We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Cordero recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Three months after our son was born, we were navigating the challenges of new parenthood while juggling full-time jobs and a passion project—a handcrafted lighting business. The decision to leave my stable career wasn’t easy, especially with a newborn. I faced the common entrepreneurial dilemma: stick with the security of a steady paycheck or fully commit to the business we were building.

Ultimately, we chose to trust our gut and invest in our dreams. Leaving my job felt terrifying, and the responsibility was immense, but we believed in the artistry of our handcrafted pieces and in the dream of creating something meaningful as a family. My wife, Dawn, eventually left her long-standing career to join me full-time as well in our shop.

Today, our boutique showroom in Charlotte is a testament to that leap of faith. It’s filled not just with our designs but with the heart and soul of our journey. Taking that risk allowed us to turn our passion into a thriving business with amazing clients, and we are forever grateful that we followed our gut.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We are a husband-and-wife team passionate about designing and handcrafting lighting fixtures and home decor that transform spaces. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, our boutique showroom is a labor of love, filled with unique pieces that reflect our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and creativity.

What we offer: We specialize in residential and commercial lighting and home decor, offering a range of products from bespoke chandeliers to statement wall sconces and unique table lamps. Each piece is handcrafted, where we combine traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities. Our work is about more than just creating beautiful objects; it’s about crafting functional pieces that complement and elevate any space.

Why we stand out: What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and customization. We understand that every space has its own story and style, and each of our products includes customization options to fit every space. We work closely with our clients to ensure that each piece we create is a perfect fit for their vision.

A few of our most popular products: Custom Globe Chandelier, Dome Lighting Pendants and Cement Lighting (new product collection that has become extremely popular in a short period of time)

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

Yes, we manufacture our lighting and home decor products in our workshop located in Charlotte, North Carolina. When we first started, our knowledge of manufacturing was limited to what we had learned through hands-on experience and a passion for creating unique designs. We knew how to design and envision stunning lighting pieces, but the actual process of turning those designs into tangible products required a whole new set of skills.

In the early days, it was a lot of experimentation. We would create multiple iterations of each product, refining and adjusting each time to get it just right. It wasn’t just about making something look beautiful; it was about ensuring each piece was functional, durable, and met the high standards we set for ourselves. This process of refinement taught us valuable lessons about efficiency and cost-effectiveness, all while never compromising on quality.

One of the biggest lessons we learned along the way is that manufacturing is as much about problem-solving as it is about creativity. With each new product, we’ve learned to expect the unexpected. This mindset has made us more resilient and innovative, constantly finding new solutions to challenges that arise. Over time, we have honed our craft, learning the intricacies of different materials and techniques, and building a repertoire of skills that allows us to bring our designs to life with precision and care.

For certain elements of our products, like metal fabrication or glass blowing, we partner with skilled artisans in India and China. We believe in the importance of global collaboration and the value it brings to our work. These artisans are masters of their craft, and their expertise allows us to incorporate intricate details and unique materials that elevate our designs.

While it can be challenging for a small business to source all materials domestically, we are proud of our partnerships overseas and believe in the quality and artistry these collaborations add to our products. At the same time, we are committed to supporting our local community by employing a dedicated team here in the U.S., ensuring that every product is finished, assembled, and quality-checked in our Charlotte workshop.

Manufacturing has taught us the delicate balance between efficiency and quality. It’s a constant learning process, and we are always looking for ways to improve. Every product we make goes through rigorous testing and multiple prototypes to ensure it not only looks stunning but also stands the test of time.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Our reputation in the market has been built on a foundation of exceptional customer service and a deep commitment to personalization. One of the key factors that has helped us stand out is our availability and willingness to guide our customers through their decision-making process.

We understand that renovating or building a new home can be an overwhelming experience. With countless decisions to be made, many of our customers find themselves unsure about where to start, especially when it comes to selecting the right lighting for their space. This is where we come in. When customers visit our shop or connect with us over the phone, we take the time to listen and understand their needs, preferences, and the specific characteristics of their space.

Our approach is simple yet effective: we ask a few thoughtful questions about their style, the function of the space, and their vision for the project. This helps us tailor our recommendations to ensure that each piece not only complements their design but also enhances the overall ambiance of their home or business. Our customers appreciate this personalized attention and often express relief at having someone help them navigate the myriad of options available.

Another aspect that sets us apart from larger retailers is our flexibility when it comes to customization. We know that every client’s needs are unique, and we’re happy to accommodate special requests, whether it’s tweaking a finish, adjusting the length of a fixture, or even creating a completely bespoke design. This level of customization allows our clients to have pieces that truly reflect their personal style and the character of their space—something that’s hard to find at big box stores.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://corderohomeandlighting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corderohomeandlighting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corderohomeandlighting
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CorderoHomeandLighting/

Image Credits
Globe_chandelier_1 & Dome-Pendant-2 Bruce L Bleiman GTR Building Group 22 Airy Hall Kiawah Island, SC 29455 Ryan Theede Photo_Globe Chandelier FS Design Group & Ryan Theede Photography Dan Cordero & Kenny CHL & Concrete-Dome-Kitchen2 Cordero Home & Lighting