We recently had the chance to connect with Candis Garcia and have shared our conversation below.
Candis, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This is a funny question because I actually bought a journal a few years ago that says, ‘Not all those who wander are lost.’ I’ve been taking that to heart in this phase of my life. I do have end goals, but I don’t always know exactly what the path looks like to get there. I can plan and take steps toward the goal, but life doesn’t always follow the plan, sometimes the road is under construction and you have to take a detour. So I wouldn’t say I’m aimlessly wandering; there’s definitely a purpose. But I’m also open to exploring the path along the way to the destination.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Candis Garcia, founder of House Jefe. I’m an interior designer based in Austin, Texas, specializing in creating timeless spaces that feel both elevated and approachable. My philosophy is that luxury design isn’t about having an unlimited budget, t’s about blending style, comfort, and function in a way that feels personal and lasting.
House Jefe started as a way to help people transform their homes into spaces they truly love, without the intimidation or overwhelm that can come with design. Whether it’s a single room refresh, a full home project, or even small commercial spaces like waiting rooms, my goal is always the same: to make design feel accessible, custom, and stress-free.
Right now, I’m excited to be expanding House Jefe beyond design into a full lifestyle brand, sharing inspiration not only for interiors but also for décor, organization, and everyday living
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my husband, Daniel, has shaped how I see myself the most. Being with him has been eye-opening in truly understanding who I am as a creative, as someone organized and particular, and simply as a person. He’s never judged me, whether as a friend or as a husband. Instead, he sees me, flaws and all and still chooses to be my biggest cheerleader. He tells everyone he meets about me and what I do, and he sees a greatness in me that I don’t always see in myself. Daniel gives me confidence, challenges me with honesty, and pushes me to grow. Because of him, I’m constantly striving to reach my full potential.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Every day! I definitely went into entrepreneurship with glossy eyes, fueled by the hype of social media and the idea that I’d be thriving immediately. I’m part of the ‘right now’ generation — I work hard, I get things done, and I expect results. But that hasn’t been the case with House Jefe. This journey is not for the weak. There are days I want to quit, but my end goal keeps me grounded: building something lasting for my kids, their kids, and the generations after them.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
That’s a tough question because I am a Black woman in America. My whole life I’ve been told how I’m supposed to act, how I should be seen, and at the same time, I’m aware of how Black women are often stereotyped. The way I carry myself doesn’t always fit those stereotypes, but that in itself is part of my truth. I’d say the public version of me is the professional version of me. My life is more than interior design, and when I’m at home with my family, I put the professional me away. My personality is the same, I’m still fun and joking but in public spaces, I make sure to balance that with professionalism.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop working. As much as I want to build my brand and leave something behind for my kids, being present with my family would be my absolute priority. It always has been, and honestly, that’s probably why House Jefe hasn’t taken off the way I imagined, I’ve consistently put it on the back burner for my family. The truth is, we don’t know when our time is up, and I wouldn’t want to waste my last years not being fully present. I’d pass down what I could to my kids, teach them everything I know, and hope for the best. Because at the end of the day, I won’t be here forever to see how it all turns out but I’d know I gave them the tools and my time, which matter most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.housejefedesigns.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housejefedesigns/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candis-garcia-designer/
Image Credits
Loiue Ayuma with Ayuma Photography
