Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in design services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stacy Garcia, CEO of Stacy Garcia Inc., located in Nanuet, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Stacy Garcia Inc. is a leading licensing and design company with a collection of global lifestyle brands that add a well-traveled and sophisticated edge to the ever-evolving world of fashion and interiors. I started my business in the hotel and hospitality side of design and steadily grew and expanded to fit many niches. We have brands for every customer: homeowners, commercial clients, hotels, and spa owners. One of the most unique and successful parts of Stacy Garcia Inc. is the licensing side of our business, where we love to collaborate and make something specific for these select brands. The products that we create include textiles, accessory furniture, artwork, bedding, lighting, wall coverings, rugs, and more.

Tell us about yourself

I have been passionate about textiles and pattern creation for as long as I can remember. I first started in design working at Ralph Lauren Home after I graduated from London's Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design. I had a continual thirst for having my own design and fabrics, and I found myself creating my first successful company LebaTex Inc. A few years later, I expanded outside of solely fabric design and creation and moved into licensing complete collections. Stacy Garcia Inc. was founded in 2004. Everything my team and I create sparks joy. It's hard not to love what you do when you are surrounded by people and things you love. I have found that balancing life is important. I make time for my family, and I love winding down at nights with a book. This balance allows me to continue doing what I love without burnout.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I have had many accomplishments throughout my career that bring awe when in reflection. Collaborating and working with prominent brands such as Hilton, Disney, and Sheraton has been one of my favorite parts of my business. Being nominated for awards is also humbling and exciting. I was honored to be named in the Top 100 Designers by House Beautiful magazine and the Power Grid: Top 20" list by Interior Design magazine. Expanding into other product categories, such as lighting, wallcoverings, and bedding, was also very gratifying.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I feel that the hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is bearing the burden of knowing that you are the one responsible for putting food on the table of your employees. If you fail, you don't fail alone; your employees suffer the consequences along with you. I make sure to always show up with a smile on my face and stay positive, as this sets the overall tone of your business, even during hard times. It is important to learn how to balance, understanding the benefits of making certain sacrifices, and weighing out which risks are worth taking.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find and listen to mentors. I have had so many mentors throughout my years. I credit a lot of my direction and correct decisions to asking and surrounding myself with supportive and experienced mentors.
  2. "Build your wings on your way down." My best friend wrote this quote in a journal she gave me before I started my first business. It has worked every time I am uncertain. Be careful not to be paralyzed by perfectionism. Trust that you know ENOUGH to jump, to start. You can figure the next steps out as you go.
  3. Do what you love. Is this simple? In concept, yes; in practice, no. If you find yourself buried with admin work and tasks that don't bring you joy, then find a way to get back to what you love. Hire someone that loves doing admin work, and create a team that is highly motivated by doing the tasks they are assigned.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://stacygarciainc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciainc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciainc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacygarcia/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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