We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vina Lustado. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vina below.

Alright, Vina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I was born in the Philippines from very modest background. I grew up with 9 siblings and my entire family immigrated to Los Angeles, living in a one bedroom apartment duplex. Acclimating to a totally different country and culture, I was shy and insecure most of my childhood and even later as an adult. But I was always searching for meaning and wanted to make a positive contribution. While most people around me were in the pursuit of the American Dream (big house with a white picket fence, family with two children, or an illustrious career), all I wanted to do was travel.

I pursued an architectural career because I wanted to make a meaningful impact. I didn’t want to be a famous architect or anything like that. I just wanted to be useful. After my studies in architecture history, I wanted to see the amazing buildings in person. I wanted to see the gothic cathedrals in France. I wanted to see the iconic buildings of Le Corbusier. I wanted to see the organic work of Antonio Gaudi. So at the age of 26 (after getting my architecture degree), I traveled to Europe on my own for the first time. With just a backpack and a budget of $20/day, I left the security of my place in LA, and ventured to faraway places that I had never been.

Travel changed my life. I found out who I was. And it continues to do so… Redefining who I am – who I have always been.

Almost 30 yrs later. I’m still traveling to faraway places. Sitting here in my sweet little room at 4am in Reykavik, Iceland with the midnight sun. I’ve always been inspired by the simplicity of life, not really interested in material pursuits. I never really could put my finger on it.

Until I found the tiny house movement. I was so delighted to find a way to express my values of simplicity and sustainability in architecture form. Especially in the expression of a “home”.

I’m so inspired by others who wish to live in small compact dwellings. And I’m thrilled to help them manifest this dream.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I think I’ve answered your question from the last answer.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my early 20’s, I was in a long time relationship with a boyfriend who physically abused me. I was caught up for almost a decade in trying to make excuses for it, and I couldn’t end the cycle until I decided to just leave. It was one of the most difficult things in my life and it was still a long process of cutting off all ties.

Leaving to travel to Europe for the first time had a lot to do with it. I gained confidence and was empowered.

Travel not only gave me confidence, but it also taught me how to remain flexible and adaptable ( because things will go wrong). I learned how to pivot early on.

Travel also gives me perspective. To disengage from my “normal” everyday life to re-assess my vailues and what is truly meaningful for me. I’m able to see other cultures and to see how other people live. We do not need as much material things as we think.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

It was very slow and methodical. I started with taking a program on how to start a business (while I was working with a general contractor to help design and permit a residential project). After three months of taking the program, I published my website and slowly started getting small projects. Then I got a big client through a simple postcard I sent to a contractor. He didn’t know me but that one project helped me get some traction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.solhausdesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solhausdesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solhausdesign/

Image Credits

Eileen Descallar