Today we’d like to introduce you to Magdalena Mendez
Hi Magdalena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi,
My name is Magdalena Mendez. I am a wife of 22 years, a mom of four, and a new business owner and interior decorator.
My love for interior design started when my brother gifted me a “room in a can” for Christmas when I was young. It included a bright neon purple inflatable sofa, love chair, coffee table, and frames. I remember constantly rearranging that furniture in my room. As I grew older, I didn’t realize I could study or work as an interior decorator, so I got married, had kids, and became a stay-at-home mom.
In 2018, after my youngest child went to school, I came home to an unusually quiet house. The silence was overwhelming, and I knew I needed to find something to do. Having recently revamped my kitchen, I started posting photos of my home on Instagram. People loved what I was doing, but I wanted to become an interior decorator.
In 2019, I challenged myself to see if I could decorate others’ homes. I asked friends and family if I could decorate their spaces for free, asking only for a small budget to work with. They loved the results, and word of mouth spread. I started getting calls from all over and decorated various spaces, including offices, bedrooms, and bathrooms. I did a lot of free jobs that year, gaining valuable experience.
In 2020, I decided to officially start my business as an interior decorator, but COVID hit, and no one wanted me in their homes. Instead, I pivoted to social media, showing people how to decorate their homes. My platforms grew to 100k+ followers on each platform, which opened up opportunities to create my business.
In 2022, I officially launched Experimenting with Decor LLC. I continue to use my social media platforms to help others find love in their homes, no matter their budget. Sharing different ways to decorate has brought in new clients who trust me to transform their spaces.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have to be honest—it hasn’t been an easy road. One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming my own insecurities. I didn’t go to school for design, so I initially doubted whether anyone would want to hire me without a formal degree. It took a lot of self-reflection and growth to build confidence in my abilities and trust in the unique perspective I bring to my work.
Relying on my faith in God has been instrumental in helping me navigate the everyday challenges of running a business. Additionally, as a woman business owner and a Hispanic entrepreneur, I’ve faced my share of obstacles. There were times when I had to push past societal expectations and prove that my talent and passion for design were more than enough to succeed.
Despite these struggles, I pushed through. Each challenge has made me more resilient and has fueled my determination to excel in this industry. I’m proud of the journey I’ve taken and grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to create beautiful spaces for my clients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As an interior decorator based in San Antonio, Texas, my passion lies in transforming existing spaces into beautifully curated environments that reflect my clients’ personalities and lifestyles. I specialize in decorating spaces that are ready for decor—those that already have the foundational elements in place but need that final touch to make them truly shine. Many homeowners don’t necessarily want to embark on a full renovation, and that’s where I come in. I take the existing canvas and elevate it with carefully chosen furniture, accessories, textiles, and art, creating spaces that are both functional and visually stunning.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is my ability to breathe new life into a space without the need for major construction or structural changes. My clients appreciate my eye for detail and my ability to seamlessly blend their personal style with fresh, innovative design ideas. Whether it’s a cozy living room that needs a new layout, a bedroom that calls for a more serene atmosphere, or a dining area that could use a touch of elegance, I pride myself on delivering results that exceed expectations.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients. The majority of my business comes from social media and referrals, which speaks to the satisfaction and confidence my clients have in my work. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, ensuring that every design decision resonates with the homeowner’s vision.
I want your readers to know that my services are tailored to those who want to enhance their existing spaces without the hassle of a full-scale renovation. My offerings include everything from initial consultations and space planning to selecting the perfect decor elements that bring a room to life. Whether you’re looking to refresh a single room or style your entire home, my goal is to make the process enjoyable and the results unforgettable.
In essence, my brand is about creating beautiful, livable spaces that people love to come home to. Love where you live! I believe that great design should be accessible and personalized, and I’m here to make that a reality for each of my clients.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
People often underestimate the power of social media, but it’s been a game-changer for me when it comes to networking. I do a significant amount of my networking online, and because I’ve established a strong presence on social platforms, numerous opportunities have come my way simply because I’ve made it a point to show up consistently.
As for finding a mentor, I’ve found that many established business owners are more than willing to help those who are just starting out. Whenever you have the chance to connect with other business owners, take the opportunity to pick their brains. More often than not, they’re eager to share their knowledge and experiences because they remember what it was like when they were in your shoes and wish someone had done the same for them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experimentingwithdecor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/experimentingwithdecor
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@experimentingwithdecor?si=1HSV1TxEPctP9ihS
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@experimentingwithdecor?_t=8olrRMHzYSp&_r=1
