Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalia Garrigan.
Hi Nathalia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It all began innocently enough at Kinko’s. There I was, just a junior high student, printing out the final project for my AutoCAD class. A landscape architect happened to be observing my work. Impressed by what he saw, he offered me a job – a dream come true for a young, aspiring designer. I worked for him steadfastly, learning the ropes and honing my skills, right through my university years until I was a junior or senior.
My university journey also included a stint with an interior designer as part of an internship program. It was a valuable experience, though it lasted less than a year. The call of entrepreneurship was strong, and I soon decided to strike out on my own. I poured my heart and soul into building my own business, only to face a crushing blow when a client placed a stop payment on their final check. The dream crumbled, leaving me feeling defeated and unsure of my next steps.
Needing a change of scenery and a chance to reflect, I packed my bags and embarked on a backpacking adventure through France. The journey was liberating, a chance to clear my head and gain perspective. My travels eventually led me to Spain, where I planned to visit a cousin. It was there I met someone who initially seemed promising. I returned a few months later to see him again, only to quickly realize he wasn’t “the one.” Despite this, I ended up staying in Spain for three months, forging incredible friendships and even picking up some work helping a designer with styling.
Life in Spain, however, proved to be financially unsustainable. I was barely making ends meet, and the reality of my situation set in. It was time to return home to the United States. As I was on my layover in Philadelphia, a completely unexpected call came through. It was Milton Frank Plumbing, inviting me for an interview. The very next day, I went in, interviewed, and I got the job.
I worked for Milton Frank Plumbing until 2017. That’s when they made the decision to close down their remodel department. Instead of leaving me adrift, they actually encouraged me to open my own firm, a testament to the trust they had in my abilities. And so I did! I’ve had my own business ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“Oh, if only! No, it has been anything but smooth. It’s been a winding, often bumpy path, but every single struggle has taught me something invaluable and ultimately shaped who I am today.”
I lean back, thinking for a moment. “Where to begin? My very first foray into the professional world after college wasn’t easy. I got fired in a very demeaning way, right in the middle of a conference meeting with a client. It was humiliating, truly, but it taught me a profound lesson: never, ever treat anyone like that. You always treat people with respect, no matter the circumstances.”
“Then there was my first attempt at owning my own business. I was so eager, so confident… until a client put a stop payment on their final check. It was devastating, it completely derailed everything. But that failure, painful as it was, taught me the absolute necessity of having proper agreements in place, and robust processes and procedures to protect yourself. It was a tough lesson, but one I’ve carried with me ever since.”
“Life threw another curveball when I divorced after I landed my first one-million-dollar project. You would think hitting such a professional milestone would be pure elation, but it was overshadowed by immense personal loss. Divorce is a truly terrible loss, and it forces you to face a lot of challenges you never anticipated. It makes you realize how intertwined your personal well-being is with everything else.”
“And even with my current business, the road is never perfectly smooth. We’ve certainly had our highs and lows, the money flows in and out. It’s taught me that you have to be incredibly organized and constantly prepared for those inevitable lows. Cash flow management is a beast you have to constantly tame!”
“So, no, not a smooth road at all,” I conclude, a genuine smile finally replacing the thoughtful frown. “But I wouldn’t trade those struggles. They’ve been my best teachers, making me more resilient, more empathetic, and definitely a better business person.”
We’ve been impressed with Nathalia Interiors, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At our core, we’re a design-build firm dedicated to transforming visions into tangible spaces. We take on projects of any size, guiding our residential clients from the initial concept all the way through to the final reality. Our true passion lies in customization, in designing and building spaces that our clients genuinely call their own, reflecting their unique aspirations and lifestyles. What I’m most proud of, however, isn’t just the beautiful spaces we create, but our unwavering commitment to quality, our service-oriented approach, and the deep relationships we cultivate with every client.
What truly sets us apart in the Houston design and build is our integrated approach: we design and build everything under one roof. This means that from your very first consultation until the moment you step into your completed space, you’ll be working directly with me. There’s no room for miscommunication or lost information that often happens when you’re shuttling between a sales consultant, an independent designer, and a separate general contractor. This seamless flow ensures your vision remains crystal clear from inception to completion.
Adding to our unique capabilities, we are fluent in both English and Spanish. This allows us to bridge communication gaps often found between designers, general contractors, and subcontractors, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for a diverse clientele.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, all designed to be as flexible as your needs. Whether you’re looking for architectural design, interior design, a complete remodel, an attic conversion, a strategic expansion, or even just help with furnishings and styling, we’re equipped to bring your ideas to life. Every service we provide is à la carte, meaning you can choose exactly what you need. Our ultimate goal is to customize the entire experience for our clients, ensuring that every detail aligns perfectly with their desires and dreams for their home.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
One of the biggest risks I took was transitioning from working out of my home to investing in a brick-and-mortar studio. For years, my home office served me well, keeping overhead low. But taking on a monthly financial commitment for a dedicated space? That was a substantial leap of faith. It’s a constant challenge to ensure we’re generating enough revenue to cover that investment, but it’s also been crucial for our growth and professionalism.
Then there’s the risk and responsibility of hiring a team. While I love having my talented people around me, it means I’m not just supporting myself anymore. I have to constantly ensure we have a steady stream of work to maintain everyone’s livelihoods. That pressure drives me, but it’s a significant commitment and a calculated risk every single day.
And finally, there’s the decision to take on projects outside of Houston. While these opportunities can be exciting and rewarding, they pull me away from our core market. It’s often a struggle to pick things back up once I return, to re-engage with our local network and pipeline. It’s a balance between growth opportunities and maintaining our strong foundation here in the city.
Pricing:
- Discovery Call is complementary
- Design Consultation is $360.00
- Hourly $360.00
- Design is customized
- Construction is customized
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nathaliainteriors.com
- Instagram: @nathaliainteriors
- Facebook: Nathalia Interiors
