We were lucky to catch up with Alexis Flores Ortega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexis, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

Social media, movies and television shows have portrayed assumptions about the Design world that usually hint of well of individuals who can afford to invest in the benefits of a thoughtful curated space. These selected few, have access to the ease of having spaces designed with the intention. With intention comes the ability to regain time, focus and go after your goals and aspirations.

As a Designer, my mission is to break down these barriers and allow everyone to experience the power of design. Design has the power to influence the way you feel in your most intimate space and allows you to focus and fearlessly fight to chase your dreams. Design has the power to create a safe haven that protects and comforts you from a chaotic world all around us that is full distractions. All of these attributions and characteristics are not dictated by a certain income or group of people. They are principles, when thoughtfully applied, allow us to live in spaces that provide clarity and are an endless reflect of who we are. That is why I firmly believe that Design should be and is accessible for everyone regardless of any preconceived notion the design world showcases online, in print or tv. A gallon of paint, a thoughtful planned layout and a curious imagination can have a similar or greater effect than a perfectly styled home with an endless budget.

Alexis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

From an early age growing up in Mexico, I knew that I would become a creative. The path was never clear but growing up my parents nurture our interests in the arts and made those tools accessible for us kids to be curios and image new possibilities. While in art school I found myself torn between two practices, sculpture and textiles. I am deeply interested in how inanimate objects have a profound impact on our human experience. During this time, I interned for an interior designer and found my true passion. I finally was able to find a practical application for all of my interests that had the potential to positively impact someones life. I have since slowly built Flores Design Estudio to help clients in person and virtually, live in spaces designed with purpose and intention. These past few years, I have been diligently working on making this my full time career and am grateful for every client who has trusted my vision and point of view. I specialize in space planning, furniture sourcing, design boards and 3D renderings that immerse clients into the true potential of their environment. Through this thoughful approach, I assist clients sort, organize and create spaces that allow them to regain time valuable time.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The Design world is shrouded behind so much secrecy and with every designer having a different approach to their work, it’s difficult to know where to start. I wish that from early on, I took advantage of the internet and the amount of resources available out there to designers. Pinterest along, is a huge resource when finding and describing design concepts to clients. One key component to the inner workings of my business is an online program called Homestyler. With in this web based program, I am able to have all the benefits of Sketch Up and 3D rendering software all in one place with a simple user interface. The endless possibilities that this program brings to my business, help distinguish me from other design studios around me. Having this program early on in my journey, would have definitely helped grow my business quicker.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I formalized my business back in 2018 and the incremental growth allowed me to focus on my business full time in 2021. During the pandemic, many of my clients began to reevaluate their needs versus wants which quickly shifted my shifted my business approach. I continued to gain clients but not enough to make profits and I had to set my pride aside to search for a retail job that supplemented my income. Having to pivot and dial down my business, was one of the toughest obstacles I’ve had to over come. Sometimes, your goals and dreams will take a winding path that will eventually lead to the other side. I am still actively working on refocusing solely on my design studio and know that all of my hard work and dedication will pay off in the end. Pivoting and shifting perspectives is part of life, it’s how you get up, regroup and key your focus on the goal that makes a huge impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: floresdesignestudio.com
• Instagram: @alexistriesdesign
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-flores-ortega
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVdGXvj5Xkw00slUDC3rsag