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

Ciecie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

As an interior designer with over a decade of experience in the industry, the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me is provide opportunities to learn and grow in my chosen field. Since 2010, every person I have encountered has left an indelible mark on my journey, offering valuable lessons and experiences, whether positive or challenging. I firmly believe in the saying, “Time well spent is not time wasted.” In the dynamic world of interior design, I have been fortunate to meet numerous individuals who have generously extended a helping hand, teaching me the intricacies of a career that cannot be fully learned in school.

On a personal level, the kindest gesture anyone has shown me is the gift of time. In a fast-paced world where everyone is constantly on the move, having someone dedicate their time to mentor, support, or simply listen to you is an extraordinary act of kindness. The phrase, “The only luxury is time,” resonates deeply with me. I am profoundly grateful for those moments when colleagues, mentors, and friends took time out of their busy schedules to guide me, share their wisdom, and help me navigate through various challenges. These acts of generosity have not only enriched my professional life but also contributed significantly to my personal growth, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of mentorship and kindness.

One particular instance that stands out is from my early days in the industry, when I faced a daunting project that tested my skills and confidence. A seasoned designer, noticing my struggle, took me under their wing and invested countless hours after work to teach me the finer points of design principles and client communication. Their patience and dedication not only boosted my confidence but also deepened my passion for interior design. This experience was a turning point in my career, demonstrating the profound impact of mentorship and the importance of giving back.

In conclusion, the kindness I have received through the generous gift of time and the willingness to share knowledge has been instrumental in shaping my career. These experiences have taught me that success is not merely about individual achievements but also about the collective support and guidance we receive from those around us. The kindness I have experienced has left a lasting impression, inspiring me to extend the same generosity to others in my field. Through these acts of kindness, we create a ripple effect that enriches the entire community, fostering an environment of growth, support, and mutual respect.

Ciecie, 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?

For those who may not be familiar with my work, my journey into interior design began with a major in Interior Design and a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture from UCLA. After gaining valuable experience at a firm, I founded CIE Interior Design to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. We offer residential and commercial interior design, space planning, and custom furniture design, focusing on creating beautiful, functional spaces tailored to our clients’ needs.

What sets us apart is our personalized approach and dedication to understanding our clients’ visions. I’m proud of the transformations we achieve and the satisfaction of our clients. Transitioning from working for a firm to running my own business presented challenges, but the rewards have been worth it. I’ve embraced every obstacle, learning and growing along the way.

Recently, I expanded my ventures by establishing The Suite Staging, which complements our design services by helping homeowners and real estate agents present properties beautifully to potential buyers. For me, being a designer is a lifestyle that extends beyond professional expertise. Success is a continuous journey, and flexibility is key in this ever-changing field.

Looking ahead, my goal is to grow The Suite Staging to better serve my community while continuing to expand CIE Interior Design. My commitment to excellence and personalized service remains at the heart of everything I do, striving to deliver exceptional design solutions that exceed expectations.

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

From the 10 years that I have been in this industry, starting from my education to real-world practice, there have inevitably been ups and downs. There were times when I questioned whether this competitive career was right for me. However, my passion for design kept me going. I learned from my mistakes and persevered.

One particular story that illustrates my resilience occurred early in my career. I was working on a large project for a high-profile client, and the pressure to deliver was immense. Midway through the project, unforeseen issues arose with the suppliers, causing significant delays. The client was understandably frustrated, and I felt the weight of the situation on my shoulders. It was a moment where I could have easily given up, doubting my ability to see the project through.

Instead, I took a step back and reassessed the situation. I communicated transparently with the client, explaining the challenges and outlining a revised plan. I worked tirelessly to find alternative solutions, negotiating with new suppliers and even taking on additional tasks to ensure the project stayed on track. Throughout this process, I learned the importance of adaptability, effective communication, and problem-solving under pressure.

The project was eventually completed, and the client was thrilled with the result. This experience taught me that resilience is not about avoiding difficulties but about facing them head-on with determination and creativity. It reinforced my belief that challenges are opportunities for growth, and every obstacle can be overcome with persistence and a positive mindset.

This story is a testament to my commitment to my clients and my craft. It highlights the resilience and tenacity that have become integral to my journey in interior design. Each challenge has made me stronger and more resourceful, shaping me into the designer and entrepreneur I am today.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

My journey in interior design has always embraced innovation, making the emergence of NFTs particularly exciting. I see immense potential in the digital art space, where NFTs can revolutionize how art and design are created, sold, and owned.

For interior design, NFTs offer new opportunities to incorporate exclusive digital art into home designs, displayed on digital frames. This blend of technology and design opens up possibilities for creating dynamic, personalized spaces.

NFTs also democratize access to art, allowing designers and artists to reach a global audience and monetize their work directly. This transparency in ownership and provenance aligns with my commitment to creativity and innovation.

Incorporating NFTs into interior design could reshape our industry, offering new ways to experience and interact with art and design. Staying adaptable and open-minded to such advancements is essential in the ever-evolving world of design.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cieinteriors.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciestudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciecie-ho-b995a225
• Other: For Staging Services please visit:
  Website: https://thesuitestaging.com/
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesuitestaging/

Image Credits

All images are credited to CIE Interior Design.