Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Checo.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career as an intern at KCD in New York City—a global brand experience agency known for its work in fashion public relations and event production. That experience opened the door to working with iconic brands like Saint Laurent and Karla Otto. I thrived in the high-paced fashion world, where 7 a.m. mornings and 10 p.m. nights were the norm. But even though I loved the hustle, I knew I wasn’t meant to stay an assistant forever. I was determined to lead.
Driven by my creative instincts, I pivoted careers and began producing graphics for commercial real estate and hospitality brands. I climbed quickly, eventually earning a salary I was proud of and leading my own department thanks to my creative vision and ability to convince others of it.
When COVID hit, everything shifted. I was furloughed from my job and with every bad, thought what a positive it is to be able to pivot, in Los Angeles. I took a chance and cold-called “interior designers” I found online. One woman responded with optimism that changed everything—she said, “I love your energy. I have a group of design girlfriends in LA—you have to work with one of them.” At the time, I was still living in New York, but her words were the push I needed. I enrolled in classes at UCLA, booked a flight, and found an apartment in LA.
The transition wasn’t smooth, but it was worth it. I took what I call a “side step” back into the assistant role, this time with an independent designer. From there, I quickly leveled up to lead a real estate development startup’s design department, focusing on co-living spaces. My work began speaking for itself—soon, clients were coming to me through word of mouth. I found myself balancing a full-time job while building a freelance client base on the side.
Eventually, I took the leap. I left the security of my 9-to-5 to build something of my own—and that’s how OOAK Design Studio was truly born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve always known I was meant to work in a creative field—whether it was fashion, production, or design. By 2017, the year I graduated college, I had practically become a professional at writing cover letters. I applied to every brand you can think of—Estée Lauder, Milk Studios, you name it. I truly believed my resume would open doors on its own, but rejection became a recurring theme. FIT? Rejected. Parsons? Rejected. School never came easy to me so I figured a fashion school was the way – still, rejected.
During what I call my “CPG startup era,” I literally walked into Magic Spoon’s office and said, “You need to hire me.” They didn’t. But it wasn’t about the yes or no—it was about showing up with courage and clarity. That fearless, unapologetic mindset is exactly how I’ve gotten through so many doors since.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
OOAK Design Studio is an interior design firm specializing in both residential and commercial projects. As a small business, I wear every hat—handling everything from accounting and contracts to proposals and installations. What sets me apart is that I never wanted to be known for just one thing. While the industry often encourages designers to find a niche, I’ve always embraced being an outlier. I take pride in pushing boundaries, staying genuine, and leading with heart—qualities that aren’t always common in business.
Many of my clients start as friends or become friends through the process, and I consider it a privilege to work alongside such brilliant, creative people every day. My next big goal? Designing a retail space, restaurant, spa, or hotel. These are the kinds of environments I personally love, and I know I have the eye and perspective to create something unforgettable—something the public can experience and connect with on a daily basis.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
The first business I ever ran was back in high school—an Etsy shop where I sold handmade bracelets. In the early days of OOAK Design Studio, I was selling vases, curated trinkets, and at one point, it even operated as a branding studio. Looking back, it’s clear: I was never really meant to work for someone else. That entrepreneurial spirit has always been in me, evolving with time but never fading.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://OOAKDESIGNSTUDIO.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamariecheco/
Image Credits
Jenna Peffley
