( ENSPIRE She Did That ) Stacy Garcia is a Successful Entrepreneur and Respected Leader in the World of Design
ENSPIRE Contributor: Cailin Tennis
As an internationally renowned designer, Stacy Garcia partners with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers to create products that span from floor to ceiling. Her designs have been featured on QVC where her style is accessible to nearly everyone. Her exclusive draperies, rugs, wall coverings, furniture, and accessories are even more impressive. They adorn the rooms of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts including Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton. Stacy is a successful entrepreneur, negotiator, and designer who stands out in her field.
ENSPIRE Magazine is a media hub dedicated to bringing readers up-to-date positive news and exciting opportunities. Stacy Garcia is a creator and businesswoman whom ENSPIRE is excited to learn about and promote, especially because she has become such an industry leader. Known for her modern eclectic style, inventive use of color, and remarkable pattern design skills, Stacy Garcia is a sought-after name in the hospitality, home décor, and lifestyle industries. ENSPIRE hopes to inspire interior design junkies and glean insight from a renowned businesswoman by bringing perspectives from a competitive, yet creative industry.
ENSPIRE spoke with Stacy about her sources of inspiration, the importance of perseverance in creative ventures, and the future of her already booming business.
What first inspired you to study and excel in design?
I was fortunate enough to attend a high school with an excellent art department. One day, a guest tile designer came to speak to the students, and I had a profound realization. Until then, I had never even considered that designing tile patterns could be a viable career path. It was a lightbulb moment for me, and I became determined to explore this field further. Eventually, I pursued my passion and studied Surface Pattern Design at both Syracuse University and Central St. Martins in London, England. Through my studies, I gained skills in designing various products, from tile and carpet to wallcoverings and textiles, to kitchen accessories and dishes.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
To me, any setting can promote creativity. I find myself immediately inspired by new surroundings when I embark on a new product design. Observing fresh designs, color schemes, and artwork elevates my creativity to new heights. In addition, I draw inspiration from the latest trends in design and fashion to stay current. I always find inspiration in my environment, whether it’s through my kids, travel, media, architecture, or nature. A community of exceptional designers surrounds me, and their energy, enthusiasm, and creativity continue to motivate and inspire me.
Travel has always been a great source of inspiration. I enrich and inspire my design process by experiencing diverse cultures and observing unique perspectives from around the world.
What does a day in the life of a successful designer look like?
If your day is anything like mine, it never looks the same. It’s not all glamorous. I’ve had to be the janitor and the face of the brand all in one day. Being a designer and an entrepreneur involves a lot of hands-on work. While you may have people that help, to see your dream become a reality, you need to be involved and put in the work. One piece of advice is to make inspiration gathering and exploration a priority. This will ensure that the design spark stays ignited and your work remains innovative and fresh.
How has your identity as a female designer/entrepreneur played into your successes and/or setbacks?
As a female entrepreneur, I learned to be successful and confident from my father. At my first internship, with Ralph Lauren, I was initially put on tasks like organizing the merchandise closet. I was overjoyed to step foot in that iconic building on Fifth Ave. I felt like the internship was already success enough. However, my father knew I had more to offer, and more to learn. He sat me down one day and role-played a conversation to have with my manager: “I don’t mind doing the scut work, but I’m here to learn.”
I learned that I could excel after successfully advocating for myself and showing my eagerness to grow and learn. I knew I had successfully proven myself as an asset when I was the only intern asked to attend the high-level meetings. The idea of “if you don’t ask, you don’t get” is a powerful lesson to learn as a female entrepreneur early in the game. You must at the very least ask, even if the answer might be no. I owe my father a great deal for pushing me in that way.
To add to that, I’ve been fortunate to have remarkable, strong women as mentors who helped pave the path for me. Early in my career, I had some incredible women who invested time in coaching me. Most notably, I remember my first trade show working as a young designer in NYC. One of my mentors, Martha Tillim, taught me the basics of how to greet a customer, how to make an introduction, and how to qualify them. I still incorporate these lessons and tools today in my business and training for new employees.
Many career-focused women think they need to choose between family and work. As a mother of four and a business owner, I have learned that the key is balance. When I had my first child, I struggled with balancing all my roles. Thankfully, my mother told me that sometimes balance does not mean giving each role equal time. Instead, I should try to find a long-term balance. If I’m having a really busy work week, I focus on getting my work done quickly and properly so that when I’m with my family, I can be fully focused on them. There’s nothing worse than being with your family and not being able to be present with them.
What are some future goals that you have for your business?
Writing a book would be incredible! In the meantime, we have big plans for the future, Stacy Garcia Inc.! I always love special projects and working on new types of collaborations, especially brands we’ve never worked on before. I hope to continue to build and grow our brands by expanding on the product categories and, ultimately, the consumers in which they reach.
We hope to expand specific categories: tabletop, rugs, lighting, home fragrance, window coverings, and even travel accessories. My overall goal is to become a household name –a brand that is brought up in conversation and that most homeowners recognize. We are well on our way to becoming such a brand and it makes me so excited.
The culmination of years of experience, hard work, and intricate design has crafted Stacy into an interior design expert. Not only that, but she is also a strong advocate for female entrepreneurship and success. ENSPIRE looks forward to covering more of Stacy’s success in her family life, as well as her business. Visit her website to learn more about her journey and her designs.
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