Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Cicione.
Maria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Everything really happened very organically- Graye was born out of my passion for quality European modern design. In a period of basically a month, I had signed a lease on our Robertson space and was on a plane to Italy to meet with the designers that I truly inspired me while I was a student in the design program at UCLA. I assembled an incredible team, without whom Graye would not have been possible. The inside joke is that it happened so fast I couldn’t even talk myself out of it! Needless to say, I have never looked back…
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! 3 weeks after opening I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma- definitely not part of the business plan…that in conjunction with a hugely challenging economic climate made for quite an interesting journey. We have been extremely fortunate to have gained a loyal following and establish ourselves as an important design resource in LA.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Graye – what should we know?
Graye offers custom lighting, architectural and decorative finishes, as well as interior design, architecture, and project management services for the most discerning clientele wanting exceptional quality and concierge-style service.
We create an intimate and unique shopping experience as well as high-level interiors. Our latest adventure has been the opening of the Graye Annex last year. It is the first of its kind in LA, a private, appointment only creative space bursting with sophisticated design and art in Hollywood’s newest design destination just east of La Brea. We approached the design community in a totally new way and the response has been so gratifying!
Our boutique service is definitely what makes us different. Our clients appreciate our level of professionalism and discretion.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Just being authentic- I am so blessed to be able to do what I love on a daily basis- my showrooms are just a collection of beautiful things that make me happy and that I think will make others happy too. I think being kind and grateful is so important and appreciating every moment in life has been and will continue to be my foundation and key to continued success.
Contact Info:
- Address: Showroom
316 S. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles 90048Annex
1026 N. Sycamore Ave.
Los Angeles 90038 - Website: www.graye-la.com
- Phone: 3103857872
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Graye
- Facebook: Graye
- Twitter: Graye
- Yelp: Graye
- Other: Graye
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