We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Calderon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Stephanie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Success can mean different things to different people, but it universally involves several key factors. First and foremost, it’s essential to have clear goals. Understanding what success means to you is the initial step. Perseverance and resilience are also crucial. Be prepared to fail, and fail fast – and then get back up and learn from those failures, and continue moving forward. The hunger for continuous learning will set you apart from others. A strong work ethic is indispensable. Lastly, but certainly not least, I’m a firm believer in that if your dreams don’t scare you, you’re not dreaming big enough.

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.

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of designing spaces. It started as early as building forts out of our home furnishings just to “decorate the interiors.” As I grew older, I would sit in my childhood bedroom and circle dream furnishings and décor in catalogs.

As I prepared to go off to college, I found myself daydreaming about decorating my dorm room, and would redo the designs with each yearly move-in. Upon graduating, I helped friends and family decorate their new spaces or rearrange their current homes. It was at this time that it became a bit of an obsession. I would spend hours searching online and in store for the perfect items to share with my loved ones, and began putting together visuals for their room layouts. When I wasn’t designing, I was daydreaming about designing. It was the one thing that made time fly; I could immerse myself in it for hours without even noticing.

Anyone who ever asked me what I would do if I could do anything, I’d tell them, “Interior Design.” It wasn’t until someone said, “Okay, well…why don’t you?!” that everything changed. That simple question changed my life.

I started with an Instagram page, (@StephanieCalderonInteriors) sharing how I decorated my first condo. I did DIY projects around my home to show transformation photos and videos. At the height of the 2020 pandemic, I finally launched my first website and started offering virtual design services. This was the official birth of Stephanie Calderon Interiors. I was blown away by the positive responses and the sudden waitlist. By July 2021, I quit my corporate job to pursue interior design full-time. It was then that I transitioned from offering virtual design to full-service interior design.

Full-service interior design is just that. Our clients don’t have to lift a finger if they don’t want to. We take clients’ inspiration photos and use this guidance to design spaces unique to them. We handle measurements, designing, ordering, installing, and all of the logistics in between. If we’re working on a new build or renovation, we collaborate with the builder and architect to ensure every detail is perfect. This includes everything from tile orientation to cabinetry design and lighting plans. We are there from the very beginning through to the final install and support our clients on their journey to creating a space they’re excited to call home.

From the very beginning of business, my main focus has always been function. I wholeheartedly believe that a beautiful space is nothing if it doesn’t function the way you need it to. I want to know how you spend your days. Do you entertain groups of friends? Is your home an oasis for you and your family to relax in for Friday movie nights? Are you an avid reader who needs a cozy corner chair to kick up your feet?

Because of this, I’ve always been eager to learn. I strive to be knowledgeable about the best fabrics for kids and pets, the most durable stone materials for withstanding accidents and spills, and the ideal lighting temperatures for each space in your home. I want to know how to creatively maximize storage when needed and discover the smartest features to enhance your lifestyle. These seemingly small details are what help us execute a space that is both functional and beautiful.

Today, Stephanie Calderon Interiors is a team of three, soon to be four. We have completed designs for full homes, major renovations and additions and home furnishings. I’m so proud of the remarkable growth this design firm has experienced in the short three years we’ve been in business. It has taken a tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears, with countless late nights and weekends dedicated to getting this business off the ground. I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication that my team and I have invested to grow this business into what it is today. In addition to our hard work, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how fortunate we are to have such an amazing network of professionals to turn to for guidance and support.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up, I consistently put effort into schoolwork but often achieved only average grades, especially struggling in a curriculum that didn’t allow for hands-on creativity. Teachers and counselors frequently praised my diligence but hinted that I might not be the most academically gifted. It wasn’t until adulthood that I was diagnosed with ADHD, a revelation that reshaped my approach to learning and productivity. I’ve since had to undo the belief of being ‘less intelligent’ and instead discover and embrace methods that align with how my brain works best. Now, I believe my ADHD is a gift. It enables me to think creatively, problem-solve dynamically, and see connections others might miss, fostering innovation and unique perspectives in my work. I firmly believe my ADHD has instilled in me the resilience I posses today.

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

I believe our hard work, consistent communication, and dedication to our clients and vendors have been instrumental in building our reputation. A significant portion of our clientele comes from referrals or are repeat customers, which I believe speaks volumes about our business practices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stephaniecalderoninteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniecalderoninteriors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieCalderonInteriors/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stephaniecalderoninteriors

Image Credits

Denise Benson Photography, Becca Bond Photography