Interior motive
Elements of Design owner driven by passion
Lina Quintero
Title: Owner and Lead Interior Designer
Company: Elements of Design, 16049 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop, Suite 1 Scottsdale, 85260; (480) 443-9646; www.elementsofdesign.com
Services offered: Luxury residential and commercial interior design firm featuring furnishings, accessories, fabric, case goods, and interior remodeling materials.
Business buzz: Quintero was selected by Arizona Foothills Magazine and Paradise Valley Mountainside Homes to design the library in a $20 million designer show house on Mummy Mountain in Paradise Valley; Two-time winner (2008, 2009) of Best of Scottsdale Award in Interior Design category by U.S. Local Business Association.
What ignited the spark in you to start a new business? “Interior design is my passion in life. For as long as I can remember, my dream has always been to pursue this career at the highest level. With words of encouragement from my mother and the support of my husband as well as his parents, I dove into the field headfirst.”
Favorite aspect of owning a small business? “The constant challenge I face to improve myself, the standing of my firm, and the growth curve of my employees.”
Important business milestone: “In my first year of ownership, receiving the 2008 Best of Scottsdale in the Interior Design category award from the U.S. Local Business Association was a flattering recognition for all the hard work my team and I put in for our clientele. I know I am biased but, I have the finest team members anyone could imagine. This honor means more than any other to date because it is a testament to the team.”
Most satisfying moment: “The day that I returned to Elements of Design as the owner and lead interior designer. To escalate from an internship opportunity to owner and lead interior designer in seven years was a surreal experience.”
Advice to others wanting to open their own business? “No matter the level of success that you achieve, always maintain your humble upbringing and never forget your culture. In order to rejuvenate my soul and keep my feet firmly planted on the ground, I make it a point in my life to visit Colombia at least once a year. The re-immersion into the Colombian culture reminds me who I am, where I came from, and it further solidifies the appreciation the opportunities I have in life.”
Inside information
In one word, your life as an entrepreneur: “Adventurous.”
Excluding yours, what company do you admire most: “Kravet (a fabrics and furnishing company).”
Top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur: “Hustle, education (practical, classroom and self) and innovation.”
Book that has inspired you the most: Gone with the Wind
Historical figure you would like to talk to: “Salvador Dalí.”
