MEET THE SISTERS- AN INTERVIEW WITH SUSANNA
It's Susanna's turn! Her birthday is today, April 13th! Here's a little blast from the past with this always stylish birthday girl!
What is one of your favorite childhood memories?
I remember one Christmas as a young girl, the night before Santa coming I realized that I forgot to put a bike on my Christmas list. So I prayed and prayed all night long that Santa would bring me a bike. When I woke and ran downstairs and saw the bike, I was blown away! Literally, shocked and so thankful. That is when I first believed in the power or prayer.
If you had to describe your childhood in one word what would you say?
Happy
Are you named after anyone or is there a reason your parents gave you the names they did?
Yes! I'm named after my mom Susanna. Her mom was Susanna and so on. I’m the 7th Susanna on my mom’s side.
Where did you grow up? Where was your first childhood home?
I was born in Philly! However, we moved to Encinitas when I was around the age of two. So my first memory of my first home was in Encinitas, on Oceanview. It was my grandparents vacation home. They lived in LA, but had a vacation home in Encinitas. Eventually they retired and moved into the vacation home permanently, after we had moved out. They tackled a big renovation and for the remaineder of my life, my first home was now my Grandparents home. Our grandmother just recent passed away, but the house is still in the family (for now!).
Is there a habit you just can’t seem to break that you’ve had since your childhood?
My childhood habit was biting my nails. Thank god I grew out of that. In terms of what has stuck is the fact that I hate mushrooms. I was able to get over a handful of things I disliked eating as a child, but mushrooms still gross me out to this day! Yuuuck! Not sure if that's considered a habit, though??
Did you play any sports growing up? Which did you play and which was your favorite?
Yes! Growing up I played soccer and basketball. As I got older in High School, it was basketball and cross country/track! I do none of that anymore! I've run a few marathons recently, but no more! PLEASE! Ha.
What was the first country you ever visited and when?
Mexico was my first country, mainly because we grew up so close to the border, and Mexico City because of family. However my first big trip, by myself, was to the Czech Republic, Prague as a student ambassador of Carlsbad in my early teens. That made me fall in love with Europe and travel!
When did you realize you wanted to pursue a career in design?
College! My 4th year in fact. I was a theater major and by my 4th year in college I realized that I wanted to switch! It killed my parents, but I stuck around another 2 years and solely took interior design classes. I loved art and architecture, so I tried interior design 101 and was hooked. I changed my major instantly!
What would you say is your best quality and what is your biggest flaw?
My best quality is to laugh, and have a good time. My biggest flaw is that I cuss a-lot. "Fuck" is a regular word for me. My parents are mostly proud of me, but they cringe when the F-bombs get dropped. Sorry mom and dad!
What or who inspires you?
My mom inspires me for her loyalty and compassion, My best friend Venessa for her strength, my sister for her determination, Kelly Wearslter for her design work (her work blows my mind), My husband for his clarity and calmness. I could go on and on… I’m blessed to have such inspiring family and friends.
How would others describe you?
Ha! I would hope they would say, “ For a good time call, Sus!”
Does living in San Diego influence your work?
Yes! Love the “California Cool” that So-Cal is. You will see pop’s of this relaxed vibe in all our designs.
What does design mean to you?
Design is: thoughtfully executed, functionality and/or thoughtfully executed expression. It’s magic when both can happen.
Love, Susanna