Commercial fabric supplier LebaTex, Inc. is a brand that’s constantly delivering high quality textiles and exciting collaborations with its fashion-forward approach.

Design house and licensing company Stacy Garcia Inc. brings artistic and expressive accessories, furniture, tile, and wall coverings to beautiful homes and hospitality spaces around the world.

Both of these companies are both owned by Stacy Garcia, an internationally renowned designer and entrepreneur with an ever-expanding product empire.

In honor of House Tipster Industry’s brand new Women of Design feature column, we spoke exclusively with the designer to hear about her impressive career across the world of textiles and interior design. Be sure to catch our exclusive Q&A interview below.

House Tipster Industry: How did LebaTex become woman-owned business certified?

Stacy Garcia: At the request of one of my hotel clients, we went through an interview and certification process with WBENC. The Women’s Business Enterprise National Council is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled and operated by women in the United States. A lot of hotel chains have supplier diversity programs so being certified has been really positive for us.

House Tipster Industry: How do you blend your work between LebaTex and Stacy Garcia Inc.?

Stacy Garcia: There’s definitely overlap in the creative process, and it’s really fun when the two worlds collide. With my two companies working in the same central location, it makes it convenient for the teams to collaborate. The Stacy Garcia Textile collection is actually licensed to LebaTex!

Members of both teams have their own expertise, so we’re able to utilize everyone during the process. I will regularly transition a discussion related to one company into how the other company can apply the same tactics.

House Tipster Industry: How have these companies grown and expanded since their beginnings?

Stacy Garcia: In 2019, my textile company, LebaTex, will be celebrating its 20th anniversary! It’s certainly come a long way from the basement of my townhouse where I first started the company with just myself to now having 10 employees in our office, plus a network of representative throughout the country. We’re so excited to be commemorating this with the launch of our 20th Anniversary Collection, featuring pattern designs from 20 interior designers that we have worked with throughout our 20 years. So, make sure you stay tuned for the introduction of these new designs throughout 2019.

I spun off the Stacy Garcia design house as a separate company in 2004, designing collections of wallpaper, carpet and textiles exclusively for hotels. Not only have we grown our commercial offering to include industrial design with our lighting and furniture collections, but we have expanded into residential with trade only collections under Stacy Garcia | New York.

Most recently, we made the leap into the retail world with the launch of Stay by Stacy Garcia on QVC. I even get to go on live TV to present the collections and show the viewer how to create the “ultimate Stay-cation” in their home!

In addition, the Stacy Garcia Home brand launched across the country at Calico stores and is full of playful patterns, and vibrant trend setting colors.

House Tipster Industry: What’s an accomplishment in your career so far that you’re proudest of?

Stacy Garcia: One of the things that I am proudest of is the culture of philanthropy that I have built in my companies. We have “adopted” a local charity called People to People. We fundraise, bring Thanksgiving meals and provide school supplies and holiday gifts to families in need through their various initiatives. In addition, we give to CARE to support women and children globally.

House Tipster Industry: How did you personally first break into the design space, and what were some of your first jobs?

Stacy Garcia: My professional foundation started with my first job of selecting color palettes and assisting in design and showroom development for Ralph Lauren’s Home Collection. From there, I was hired as a designer and artist for a curtain and bedding company and then spent five years as a Senior Designer for Richloom fabrics directing their collections for their hospitality division.

House Tipster Industry: What has been the most challenging moment you faced in establishing your career?

Stacy Garcia: My biggest challenge I’ve faced in establishing my career has been and still is finding a good life balance between work and family. Even after twenty years, I’m still learning how to juggle all my responsibilities of being an entrepreneur as well as a mother, wife and daughter.

House Tipster Industry: What are some trends or changes in the industry that you are most excited about?

Stacy Garcia: Wellness is huge trend in the industry right now. We are all looking to de-stress by reconnecting with nature and surrounding ourselves with impactful products and design in order to lead healthier lifestyles. This is exciting for me as a product designer because I’m inspired to use new materials, patterns and colors found in healing crystals, lush greenery and other organic forms that have a positive impact on our well-being.

House Tipster Industry: Who are some other women in design who inspire you?

Stacy Garcia: I’m really inspired by Donna Karan. She became a global icon through growing her namesake brand and signature aesthetic that we all know and love today. She has left a huge impression on the world of design and that is something I aspire to accomplish. Iris Apfel is another iconic inspiration of mine as she continues to reinvent herself and express originality through her style.

House Tipster Industry: Have you had any helpful mentors or guides over the years?

Stacy Garcia: Definitely! I don’t think anyone who’s successful does it alone. I actually just had dinner with one of my mentors last week. My mentors encourage me year after year and are my biggest cheerleaders. They push me to improve, to do better, be better and never lose sight of my goals.

House Tipster Industry: What are a few upcoming projects you’re working on for 2019?

Stacy Garcia: More products for my home brands! In 2019, I will be having my second show on QVC January 16 at 1:00pm EST launching new products for my Stay by Stacy Garcia brand including bedding, bath and home décor. We are also actively working on new collections for our hospitality brand and for Stacy Garcia Home.