How'd She Do That? - 169. Paloma Contreras on Her Journey Towards Building an Interior Design Empire, Why Languages Are One of Her First Loves, and What's Next For Her Business

169. Paloma Contreras on Her Journey Towards Building an Interior Design Empire, Why Languages Are One of Her First Loves, and What's Next For Her Business

09/26/23 • 47 min

Today's guest is Paloma Contreras. Paloma is an acclaimed interior designer based in Houston, Texas. After 4 and a half years teaching High School Spanish, Paloma decided it was time to move towards a different role. Hear more about this transition in today's episode. Her design sensibility is a modern take on traditional style– gravitating towards classic silhouettes and timeless pieces paired with a touch of glamour and an infusion of color. Her interiors are at once timeless, yet fresh-- balancing attention to detail and the intersection of form and function to enhance a well-lived life. Paloma has been repeatedly named to the prestigious ELLE Decor “A-List” of the top interior designers in the world and her work has been featured in numerous publications including ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Vogue, Domino, Luxe, Traditional Home, and the Wall Street Journal. Paloma and her team are currently working on projects in Houston and beyond with clients in Palm Beach, Key Largo, Atlanta, and New Jersey. We can't wait for listeners to get to know Paloma this week on HSDT.

Previous Episode

168. Eleanor Leftwich, Founder of Eleanor Leftwich Collection, Shares How She is Currently Building Her Brand and Business Under Her Popular Pseudonym, and What Her Days Look Like Offline

Today's guest is Eleanor Leftwich (her pseudonym), is the Founder of Eleanor Leftwich Collection. Eleanor is a fashion collector and lover of all things vintage. Her new collection is made up of pieces for work, school drop-off, the office, dinner out, and all the places that life inevitably takes us.

After experiencing her own viral moment Eleanor decided to take her love for fashion to the next level by launching her own line. Made from Italian fabrics from the established mills of the Como region and produced by a small team in Chicago, Illinois, Eleanor Leftwich creates pieces to be considered “future vintage”.

Eleanor’s style is classic with a pop! There is an art to how she styles her looks and there is always an unexpected element that falls perfectly into place. Listeners will love hearing how Eleanor spends her days offline - it's likely not what you would expect! We know you'll enjoy learning more about our mysterious Instagram darling and how she is currently building her brand and business. We can't wait to hear what you think!

Next Episode

170. Mimi Striplin, Founder of The Tiny Tassel, Reflects on Perseverance, Creativity, and How She is Building a Brand That is Breaking Down Barriers

Today's guest is Mimi Striplin, Founder of The Tiny Tassel! Listeners are going to love this episode. In 2015, Mimi Striplin founded The Tiny Tassel online and their flagship store, located in Charleston’s quaint Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighborhood, opened in March 2021. Amongst the pastel-painted walls and Lowcountry chic interior finds you'll discover signature pieces like the brand’s namesake tiny tassel earrings, beautiful apparel, and vibrant accessories in classic prints and bold colors. Their team works to design a fresh collection each season alongside their lead designer, Keiko Striplin AKA Mimi’s mom, who studied at Bunka Fashion College of Tokyo. Every tiny tassel is still handmade in Charleston, SC by their powerful women-led team. We know listeners will enjoy hearing Mimi's incredible story! This episode is one you'll want to share with a friend!