Meet Melinda Cardenas | Interior Designer and Creative Thinker

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

Hi Melinda, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When choosing a career, I believe it is important to harness the things that one is naturally good at. For me, I grew up naturally drawn to design, organization, and being creative. As I got older and started to think about what I wanted to do, I thought about the skills that I wanted to hone in on. Although I thought of myself as being naturally gifted in being creative, I knew I needed to work on the skills that would allow me to do this as a career. Once I did more research on the types of careers I could potentially do, I dove in head first into the world of interior design and architecture. I found that although it is more challenging than I may have originally thought it to be, it allows me to do the things I was naturally gifted at: design, organization, and creativity. As I continue to grow in my career and push myself, I am finding more areas to grow in to become a better designer, thinker, and creative asset to the industry.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I started my journey in interior design, I was unsure of what to expect. However, it has turned out to be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. From the late night studio sessions in college, to the client reviews, and the final walk-throughs once a project is complete, the hard work has paid off. I am grateful to be working in something I enjoy and that allows me to impact spaces and, more importantly, the people in them. Continuously learning and being confident in my choices as a designer has been crucial to my career. Additionally, surrounding myself with people who are smarter and more experienced than me has helped me learn how to navigate problems and find solutions. I have been able to apply these elements to my work as well. It is important to continually ask questions, even if you think they are stupid! A motto I have lived by for years is that “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone,” and that has been true throughout my career. If you are not willing to push yourself, try new things, and do things that can be a bit uncomfortable at times, it will be harder to grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to show them the beautiful nature on Los Angeles, as well as the fun lively night life. LA has so much to offer for both which is what makes it such a magical place. I would start the day off driving up the coast to Malibu and getting breakfast burritos at Lily’s Cafe and coffee at Le Cafe de la Plage. I would then take them to Lechuza beach to relax and and enjoy the ocean. Later I would take them to Grandmaster Recorders for dinner and then probably a fun show at the Pantages Theater. Another favorite thing I love to do in LA is enjoy an outdoor concert + movie at the Hollywood bowl. Pairing good food with good music and movie with the gorgeous LA backdrop is *chefs kiss*.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sarah Barnard was one of the first interior designers that mentored me. She helped me navigate what questions to ask, how to be professional, and how to make an impact in the design community. I learned a lot from her and she helped guide my design influences as I grew as a designer.

Instagram: @melindareneedesign