We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Mendoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Heidi, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career in Interior Design because I value the impact of my surroundings immensely. I am an Aesthete, which means that I have refined sensitivity toward the beauties of art and nature. I love the opportunity to have an impact on the space and its occupants. Everything from the layout of the space to the finishes can contribute towards health, mood, and productivity of people. I love seeing the connection between the user and the space whether residential or commercial space. I’ve always been an artistic and creative person, but I grew up in a family of Entrepreneurs, so I did try the business route for several years. For a long time, my life was a zigzag between art and other careers. I sang in the bands, went to TV & Radio Broadcasting school. I danced in groups, sang in bands, and got a degree in Accounting and Marketing and worked in business field for several years, but it wasn’t fulfilling, and fulfillment is an essential part of a career, so I finally gave in to pursue my true calling. I think my violin playing dad was especially happy with my decision.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a native of Helsinki, Finland, and the Scandinavian aesthetics is present in most of my concepts and designs. My focus is on creating modern and creative solutions that combine quality, functionality, and timeless aesthetics. I specialize in collaborative design process, working closely with architects and other creatives as well as client on each project . My design process is very detailed and my goal is a meaningful end product. I draw my inspiration from many places and spaces and I am easily inspired while my focus is on finding solutions that are thoughtful, meaningful, long lasting and visionary. There are many designers who accomplished their goals after the first 3 years. It took me much, much longer to be where I am, and I still think I have ways to go.. I am very introverted, a typical Scandinavian. I like my work to speak for itself. That is not the best strategy in US where the bold and gregarious is valued. I am still working on this. I have a natural curiosity, passion, strong ambition and drive for interiors, that, and high attention to detail, strong problem solving skills and strong desire to deliver well designed interiors
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take my friend for a hike on the mountains. The nature in Colorado is so beautiful. Weekend trip to Telluride. Day trip to Great Sand Dunes. We would also visit one of my favorite places, The Broken Shovels Farm, a sanctuary for farm animals. There are so many great restaurants in Denver, perhaps , visit to Dairy Block in LoDo Neighborhood, an early dinner at Watercourse foods , and then visit to one of the great local microbreweries before hitting a show at Comedy Works. I would also like to take my friend to a concert at Red Rocks amphitheater. Denver Modern Art Museum is also a must
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am grateful to so many people. Let’s start with my parents. I don’t know if any child has had as many hobbies (different, sports, art, music) as I did. I was interested in many things as a kid, and not once did my parents discourage me to try various things. They thought it was a great way to learn what I would ultimately love. When I told my parents that I wanted to quit violin and piano to take breakdance lessons and do track and field, they said “ great! Sounds wonderful”. My parents would drive me to rehearsals and competitions, and sat in a front row of every performance. The support was there for sure. I still send my dad all magazine articles of my published projects or interviews. I have the most supportive friends. And my kids are my cheerleaders. Always proud of my accomplishments. My ex-husband has also been great support during my career. I always had the freedom of pursuing my career even when our child was very young. I am very thankful.
Website: https://www.iredzine.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/re.dzine/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidimendoza/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iredzine
Image Credits
Photography: From The Hip Photo Studio