We were lucky to catch up with Mariana Loya recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mariana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?
After spending many years in the interior design industry, I took the leap to start my own business. The birth of my second son made me realize I needed more flexibility than my job offered. At the time, I thought working from home and scheduling meetings on my terms would be the perfect solution—but I quickly learned that the stresses of running a business come with their own challenges.
After leaving my position as a senior interior designer at a prestigious San Antonio firm, I received several offers from other great companies, but I wasn’t sure which path to take. I had a planned family trip to Europe and decided to savor that experience before making any major career decisions. While we were in Europe, my husband encouraged me to consider starting my own business, a suggestion that stayed with me.
When I returned home, an old client reached out and asked if I would remodel a new home for them. It felt like a sign—one I couldn’t ignore—that starting my own company was the right decision. That’s when I founded LIT Design. Coming up with a name wasn’t easy, but with my background in lighting design, the name “LIT” felt like a perfect fit.
Though the journey has been filled with challenges, it has also been incredibly rewarding. From amazing projects to wonderful clients and opportunities for both professional and personal growth, it has been a beautiful experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
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’m a residential interior designer specializing in full home remodels, new construction, and high-end furnishings. Coming from a family of doctors, a career in the arts wasn’t something I ever imagined. Although I’ve always had an eye for detail, I never pictured myself in a creative field. However, after taking a few art classes and learning more about interior design—an area often misunderstood as simply “decorating”—I discovered how my technical skills could marry with my creative side. That’s when I realized I had found my true calling.
I’m passionate about transforming spaces that have been configured a certain way for years into something both beautiful and functional. The challenge of reimagining a space is always rewarding, and I find immense satisfaction in bringing new life to homes.
To stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry, I keep up with the latest trends and design solutions. Our process includes everything from material selections and construction drawings to 3D renderings, helping clients visualize the proposed design every step of the way. I believe it’s crucial for clients to fully understand what they’re getting, which is why I make it a priority to educate them on materials, construction, and design choices throughout the entire journey. I always tell my clients, “Let me handle the stress, so you don’t have to!”
Ultimately, my goal is to provide clients with the opportunity to live in a space that enhances their lifestyle, helping them achieve their dream home while ensuring the process remains enjoyable and stress-free.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
We feel incredibly blessed to have gained all our clients through word of mouth. Connecting with people and networking is vital for any business owner, especially those just starting out. Treating everyone with kindness and respect is very important to me; I believe people remember how you make them feel, and that’s how relationships are formed. While designing homes, I recognize that this process is deeply personal for my clients. I strive to build a trusting relationship, as understanding how they live is essential to creating spaces that truly reflect their needs.
I believe this is one of the reasons we continue to grow and why people consistently refer us to their friends, colleagues, and family.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe that active engagement in design organizations has been crucial to my career development. Early on, I recognized the value of building a strong network within the industry. My journey began in college, where I served as president of the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). This leadership role allowed me to forge connections that became invaluable after graduation.
Upon entering the professional field, I joined the board of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and remained an active ASID member for several years. These experiences not only deepened my industry knowledge but also helped me cultivate meaningful relationships with fellow designers, vendors, and other professionals. Many of these connections have since become instrumental in referring clients to me, further expanding my network and enhancing my reputation within the industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.litdesigncompany.com
- Instagram: wearelitdesign
Image Credits
24 fotos : Guillermo Rosas
Armando Vara Photography