Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcy Castillo.
Hi Darcy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started my journey with a dream and a lot of determination. After moving to the United States, I faced many challenges, including learning a new language, adapting to a new culture, and rebuilding my career from the ground up. Instead of giving up, I chose to keep moving forward.
Today, I am the owner of Gil’s Design Upholstery, a family business with more than 50 years of craftsmanship. What began as a small upholstery shop has grown into a company that serves both residential and commercial clients, creating custom furniture and upholstery with pride and attention to detail.
Every project represents our commitment to quality, honesty, and customer satisfaction. I’m proud to continue the legacy started by our founder, Jesus Gil, while bringing my own vision and leadership to the business.
My story is about resilience, hard work, and believing that every obstacle can become an opportunity. I hope to inspire others to never stop pursuing their dreams, no matter where they begin.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting over in a new country meant learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and earning people’s trust while growing a business. There were times when work was slow, projects were challenging, and balancing business ownership with being a mother felt overwhelming.
One of the biggest challenges has been leading a family business while preserving the legacy built by our founder, Jesus Gil. Maintaining the high standards our clients expect while continuing to grow has required resilience, patience, and constant learning.
Every challenge has made me stronger. I believe that obstacles are opportunities to improve, and they have taught me to never give up, to keep learning, and to always put quality and integrity first. Today, those experiences are the foundation of who I am as a business owner and as a person.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Gil’s Design Upholstery is a family business built on craftsmanship, quality, and trust. For over 50 years, we have specialized in custom upholstery for both residential and commercial clients, including restaurants, hotels, designers, architects, and homeowners. Every piece we create is custom-made with attention to detail and a commitment to lasting quality.
What sets us apart is that we don’t simply upholster furniture—we help bring our clients’ vision to life. We work closely with each customer to create pieces that are functional, beautiful, and built to stand the test of time.
I am especially proud to continue the legacy started by our founder, Jesus Gil. His dedication to excellence and integrity laid the foundation for our company, and those same values continue to guide everything we do today.
We want people to know that when they choose Gil’s Design Upholstery, they are choosing a company that values craftsmanship, honesty, and personalized service. Every project, whether large or small, is treated with the same care and pride because our goal is not just to meet expectations, but to exceed them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is knowing that I am building something meaningful for my family, for my clients, and for the future. I love seeing an idea become reality and watching a client’s reaction when they see the finished result. Knowing that something we created will become part of their home or business is incredibly rewarding.
My family is also a big part of my happiness. They remind me why I work so hard and inspire me to keep moving forward, even during difficult times.
I also find happiness in learning, growing, and taking on new challenges. Every obstacle I’ve overcome has made me stronger, and every success reminds me that hard work, perseverance, and passion are always worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gilsdesign.com
- Instagram: @gilsdesignupholstery
- Facebook: Gils Design Upholstery Corp
- TikTok: Darcy Theflower
