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Meet Meg “Mag” Magdaleno of The House of Mag in Gilbert

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Meg “Mag” Magdaleno.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
After graduating from Arizona State University, I traveled to Philadelphia to complete my master’s degree. During that time, I found myself juggling life and my full-time, counseling coursework to prepare myself as a therapist. I worked as a preschool teacher, baker, post office clerk, nanny, illustrator and painter. Basically, I jumped at any creative and legal job that helped me to eat all the fancy food Philly had to offer, all while letting me rent my cool, art studio, loft apartment.

Oddly enough, my business took off during the most inconvenient time of my life! I was literally graduating from a Master’s of Counseling program that week, moving from one Philadelphia neighborhood to another, illustrating my best friend’s wedding stationery, plus drawing for a design company and non-profit while trying to help two families in the Philadelphia suburbs redesign their basements into playrooms. Every job I had led me to people and opportunities that let me create things in exchange for payment. For those people who constantly worry about their “career path”- I say, just do the work that’s right in front of you! It will come to you, and you will forge your own way.

My business is truly a conglomeration of all the aspects of my life at that time crashing together! I began to sell my art and provide home design and organization services while giving my closest friends fashion advice. Then, I got married and moved back home to Arizona, so it seemed fitting to officially name the business after my own life. “The House of Mag” is still coming together, as moving back to Phoenix has been quite an adventure! Today, I am humbled and grateful to work as a therapist for children around the valley and out of my at-home art studio.

“The House of Mag” is a collection of all my favorite art, design and fashion things under one roof. Guests can stumble into “my house” and find artwork, interior design advice + tips and tricks on how to curate their own signature style. Follow along to discover how to feel at home in your own skin and curate a happy home wherever you are.

Has it been a smooth road?
Just like building a real house, “The House of Mag” has not come without hammering away. The road to starting my business felt like I was a student driver merging onto the German Autobahn. Just getting started was not a problem. For me, the “keep going” part has been the biggest challenge.

Maintaining a full-time career and moving almost 3,000 miles from one end of the country to the other with all new neighbors and connections was my first real hurdle. To give you a better picture, my car broke down in the middle-of-no-where, Texas, with two flat tires and almost made me abandon half of my art supplies and two large paintings. After, I had to find all new places in Arizona to print my art, ship work and dig for new clients.

Fear had a funny way of sparking my imagination in all the wrong directions at that time. I was so afraid of not getting work, then not finishing work, then providing bad work that I almost gave up.

That struggle has really lasted up until this year. I am slowly learning to cope with my perfectionism and cut myself some slack. I slowed down to get organized and educate myself on better business practices and strategies. So far, it has worked in my favor.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The House of Mag – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
“The House of Mag” is a creative studio and lifestyle blog. I specialize in selling art, designing homes and educating through fashion styling.

I create and sell my own illustrations and paintings. I provide interior design and home organization services to families and young professionals in-person and online. And, I offer personalized fashion styling, while educating and inspiring others with my own style.

I am known for my attention to detail. I am most proud of selling out at my first art show in 2016. I sold every painting which helped me fund my wedding! I’m also proud to be the recent runner-up in the Arizona Face of the Foothills magazine modeling contest this year. I have a feeling I will be most proud of sharing my own home renovation process and finished product come Spring 2019!

What sets me apart from other artists, interior designers and bloggers is my therapist-mindset that let me truly connect with clients and followers on a deep and personal level. In an Insta-world, I am forever grateful to have clients that became friends that will, no doubt, last a lifetime.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
As an Arizona native, I know there is no place on earth that paints a hot pink sky quite like Phoenix. I absolutely love our sunsets, especially when sitting on top of a mountain. I’d also have to say, that as much as the East Coast made me a city girl, the after-rain-in-the-desert aroma is heaven.

If that’s heaven, hell is Arizona on scorching summer day where I feel like my mascara will melt my eyes closed. With all my fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogging, I haven’t quite found a makeup brand that can truly survive a full day of over 100 degree temps! If you have, let me know!

Pricing:

  • Custom Acrylic Art begins at $85
  • Interior Design & Organization Services range from $59-$1999
  • Personalized Fashion Styling $49/hr.

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
Lauren J. Photography, The House of Mag, Stewart Photography

Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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