Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Whitaker.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I went to school of architecture by coincidence as nothing else felt as interesting. While there I fell in love with the Design was never part of a grand plan—it found me by chance. I enrolled in architecture school simply because nothing else felt quite as compelling. But it wasn’t long before I discovered my true passion within those studio walls. I transitioned to the interior design program and earned my bachelor’s degree, immersing myself fully in a world that continues to inspire me every day.
While still a student, I took a part-time job at a groundbreaking furniture store that was a pioneer in the design industry. It proved to be the perfect bridge between academic learning and the professional world, offering hands-on experience that shaped both my aesthetic and practical approach to interiors and life itself.
Since then, I’ve come a long way, but my curiosity and passion for design remain constant. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have found a career that doesn’t just challenge me—it continues to excite and fulfill me every single day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Growth—both creative and personal—comes with its share of struggles. Over the years, I’ve learned that being a designer isn’t just about having great ideas or a strong aesthetic. Owning my own business taught me that success also depends on believing in myself, learning how to present and sell my work, and doing all of that while staying true to who I am.
As both a designer and business owner, I juggle many layers—creative direction, logistics, client relationships, and the day-to-day operations that keep a studio running. The real challenge is staying focused and inspired over the course of long, complex projects without losing the passion that started it all.
One of the hardest lessons has been accepting that not everyone will connect with or love your work. That’s tough as a creative—it can feel deeply personal. But in many ways, it’s also grounding. It humbles you, sharpens your instincts, and reminds you to keep evolving.
Another ongoing challenge is working with so many different personalities. Design is a highly social profession, even though I consider myself a bit of a creative introvert. I’ve come to realize that being multilayered and multifaceted—qualities I once saw as contradictions—have actually become my biggest assets. They help me stay balanced, adaptable, and deeply connected to both the creative and human sides of the work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I run a boutique interior design firm that offers everything from comprehensive design packages to a la carte services, tailored to each client’s needs. I started the business on my own, wearing every hat—from designer to bookkeeper to project manager. Over time, I was able to grow the team, first bringing on a bookkeeper, then a design assistant, and now I have a business partner who shares in both the design and administrative responsibilities.
While we’ve grown, we’re still a small, hands-on studio where everyone plays multiple roles. I believe the success of the firm stems from my ability to connect with clients—not just in terms of design, but on a more personal, human level. For me, design isn’t just about beautiful spaces—it’s about creating a lifestyle and an experience.
I love to educate my clients about beauty, design, and anything else they invite me to share with them. I bring an artistic eye, warmth, accessibility, and practicality to everything I do, and I believe that comes through not only in my design aesthetic but also in the way I run the business.
What I care most about is not just the project, but the person behind it. That philosophy has shaped how we work and how we grow. I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built. Being in business for over 15 years is a major milestone for me. It may not sound like much to some, but to me—it’s everything. It’s a testament to resilience, passion, and purpose.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Yes. My advice to anyone starting their own design business is to pace yourself.
Grow steadily, stay balanced, and don’t rush the process. Moving too fast can lead to burnout or missteps. Success in this industry comes from consistency, resilience, and staying true to your vision—not from trying to do everything at once.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cynthiawhitakerstudio.com/
- Instagram: whitaker velasquez studio
