We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Aviles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.
Cindy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In the midst of a successful career in sales for the construction sector, difficult life experiences made me change my mindset gradually until I felt the strong need to start my own path and un dust my career opening my own studio for Interior design plus other creative services for the trade. With one main purpose in mind, creating moments & spaces that inspire, nurture, heal and bring joy to those who hire my services.
One of the first opportunities that knocked on my door consisted in doing a full house renovation for a family that had lost their daughter in a terrible tragedy and they wanted to give the house a second chance by updating it completely doing this project in memory of their beloved daughter, (we even called the project under her name). This felt like a big responsibility to me because I knew It was a special mission, I was given the opportunity to do exactly what I had asked the universe for, help heal through spaces. As interior designers we have a very powerful gift, influence people’s life by utilizing design elements that produce emotions such as: serenity, balance, peace, energy, happiness. Everything went smooth, we clicked and suddenly, the job was mine ( There was no coincidence, It was meant for me). The design process is very important for me, creating bonds that help me interpret the client’s vision, be present during the construction process, understanding how difficult these changes could be in a situation like this motivated me to continue reaching daily goals as progress brings sparks of illusion to live momentary in the present as the renovation took all the attention. I felt very lucky to have the opportunity to help put a little pause to pain by creating complicity in this Designer – Client team and all the amazing people that was involved in this very special transformation. As a bonus for me, I gained new good friends in the process.
Meaningful projects move me very much and are probably my favorites. I recently had the chance to do something special for my hair stylist, she had lost her sister and was heartbroken. In collaboration with other grateful clients, I took the lead in renovating her workspace as a birthday gift surprise. There is no bigger pay than using our talents to bring joy, it is amazing how the correct use of space and few touches can enlighten a room and bring motivation and happiness to your days.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a fanatic of art in all its expressions. My passion for design started while growing up alongside my grandfather, he was a complete artist (poet, singer, painter, and sculptor) and my mother who was also an Interior Designer. I initially studied Architecture in Ecuador (my birthplace) because I was really attracted to the world of construction, I remember at that time I was intrigued by urbanism and my goal was to for the city as urban planner making communities more attractive. In 2000, when I moved to Miami, I complemented my studies with Interior Design because I realized I was also fascinated by spaces, materials, and aesthetics and how they influence the way we live. My introduction to the trade started when I worked as an independent procurement agent for high-end mobiliary, lighting and accessories for clients outside of the country. I knew immediately this was my world, this is where I belong. Later, in 2015 I joined Prosein USA as an Architectural Sales Agent for all types of finishes for construction and remodeling serving the Architects and Designer Community of Miami. My seven years at Prosein were beyond wonderful and the projects made me thrive. I was able to participate in some of the largest projects in Miami from luxury high end homes to high rise buildings to hotels and more. It was both an enriching and rewarding experience and one I will cherish for years to come.
Along the way, an entrepreneur at heart, I started dreaming about my own company, I had so much more to give, I wanted to create & design. In January 2023, I felt it was time and with the support of my family, I decided to open my own studio for multiple services, Blue Design & Creative Services with the main purpose of creating beautiful spaces that inspire and help others live their best. The “Creative Services” comes from my passion for materials and the contact with the trade, as time allows me, I will always continue promoting great products and creating unique and special moments for the trade that become successful design stories. 
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I’ve always been self-motivated, but I must admit I’ve looked for mentors along my path. I remember in my outside sales years I would spend long hours on the road listening to Brian Tracy’s phoenix seminar. I consider every professional should get to know this material; I became so aware of our mental ability to achieve our goals. How much our attitude influence our outcomes in life. How to create habits for success and the psychology behind it. After I had listened to every word Bryan had to say, (about 25 chapters, twice!) I found another wonderful mentor, that has also influenced my career tremendously. “Think & Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. Since I had so much time on the road, I had to listen to the book instead of reading and every chapter is explained in detail by one of my favorites, the late Bob Proctor. From these lectures I trained myself with the power of visualization and learned the MSI’s theory (multiple sources of income). All this content applied in my career added to my energetic self-pushed me to be on the top sales of the company. Today, I continue applying these lessons, habits and mindset managing my own business. My most recent influence came from a collective book study at work, where I met Simon Sinek “Start with Why”, this book helped me realized I had my own views, values and beliefs and helped me shaped my own message to express my passion for design in my most authentic version.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
As I mentioned before in this article, as creators of spaces, we have a gift and that is the ability to give joy, to lift spirits & change lives. My goal is to unite with other women in the field, amazing professionals I admire very much, most of whom started on their own, just like I did. Create a platform to grow and learn together, inspire and be inspired, collaborate, and support each other because this is not an easy job. As a community there is so much more we could do, I dream of charitable projects to give back to those in need, bring hope and inspiration by turning people’s environments into happy places. Real happiness comes from serving others and that drives my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bluebycindydesignstudio.com/meet-cindy
- Instagram: @bluebycindy
- Other: @successdesignstories
Image Credits
Portrate picture (only) by @davehenz