given me a solid foundation to launch my business.
Upon developing my website, interiorsbyoscar.com, and forming my LLC, “Interiors by Oscar”, I was prepared to start taking clients. Upon establishing my business page on the social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram, I began receiving inquiries and ultimately booking appointments. The great news is that I have been already been blessed with being hired for numerous exciting projects in just the first four months of my business operation.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My initial startup has been relatively smooth. My challenges have been sourcing a pipeline of third-party contractors who are available to take on new projects. My understanding of the current supply shortages with product sourcing has prepared me to inform my clientsduring the initial design consultation and be transparent to educate them on the expectations upfront.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Interiors by Oscar?
I would describe my personal design style as Modern Classic. I love clean lines and architecturally interesting curves that express a bold and interesting statement. Color, of course, is subjective to the space. Color can enhance the mood if needed or create a harmonious tranquility for the senses through layers of materials.
My specialty is listening to my clients’ goals and translating their dreams, wants and wishes into a design reality.
I’m proud of partnering with my clients by offering my keen eye for design, attention to details, years of experience and commitment to sharing their personal vision and taste.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
1. My father: Arturo Guevara
2. My husband: Bruce Banta-Guevara
3. Former employers (Business Proprietors):
a.) Pam Parker, former owner of Krispen.
b.) Sylvia Longoria Dorsey, owner of Longoria Collection.
c.) Pam and Dan Kuhl-Linscomb, owners of Kuhl-Linscomb.
d.) Meredith O’Donnell, owner of Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture.
4. Leaders in the Interior Design Industry.
Contact Info:
- Email: oscar@interiorsbyoscar.com
- Website: Interiorsbyoscar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/interiorsbyoscar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interiorsbyoscar/
Image Credits
Laurie Perez
