We were lucky to catch up with Gianna Contino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gianna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My mission centers around creating aesthetically pleasing spaces that inspire and transform lives. This mission is deeply meaningful to me because I truly believe that well-designed environments can positively impact people’s emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. Seeing my clients experience joy and comfort in the spaces I have designed drives me to continue pursuing this mission passionately.
Gianna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the Founder/Principal Designer of Gianna Contino Interiors, with a passion for crafting spaces that blend functionality, aesthetics, and emotion. My journey into the industry began with a deep fascination for how spaces influence human experience. This curiosity led me to pursue my dream.
In my field, I offer a range of services that cater to diverse needs, from furnishing to partial & full remodel. I specialize in creating personalized, functional designs that align with my clients lifestyles, values, and aspirations. I approach each project as a unique canvas, ensuring that the final design reflects my clients personality and the intended purpose of the space.
What sets me apart is my commitment to understanding the importance of my clients preferences, needs, and goals, allowing me to infuse their spaces with a sense of authenticity and individuality.
I take immense pride in my ability to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences. Seeing my clients joy as they interact with their new environments is truly rewarding. I want potential clients to know that my designs are more than just aesthetics, they are functional solutions that elevate daily living and work experiences.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There was a pivotal moment in my life when I decided to break away from working for other designers, where I felt undervalued and underpaid, and embarked on a journey to open my own interior design business. This decision was driven by my deep-rooted desire to create a better life for my children in a new state while also fulfilling my own passions and aspirations.
With my family as my unwavering “why,” I took the bold step of establishing my own design company. The journey wasn’t without challenges- there were uncertainties, sleepless nights, and a learning curve in managing a business. However, the driving force of wanting to provide for my family and create a life of value for them kept me determined.
As I dove into entrepreneurship, I realized the importance of finding a balance between pursuing my career and still being a hands-on mother. I wanted to be present for every milestone, while also building a successful business. It required careful time management & prioritization.
In those early days, as I juggled design projects and parenting, my parents, family & closest friends became my greatest supporters. Every late night spent working on designs or managing the business was an investment in my children future and in showing them the power of determination.
Quickly before even launching, my interior design business flourished. Not only was I able to provide for my children, but I also achieved the balance I used to pray for. Through it all, I remained a hands-on mother, attending all events, and being present in their lives.
Today, I look back with pride at the journey that led me from feeling under-appreciated to becoming a successful business owner!
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
My side hustle did transform into my main career, and the journey was particularly remarkable given the challenge of starting over in a new state with two toddlers. Here’s the story:
When my family and I decided to relocate from New York to Florida, it was a major life change. With a fresh start, I saw an opportunity to turn my passion into my own primary career.
In the midst of adjusting to a new environment and taking care of my family, I started by rebuilding my network from scratch. I attended networking events, and engaged with the design community in my new city. Simultaneously, I continued working on small design projects in my community in my spare time.
The turning point came when I landed a project that allowed me to showcase my skills. The positive response and referrals that followed were a large part in building my reputation. As I built relationships and gained the trust of vendors, contractors, and clients, I decided to take the leap and transition my side hustle into my full-time career.
Balancing client meetings, project deadlines, and parenting responsibilities was a juggling act. However, the flexibility of being my own boss allowed me to design a schedule that worked for both my business and my family.
Key milestones included expanding my client base beyond personal connections, and receiving media coverage that elevated my profile in the local design scene. As my portfolio grew and positive reviews poured in, I was able to attract a steady stream of clients who resonated with my design aesthetic and personalized approach.
This story underscores the resilience of combining personal ambition with a strong family foundation. It demonstrates that with perseverance, strategic networking, and a commitment to one’s craft, it’s possible to turn life’s challenges into stepping stones toward a successful and thriving career even in a new location!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.giannacontinointeriors.com
- Instagram: @giannacontinointeriors
Image Credits
Modern Media Group