Meet Carmen Morin of Carmen Navarro Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Morin.

Carmen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The idea of Carmen Navarro Designs went from a small college dream to a real-life reality. Upon graduating from high school I knew I wanted to be a designer. I just didn’t know I would be an Event Stylist. I always had plans and dreams of being a well established interior designer. But the universe had different plans.

While I was nearing the end of my second year at F.I.D.M in Los Angeles in November of 2008, I had my first big encounter with the Event Planning world. I designed one of my close friend’s weddings. (& Let me add that it was a 500 count guest list). I loved the feeling of creating an experience for not only the Bride and Groom but also the guests. Everyone loved every single detail. I left that event very proud and with a very curious mind.

That curiosity was short lived as I graduated in late December of 2008 with my AA in interior design. I was a bit lost when I graduated, as the economy went downhill and the job market was scarce. This is when Carmen Navarro Designs was born! I knew I wanted to create a brand with my name and create something no one will forget.

As I worked on bringing Carmen Navarro Designs to life, I also attended the Academy of Art University in summer 2009. Where I received my BFA in architecture design. Yes, Call me crazy, I went back to school and took advantage of all the amazing design skills to be learned. towards the end of this schooling, I started falling in love with event planning, I was designing parties for friends and family. And realized I can utilize the skills I acquired from school in a different manner. I researched and came to the term Event Stylist, which is now what my title is.

The moment I walked across that stage the second time around, I knew there was no stopping myself from doing whatever my heart desired. And the rest is history. Well, an ongoing History.

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?
Being in this industry was hard in the beginning. I was not accepted because I looked young and Latina (I was 25 and everyone else was older & more seasoned). Everywhere I reached out, I got such negative experiences. Which put a bad taste in my mouth. People didn’t take me seriously. I was hurt, But I took that hurt and used it as stepping stone to where I wanted to go and who I wanted to be.

Learning how to do it all on my own in this industry was hard, with many long nights. I built what I have now from the ground up. Creating my own lane, and not caring what others were saying. I was in my own little event planning world. During this process, I finally met some authentic amazing vendors who are now friends. We feed off each other’s positive energy and are always rooting for each other. When they win, we all win. I now am a huge advocate of being that positive role model and giving back any knowledge I have acquired over the years to those reaching out for guidance.

This definitely has not been a smooth road, but I am forever grateful and blessed to do what I love. I really wish someone would have told me once upon a time that owning your own business, you never sleep and play the role of 15 different positions. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. You have to have your heart and brain 100% in the game in order to survive and also lots of Caffeine.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Carmen Navarro Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a creative event stylist. Which means I design events & solely deal with the aesthetic feel of that event. Someone comes to me with a theme and or color scheme for an event, I bring this to life through decor, props, and any other tools needed. I specialize in creating an atmosphere within that theme that will leave guests remembering an experience and not just a pretty party ( that is important too) creating an emotion is what it is all about.

I am very proud of all the relationships I have built over the years with my clients who keep coming back time and time again. And proud of all the relationships I have built with other businesses who get excited when we work together because they know they are coming on a fun creative ride with me as we design an amazing event.

And proud of my self for never giving up, Because I never gave up, I have been able to work with some big companies, have been featured in over 30 magazines, a few covers in there, and have had my work featured on the wedding and party blogs all around the world. There were plenty of times where I was ready to throw in the towel.

But I had to prove to my self, and keep reminding myself, that I was worth it and my dream was bigger than myself and I had to fight to be where I was. So there was no giving up. I am living proof that working hard gets you to where you need to be.

What sets me apart from others is definitely my creative elements I design in every event. I always think outside of the box, and almost always have so much fun designing an amazing event. (if you are not having fun then what’s the point, right?)

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Sometimes being in the right place at the right time is where some amazing opportunities have taken place, which I can call luck. But besides that, I truly believe you create your own luck by putting out positive energy in the world.

Work hard and stay humble is a great way to create your own luck. I am lucky enough to be able to do what I love with life and business. I am the luckiest gal to have my husband and daughter by side in this life. They are my lucky charms.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.carmennavarrodesigns.com/
• Phone: 951.268.4263
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmennavarrodesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmen.navarro.designs
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CARMENDESIGNS

Image Credit:
Vanessa Michelle Photography, Megan Long Photography, Leah Rae Photography, Rickety Swank, Irene’s Dessert Table, Tre Fiori Floral Studio, Jackie Margot, Jennifer Rabe, Becca Ann Photography, Batter up bakery, Camarie Mcbride Photography, Kat Lange Designs, Sugar Bouffant, A Dulce Bite, Laura Marie’s Cakes, Mammarella’s Sweets & Treats, Oriental Trading, Rustic Urban Events, Heather Anderson Photography, Lily Oliver Vintage rentals, Paper Villa, Finicky Flowers, Hotel Karland

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