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

Hi Gabrielle, how do you think about risk?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without taking risks. I think a lot of that has to do with being fortunate enough to discover my career path early on. When you’re young you have nothing to lose especially when you’re carving the path as you go.

I believe true growth happens when you’re uncomfortable. Taking a risk is one of the most uncomfortable things you can do and it’s absolutely necessary when you want to follow a career path that is unconventional. There is no one way street to success when you’re in a creative industry. No one size fits all. Take the risk! There’s always something to jump towards. If it doesn’t work there’s always a greater lesson hidden in the details.

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?
I’m an interior designer based out of Los Angeles. I specialize in custom and intentional design. In the beginning of my career I was unintentionally incorporating tendrils of Feng shui into my design process before I fully submerged myself in the practice. After getting certified as a Feng shui practitioner and applying it to my interior design everything started to shift. My designs no longer just “felt” right. I began to have the vocabulary to match my instinctual feeling. 

Every home I design serves a meaningful purpose. By creating harmony and balance with the energy of each space, I give my clients the tools they need to manifest more of what they want. From numerology and colors to elements and custom pieces, everything in a Gabrielle Santiago Design has a profound intentional meaning. Our environment impacts our behavioral and emotional patterns.Our home is the one environment consistent to us. When we start using this to our advantage magic starts to happen!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite things about Los Angeles is the food. I’m a huge foodie or as my boyfriend calls me “a bougie eater”. A favorite spot of mine to take out of towners to is “Malibu Seafood” it’s off the pacific coast highway, BYOB and the perfect lunch spot. It’s super casual with outdoor picnic tables but if you’re lucky you can spot dolphins in the ocean while eating the most amazing fried fish sandwich.

Musso and Frank’s
The oldest and quite frankly most amazing historic restaurant in Hollywood. This IS the place where Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe would eat and I’d imagine it looked the exact same. You’ll have to beg your friends to attend the Hollywood walk of fame to find this hidden gem but you will be so glad you did. The experience, the food, its everything! 

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest shoutout has to go to my number one cheerleader, my mom. She encouraged me to follow my creative ambitions from the start of childhood. From the countless art camps to the pre college design programs she drove me to. My perseverance and willingness to knock on every door until one opened (or was forced open) was definitely inspired by her. Even to this day she’s the person I call when I’m nervous or anxious. She just knows me so well and is incredibly uplifting in regards to my career especially when I need it the most.

I have a really amazing family and super tight friend group that support me and has had a hand in calming my chaos and encouraging the creativity- I couldn’t do any of it without the positive force they each bring into my life!!!! 💫

Website: www.gabriellesantiagodesign.com

Instagram: Gabriellesantiagodesign

Image Credits
Kelly Balch, Christopher Lee Photo, Emily Santiago

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