Meet Lauren Gonzales of Casita & Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gonzales.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Casita & Co. was a splendid product of the pandemic, born out of a mix of hustle and an incredible opportunity. As an interior designer here in the valley, I was turned on end when the pandemic shut down many projects for firms, and as a result, layoffs of firm staff. In April of 2020 I was let go from the firm I was at, suddenly finding myself at home caring for my two girls. While I was down for a bit due to what felt a bit like a bad break up, I quickly decided that there would be no better time than the present to dive into renovating my home. So I poured all of my heart and skill into updating our Gilbert home, and in tandem, started posting my progress and before and afters on my Instagram. After having a handful of people reach out for design help, I began thinking about starting my own business. While working on our home, I was also assisting with my father, who is a general contractor here in the Valley. We were working together on a home renovation, with the very best clients, they are truly so wonderful and who I compare all future clients to! When we completed their home project, the client approached me with an opportunity to assist with refreshing several commercial spaces for her company. With such an amazing opportunity at hand, and the support of my amazing client, I decided to make my business official! October 2020 I formed my business and by December of 2020 I had completed my NCIDQ exams to become a certified interior designer.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming an entrepreneur has its own set of challenges. What was most eye opening for me was the business end of the design world. While working at larger firms, there was always a team in place that specifically took care of billing, procurement, and client negotiation, Now that team is me! I have become especially close with Google in order to dig and find the answers I need. I’ve also attended an awesome coaching session with a designer here in the valley that I admire, Mackenzie Collier. Having encouragement from someone who has been there/ done that has been a huge confidence builder for me in running and growing my business.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Casita & Co. is a commercial and residential interior design studio, located in Gilbert, Arizona. We take pride in creating spaces that make people feel at home. The priority for our designs are to create spaces that feel both cozy & inviting, and functional for your everyday needs. Service offerings include full service interior design, VIP Design Day (aka – designer for a day), and consultations.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As the incoming President of the IIDA Southwest Chapter, I am a little bias, but getting involved with the design community through local organizations is the best way to get to know people in your industry. Being involved with IIDA, coming out of school, was how I landed my first internship, and then a second internship out of state! And remaining in contact with my network has allowed me to stay extremely busy now that I’m on my own. It is absolutely true what they say, “it’s who you know”! IIDA has so many wonderful opportunities for getting involved no matter the time commitment, skill level, or network you have, there is a spot for everyone! We take so much pride in having a diverse and inclusive community of designers and industry members. I’ve been a member since my first year attending Arizona State University, and have found so much benefit in each stage of my career progression. Highly recommend getting involved in any way you can!

Contact Info:

• Email: hello@casitaandco.com
• Website: www.casitaandco.com
• Instagram: @casitaandco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casita-Co-106869897941886

Image Credits
Zofia Sells – Zofia Sells Photography @zofiasellsphoto