Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Moreira.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Gabriella. I’m a Florida native, born and raised. I’m a first-generation Brazilian-American and a proud Latina. My story starts back in 2017. I was in my second year at Florida International University and after years of preparing to go into the medical field while still in high school, the reality set in that I was about to devote years of my time to pursue medicine and I just did NOT want to be in the medical field. I had to make a decision about what I was going to do, but one that made my parents proud and me happy.
I started to spend a lot of time thinking about what drove me, and what brought me joy. That was to create. I had always been interested in art from a very young age and made art in various media while growing up. I also had incredible art teachers throughout school who I admired tremendously and looked up to. However, pursuing a profession in the arts seemed too abstract to me, and discouraged me from doing anything creative. I felt as if I needed something substantial after graduating high school, therefore I began as a Chemistry major when I initially enrolled at university. It wasn’t until my second year that I realized that I didn’t need to adhere to what society expected of me and could still find a career that was results-driven to pour my creativity into. I was at a family BBQ when I overheard a woman discussing possible job paths that my friend, who was about to graduate from high school at the time, could pursue once starting college. “Veterinary medicine, crime scene forensics, interior design…” and my heart skipped a beat. Only then did I understand that I, too, can be a designer. It’s what I desired. When I approached my counselor about a major change, I was told about the fantastic program my school already offered. So, I immediately applied.
Interior design is the perfect fit since it satisfies that need for tangibility while still allowing me to be creative. Anyone who knows me well knows that I have always been artistic. I’ve also always thrived in environments where I felt like I belonged. Interior design allows me to do both: showcase my art, and curate spaces that are not just suitable for me but for others as well.
My first year as an interior architecture major wasn’t for the weak. I was studying the fundamentals of design concepts and history while also learning to think abstractly. I had no idea I could attain as much knowledge during my first year, but I continued learning more and more as time went on. It was stressful, but I always found it intriguing, and my heart became fonder as a result. I also developed a studio family, and nothing felt better than being surrounded by other like-minded creatives.
I was working a combination of part-time jobs in order to supplement my full-time job as a student while also attempting to establish myself as a designer. It was terrifying and uncomfortable, but it never amounted to the growth I was so grateful for. Regardless of my circumstances while in school, I was never shy about expressing my creativity, especially in front of my professors. I wish they knew how much I adore and respect them for encouraging my nonconformism and impulsive design behavior. I had chosen to take a risk and work for myself during my last spring semester of school, while also working at another job and staying up until the early hours of the morning to finish my thesis project. Even after graduation, I hadn’t looked back.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The entire process is not and will never be easy. I do, however, remember when I was a little girl who followed only the largest ambitions for herself and remind myself to do this every day for her. There are many challenges that are faced, especially when it comes to figuring it all out from the get-go. There is no go-to manual or step-by-step instructions available on how to do this. There were many steps that I needed to take to go out of my comfort zone, but if I hadn’t, those uncomfortable moments would not have been my uncomfortable moments, and the path that I am on today would not be the one for me.
It’s also wrong to believe that it’s too “difficult” to work for yourself. While starting out on your own is never “easy” – there are always risks and stresses, as well as a lot of hard work – the thought of inspiring and encouraging others makes it worthwhile. Yes, there is lots of hard work, but you also get to specialize in doing what you do best every day more than ever before. And doing what you love is in and of itself fulfilling.
I remind myself that I am in business “for” myself rather than “by” myself. I am extremely grateful to have mentors to whom I can turn. They are the greatest at answering my questions, pointing me in the right direction, and offering me a cushion when I feel like I’m about to tumble. Connecting with other creatives and entrepreneurs for advice and ideas, as well as gaining support from friends and family, has also benefitted me in more ways than one.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an interior designer that specializes in vivid, diverse, and refined residential spaces that emanate timeless art forms. These designs are primarily focused on detail and creative expression. In order to create a thoughtful, functional atmosphere united by the chemistry of art and design, I seek to inspire others to discover their own comfort in creative expression.
The ultimate goal for me when starting a business as a side hustle is to make it my primary focus. One of the finest moments that I look forward to is focusing fully on my entrepreneurial endeavor. There are instances, however, that I am most proud of, which is taking the leap of faith to just begin and trust my creativity. When others began to admire and support my work, I felt seen and heard, which is an incredible and humbling feeling overall.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Optimism. Those who have accomplished the greatest may have accomplished nothing if they lack hope and self-belief. Believing in yourself and your talent is vital.
Curiosity. Adopting a curious mindset, acting on your decisions, and gathering feedback is always an excellent method to grow and learn. You may always learn from the experiences of others as well, but nothing takes the cake over learning hands-on and gaining those experiences on your own.
Balance. You need to strive to be successful in all aspects of your life. Living both mentally and physically healthy lives, achieving financial independence, cultivating meaningful relationships, gaining personal mastery, and achieving professional ambitions. It is difficult to give your all and contribute when you are preoccupied with another aspect of your life.
Relationships. You recognize the significance of connections and how they are one of the most important components in accomplishing your goals. The greatest method to develop a strong network is to first serve people without expecting any reward in return. This is something I’ve learned from my mentors, who are always giving.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gabriellamoreira.com
- Instagram: gabbyyyy_m
Image Credits
Chris Hardie
