We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Iliana Sanchez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Iliana below.
Hi Iliana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
I was about 25 when I was working a 9-5 for a large financial corporation as a banker. I began to dread the next day knowing it would be exactly like my last. in retrospect, I was very depressed but it was undiagnosed at the time however, I knew there was something missing in my life. I was on the hunt to find my life’s purpose. All beautiful things come from Peru. I am not only saying that as a half Peruvian but truly, my last trip there was life changing. I visited abruptly as my grandmother had passed away January of 2019. Looking over the window amidst the clouds in window seat, I have a spiritual moment focusing on asking for guidance to discover my purpose in life. “Show me a sign,” I asked.
It wasn’t until my last day there, I visit street markets and inside a shop, I come across beautifully crafted, home decor goods. I take several items back to the states and as I make my return I am quickly rushing to find a home for each new decoration.
After hanging up the last item, I take a step back to get a good look at my work. It is in that moment I felt a spark in me for the first time in a long time.
I think to myself, “After a long day of work, coming home to a place that feels made just for me has got to be the best feeling ever. This is now my sanctuary, I wish I could give this feeling to others!” In that moment, I realized then with absolute certainty that my calling in life was to be an interior designer.
Some adversities that I faced in the midst of my back to school journey:
-Growing up, I have immigrant parents and they are stereotypical when it comes to wanting their children to be successful with stable jobs hence, me being a banker. In that moment of clarity to my new purpose, I let go of any expectations I had on my from outsiders and accept that I am a creative. Being a creative was never on the table for a career path but one I felt I deserved to explore for myself.
-Unfortunately, the summer leading up to the fall semester, I left an abusive relationship that left me homeless. I was regrettably too financially dependent on him. Then experiencing crippling anxiety for the first time, I lose my job not long after. I had no financial support when it came to tuition costs. That was all on me and I was determined to make the impossible happen.
My depression was the worst it has ever been. With so much against me before the semester began, the only thing I had going for me was the anticipated first day of class to begin my new life. A second chance.
Worth the risk!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a first-generation American with immigrant parents from Latin America, my journey into the world of interior design and ceramics was driven by a deep appreciation for creativity and a desire to create safe, inviting spaces for individuals to thrive in. My educational background at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), majoring in interior design and minoring in ceramics, provided me with a solid foundation to pursue my passion.
My design philosophies are rooted in the concept of safety and creating spaces that evoke a sense of comfort and security. Having experienced trauma firsthand, I understand the importance of feeling safe, especially when venturing outside. Thus, my goal is to transform any space I design into a welcoming and memorable environment, where individuals can feel at ease and truly be themselves.
For private residences, I strive to curate homes that reflect the personalities and aspirations of the homeowners, turning their spaces into sanctuaries where they can escape the stresses of everyday life and find solace. I firmly believe that interior design is not just about aesthetics but also about solving real-world problems and improving the overall well-being of individuals.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. I prioritize listening to my clients’ wants and needs, ensuring that their vision is brought to life while providing a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the design process. I am dedicated to being a reliable partner for my clients, guiding them every step of the way to turn their dreams into reality.
Ultimately, I want potential clients to know that I am here to be their trusted ally in the world of interior design, ready to transform their spaces into havens that inspire, comfort, and delight. Whether it’s creating a cozy nook for relaxation or designing a vibrant living space for entertaining, I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their ideal environments and enhancing their overall quality of life through thoughtful and innovative design.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I think going off from the story I was sharing earlier with some of the adversities I had before getting into college. Overcoming abuse, homelessness, financial hardship. Going back to school as a non-traditional student now in my mid twenties. Adversities I faced while in school was firstly moving out of my comfort zone/hometown that I never left. Now I’m in the south (moved from PA) and I do not know anyone. Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends with a generation younger than you, much harder (8-10yr age gap).
I got another job as a banker for another large financial institution. Being this serious adult discussing major life choices making decisions based off numbers and facts to quickly rushing over to class and be this cool, silly, creative who thinks abstractly and learning to develop concepts through emotions and feelings. I was code switching, if you will. These different hats or personalities I was showing were all authentic parts of me, but I needed to adapt to my environment to succeed/survive.
I would easily spend 10-18 hours a day at the studio, Clark Hall at SCAD. I was very passionate and determined.
With my hard work, I landed an amazing scholarship from RH of 40k or one year junior year. I was able to quit my job and focus on being a full-time student. A huge relief and blessing! I was one selected out of many applicants to intern for Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. The internship was supposed to be 3 months but I got an extension for 7.
I never gave up on my dream and I am just getting started!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
I’m making my move to California to begin this journey. I am looking for mentors in the LA area who are willing to guide me as a creative entrepreneur. My long-term goals are to have my own interior design firm. I would love to lead a small team and build my brand, “Iliana Interiors.” I want to cultivate a brand that believes in the power of good design by extending a luxury home decor brand as well as unique art sculptures and vessels made by yours truly.
Drawing from personal experiences with trauma, I have developed a profound appreciation for the importance of feeling safe and secure in our surroundings. This conviction fuels my passion for interior design, as I aspire to create spaces that not only boast aesthetic appeal but also cultivate a sense of comfort and sanctuary. My goal is to craft environments that warmly embrace all who enter, fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and acceptance.
Believing in the transformative power of design, I am committed to making a positive impact on people’s lives through thoughtful and purposeful interior spaces. Whether it’s crafting a home that promotes relaxation or a workspace that enhances productivity, I see each project as an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for my clients. By prioritizing personalization and connection, I strive to understand the unique needs and preferences of each individual, forging a deep bond between them and their environment.