Today we’d like to introduce you to Cece Cruz.
Hi Cece, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As the daughter of two immigrant parents who came to this country in pursuit of a better life, the values of hard work, resilience, and ambition were ingrained in me from a very young age. I’ve always known I wanted more for myself, and at 15, I made the bold decision to jumpstart my future by completing both my junior and senior year of high school in one—graduating with a 4.0 GPA on the exact day of my 17th birthday.
Creativity has always been second nature to me. I naturally gravitated toward anything artistic, and over time, that passion led me to the world of design. I got my start working for a remodeling company, where I was fortunate to learn the ins and outs of the field—understanding not only how to create beautiful spaces but how to make them truly functional.
After earning my associate’s degree, I returned to school to finish my degree in interior design, where I’m now entering my final year. In the meantime, I’ve had the privilege of working with multiple designers and architects, soaking in as much as I could before finally taking a leap of faith and launching my own business this past January.
Now 24, I’m incredibly grateful for the journey so far—the clients who have trusted me, the projects I’ve brought to life, and the opportunities that continue to unfold. And honestly? I’m just getting started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Truthfully, it hasn’t been a smooth road—but I’ve always believed that nothing truly worth having ever comes easy. When you come from nothing, you learn to appreciate everything and that’s what I’ve done with my business. I’m grateful for every moment, whether it’s good or bad. Every obstacle I’ve faced has pushed me to grow, both personally and professionally. There have been moments of doubt, financial stress, and times where the pressure felt overwhelming, especially when starting a business at such a young age in an already competitive industry. But each challenge has taught me resilience.
I’ve learned that failure isn’t the end, it’s a necessary part of the process. You have to fall a few times before you find your footing. The key is to never throw in the towel. Look fear in the face and understand that the only way past it is straight through. I’ve had to learn to trust myself, trust the process, and most importantly, stay committed even when the path felt uncertain. And in those moments, that’s when I’ve seen the most growth.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an interior designer specializing in sustainable luxury designs in South Florida.
What truly sets me apart as a designer is the experience I create for my clients. I’m not just here to design beautiful spaces, I’m here to help people create a home. To me, every project is personal. I understand that our homes are where we spend our most intimate, meaningful moments, and I never take that lightly. I work closely with my clients to make sure they see themselves in every detail we choose together. I want them to feel a sense of joy, ownership, and comfort when they walk into their space—not just because it looks like a magazine cover, but because it feels like them.
Design should be fun, not overwhelming. I’m committed to making the process exciting, collaborative, and stress-free. At the end of the day, it’s not just about creating something beautiful, it’s about creating something that reflects who they are, how they live, and what they love.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is building something that lasts, something much bigger than me. I want to provide for my family, give back, and create a legacy that moves mountains. I believe when success is in the hands of a good woman, it becomes a force the world can’t ignore. I want to be that woman.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: GoldcoastbyCece
Image Credits
Professional photos taken by Sabrina Michelle!
