Now that you've seen what I look like 'on paper', here's the raw look at that same journey...
After over a decade of building up a successful career as an architectural and interior designer, I'd had enough of each job not being quite the fit I was hoping for. Whether it be an ill-fitted position or too corporate of a culture, I wanted more for myself. For one reason we spend most of our lives working, so why would I comprise on what I spend the majority of my time on?!
During that time I had been freelancing on the side but only when opportunities presented themselves. As I continued to reflect on how much I enjoyed branding businesses and coaching through the launch, the more appealing the idea of starting my own business became.
So I took the leap.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
I am passionate about helping people and businesses reach their fullest potential and become wildly successful. But why do I do what I do? I am driven by the reality that everyone suffers from self-doubt and insecurities that have held them back from taking the leap to start their own business. (The self-help market is a $9.6 billion industry as of 2015 - PR Newswire. This is prime evidence that it's not just "you" that experiences those fears, doubts, and insecurities unless you alone spent $9.6 billion last year on self-help books.) And yes, it most certainly feels like a leap. Every. Step. Of. The. Way. But that's what's so amazing about taking the leap. It is an exhilarating experience that fills your body with life. It is just like that fear at the amusement park when making the choice to get in line for the steepest, fastest and most talked-about ride. That without fail, as you're de-boarding you inevitably say "That was awesome! Let's do that again!". That is taking the leap. That is getting in line to get on the most exhilarating ride of your life. Your life. Not just getting out of bed each day to help someone else fulfill their life's dream - the owner of the business you currently work for. Because regardless of the size company you work for, there was someone or a group of people, one sunny day, years ago, that started that company by taking the leap. And now you are helping fulfill that dream of theirs. Not yours.
I help my clients get in that line. Find the best seat on the ride. Make sure they're prepared for the bumps ahead. Show them where the seat belt is (this ride has a safety belt). And hold on tight while they live their life making their dream a reality.
BUT WHY?
Because as I mentioned, for over a decade I had been seeking out a job that will satisfy me creatively, passionately and financially plus provide the balanced lifestyle that is each of our rights to have. As I climbed up the rungs of both small business and large corporate ladders, I found pieces of each of these needs in separate jobs but not one job satisfied each requirement. Until I started my own company. It is from this, that I want to help my clients make their dreams a reality too. A reality that will always be a work-in-progress. But a reality nonetheless.
I know, sounds a bit mushy and idealistic. But the truth is, we all need a business ally (comrade/teammate/collaborator) to help us envision the values and essence of our brand. And we all need a coach (every Olympian has a coach, even the individual sports!) to help us over the bumps in the road that most often we inadvertently placed there because of our own self-doubt and insecurities. And that is why. Why I started this company. Why I wake up each day excited to help my clients become the person they know deep down they want to (and can) be.
After over a decade of building up a successful career as an architectural and interior designer, I'd had enough of each job not being quite the fit I was hoping for. Whether it be an ill-fitted position or too corporate of a culture, I wanted more for myself. For one reason we spend most of our lives working, so why would I comprise on what I spend the majority of my time on?!
During that time I had been freelancing on the side but only when opportunities presented themselves. As I continued to reflect on how much I enjoyed branding businesses and coaching through the launch, the more appealing the idea of starting my own business became.
So I took the leap.
WHY I DO WHAT I DO
I am passionate about helping people and businesses reach their fullest potential and become wildly successful. But why do I do what I do? I am driven by the reality that everyone suffers from self-doubt and insecurities that have held them back from taking the leap to start their own business. (The self-help market is a $9.6 billion industry as of 2015 - PR Newswire. This is prime evidence that it's not just "you" that experiences those fears, doubts, and insecurities unless you alone spent $9.6 billion last year on self-help books.) And yes, it most certainly feels like a leap. Every. Step. Of. The. Way. But that's what's so amazing about taking the leap. It is an exhilarating experience that fills your body with life. It is just like that fear at the amusement park when making the choice to get in line for the steepest, fastest and most talked-about ride. That without fail, as you're de-boarding you inevitably say "That was awesome! Let's do that again!". That is taking the leap. That is getting in line to get on the most exhilarating ride of your life. Your life. Not just getting out of bed each day to help someone else fulfill their life's dream - the owner of the business you currently work for. Because regardless of the size company you work for, there was someone or a group of people, one sunny day, years ago, that started that company by taking the leap. And now you are helping fulfill that dream of theirs. Not yours.
I help my clients get in that line. Find the best seat on the ride. Make sure they're prepared for the bumps ahead. Show them where the seat belt is (this ride has a safety belt). And hold on tight while they live their life making their dream a reality.
BUT WHY?
Because as I mentioned, for over a decade I had been seeking out a job that will satisfy me creatively, passionately and financially plus provide the balanced lifestyle that is each of our rights to have. As I climbed up the rungs of both small business and large corporate ladders, I found pieces of each of these needs in separate jobs but not one job satisfied each requirement. Until I started my own company. It is from this, that I want to help my clients make their dreams a reality too. A reality that will always be a work-in-progress. But a reality nonetheless.
I know, sounds a bit mushy and idealistic. But the truth is, we all need a business ally (comrade/teammate/collaborator) to help us envision the values and essence of our brand. And we all need a coach (every Olympian has a coach, even the individual sports!) to help us over the bumps in the road that most often we inadvertently placed there because of our own self-doubt and insecurities. And that is why. Why I started this company. Why I wake up each day excited to help my clients become the person they know deep down they want to (and can) be.
MEET
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ON PAPER
Christine has been designing physical and virtual spaces for over a decade. Whether it be the physical spaces of hotels and famous restaurants of Fortune 500 brands or the virtual space of those brands, design and the business of design is at the heart of it all. Christine's career and educational background support her vision of a well-rounded designer as she holds a Masters in Architecture from the Boston Architectural College as well as studies in Management at Harvard. Prior to launching her namesake company she worked with some of the design industry's top firms from Interior Design giant Gensler in the Las Vegas office to the worlds largest advertising agency McCann-Erickson Global in the New York HQ. While at these firms, Christine managed projects of clients and brands that have graced the most esteemed publications. Some of these brands include Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Harvard Student Agencies, Waldorf-Astoria, Fairmont Hotels and many of the most popular restaurants around the world. IN LIFE As for a less resume-like version, Christine launched her namesake company to help others look good |
©Brianne Hidalgo