Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Ramirez.
Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From a very young age, I always had a passion for creating things. I was fascinated with painting, sketching, rearranging my bedroom, fashion and architecture. When I discovered the influence, a space can have on a person’s mood and behavior was the day I realized Interior design was the career path for me. Upon receiving my BA in Interior Architecture at Woodbury University, I felt the desire to start my own company but knew I was too young and didn’t have enough experience to do so. I decided I would spend the following years working at a design firm to learn and soak in as much as possible. After seven years of working in high profile design firms, it was time to slowly pursue my dream. I started off by taking on a residential project and worked on it only during the weekends. Little did I know that one project would lead to several projects. I then found myself not only working on the weekends, but I would rush home from my 9-6 corporate job to jump on my projects. After a year of doing this and feeling exhausted, I decided to take the risk and leave the corporate firm and pursue my own business.
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?
As in every small business, challenges and obstacles are inevitable. I’ve always believed that the greatest growth will come when we face and deal with challenges, rather than run from them. Each one of my projects have come with its own set of challenges, but at the end of the day, the accomplishments make it all much more rewarding. Learning the ins and outs of running a business is a challenge. I’ve found particularly challenging learning how to market, setting fees, and all the legal aspects of a business. Having the right type of mentorship has been a blessing and has kept me on the right track. The bumps have definitely shaped me and made me into a stronger and wiser woman, designer and independent business owner.
Please tell us about Agape Design and Concepts.
Agape Design and Concepts is a full-service Interior Design firm. We offer small to full-scale home and commercial remodels, home staging and special event planning services. What sets us apart from others is that we strive in creating a long-lasting relationship with our clients, while getting to know their lifestyle and how they visualize their space to look and feel. We truly believe in making our clients voice heard while being honest and transparent along the way.
How do you personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking for?
I define success by my ability to help and have a positive influence on people’s lives. I strive to inspire them to think and act in ways that will influence them positively. Targeting high-end residential projects sustains my business while devoting my time and talents to charity or mentoring young professionals is the goal of Agape Design and Concepts.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 818.324.5317
- Email: steph@agapedesignconcepts.com
- Instagram: agape.designconcepts
- Facebook: @agape.designconcepts
Image Credit:
VDuk Photography
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