Meet Gina Hacken: Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Hacken and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I really wanted to create an opportunity to bring a level of art, design and creative freedom to the client experience that I hadn’t been able to do before. Starting out, I had worked in many different levels of the design world before going out on my own, and up until recently, had only now began to implement different skilled trades and artisans to each of my design jobs. Its very rewarding to say to an independent artist that you’d like to work with on an upcoming project, and to help them in their businesses, while at the same time, also helping my own design clients achieve their dream homes. To bring that level of creativity and expression to each project without being limited or tampered by voices from the top of the corporate world, really level up the value I could bring to each project. There is an abundance of technical and artistic talent out there, and I love to bring that to each of my projects.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I first started in the design world 12 years ago, I was only focused on the design portion of each project. But what I learned very early on, is that its really about the rapport and the communication early on with the client that really sets the stage for a successful project outcome. That I had to learn from working on each project and really being able to sell myself, and my designs. When a client asks you “why do you want to use this material instead of that one,” you have to know your “why” and be able to communicate that to the client. If its going to max out your budget, or if additional trades have to come in to do the work, etc. just for that material you want to use, you have to be able to back that up with reasoning that the client can also get behind. We never design just for the spaces to just only “look pretty.” There has to be real function to it, which always comes first. We always design a space very specific to the client, their personal needs and what is going to work for them for now, and for 20-30 years from now. The design has to work first and foremost from a functional standpoint. Starting a business is never easy. But I had a lot of experience before I went out on my own to be able to feel comfortable doing it. I learned a lot of business skills working in sales jobs, design jobs and even before then. I really believe that every job prepares you for your next one and to learn all you can from each position you take on.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Southern California is such a mecca for all. You can really do anything here. But I would love to take my best friend to Laguna Beach which is so charming and fun and walk around Heisler Park along the bluffs of the coast and go to the Montage Resort. From there, I’d love to go the desert, specifically Joshua Tree which is a whole separate world of fun outdoor climbing and hiking experiences. Of course, Venice and Hollywood wood also be on that list as well and going to the Griffith Observatory. There is just so much to see and do here its hard to pick just a few. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutouts go to all the friends and family out there who said to just “go for it.” My husband especially deserves the most credit, because he sort of pushed me out of my comfort zone to reach for my dream when it was just in its baby stages. Of course my kids are always my cheerleaders, my past co-workers who cheer me on today from the sidelines and those I’ve kept in contact with over the years from design school. We can always reach out to one another to bounce ideas off of each other or consult with one another. And of course all of my industry reps and tradespeople who are so knowledgeable and helpful and can answer any of my questions at anytime.

Website: www.ginalaureninteriors.com

Instagram: @ginalaureninteriors

Linkedin: Gina Lauren Interiors

Facebook: Gina Lauren Interiors

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Image Credits
Photo cred: Tim Manning