We recently connected with Heather Cesarz and have shared our conversation below.

Heather , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I have always been a dreamer. When I was a young child, I would set up my mother’s typewriter (look it up, kiddies) and write elaborate stories which I also illustrated. I was sure I would be a famous author. What made me so sure? My parents and my maternal grandmother gave me an abundance of praise and support. They not only put up with all my crazy fantasies, they endorsed them. That is when I learned to create what I wanted in the universe and pull it towards me. To be successful you also have to work hard and be an excellent problem solver. In my early twenties, I had major back surgery which lasted for 13 hours. It was a long and difficult road to recovery but I was determined to be better and stronger than I was before. Being weak lit a fire under me so I moved to Los Angeles, ran a marathon (it was terrible) and started doing stunt work for movies and television. My back was highly comprised of titanium but I was doing horse stunts for Lindsay Wagner, the Bionic Woman. Go figure. It was quite an adventure and one that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t pushed through recovery.

Heather , 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?

Creativity is my passion and it has been the catalyst for most of my career paths. Twelve years ago I was appalled by the fact that I had to buy my son’s newborn pics for $100 per digital image and thought, “How hard could it be?” Well, it was hard. But I read books, watched online tutorials and found my photographic style. I loved a crisp image with a buttery background and just a tad overexposed. I was giddy sitting at my large computer screen looking at the moments I had captured: a new mom, a grandmother watching her granddaughter get married, a sweet moment between a newly engaged couple. It was all magical and I had a first row seat. Time to start a business, Walking Heart Photography. I wanted the name to embody all of those special moments I was witnessing and after I heard the quote from Elizabeth Stone, ““Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ” I was capturing those little hearts walking around – everyone is someone’s baby. Over the last decade plus, I have been witness to births, weddings, surprise engagements, cancer remission bell ringing ceremonies, and more Christmas card photos than I could count. For me, it’s about the relationships with my clients. I care about each and every one of them and feel honored to capture their stories. I have had some of the same clients for twelve years and have literally watched them grow up!

My photography career led to my other career as an interior designer. A regular client was in my home studio and remarked on the decor in my house. She asked if I would design her first floor. I assured her that I wasn’t an interior designer but after weeks of persistence and a hunk of change thrown at me, I gave in. The family left town for a week and I got busy refreshing their entire first floor and it was so much fun! I was in my element and loved the pressure to get everything painted, hung, and staged before they returned. I felt like the star of my own home show! The client returned and loved it and the news spread and spread. Pretty soon I had texts/calls flowing my inbox. Time to start a second business, Heart House Design. I wanted “Heart” to remain in the name because designing someone’s home is so personal. I think about a space, listen to a client’s needs/wants and then elevate it. I want it to be everything they imagined but at a higher level. My job is so rewarding because I get to help people create their dream spaces.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Communication is the best tool you have. The Remodeling industry is notorious for contractors who do not excel at responding in a timely manner. My clients know I will get back to them within 24 hours if not sooner for any concern. Final products speak for themselves. Do exceptional work, people notice. They talk to their friends and neighbors and your pipeline will build itself.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My design and build team has been with me for seven years. We know one another’s kids, families, and stories. We know one another’s strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, we all care about our business and our reputation. If a team member is ill or falling short, everyone pitches in to help meet the deadline. And we laugh. Life is short not to enjoy your work or the people you are around.      

Contact Info:

• Website: walkingheartphotography.com; hearthousedesign.com
• Instagram: @hearthousedesign, @walkingheartphotography

Image Credits
Aseel Brodd Photography (only photos of me)