Conversations with Illie Alvarez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Illie Alvarez.

Hi Illie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated with a BS in Fashion Merchandising from Texas State in 2006 and spent several years working in retail. During that time, I developed my love for cooking and eventually opened up my own catering business serving Latin-inspired dishes and small bites. The catering life was great but extremely arduous which lead to major burnout after only three years. I spent the next few years helping small businesses scale their catering operations during which I got married and had my first child, Solemar Pepper. She completely changed my life!

Over the years, I’ve always been known to my close friend and family as the unofficial home decorator. I’d get calls when someone wanted ideas for a new bedroom or when they moved into a space and I always enjoyed brainstorming practical solutions for them. It was so uplifting to help someone love their space and make it a cohesive reflection of themselves! It was a skill set (similar to merchandising) that allowed me to feel creative while problem-solving practical, affordable ideas.

My newborn inspired me to take the plunge and delve into a completely new industry, which I did by enrolling in an Interior Design Certification course. During that time, I signed up for Thumbtack and offered small consultations for budget-conscious families. I’ve never looked back! Since then, I have added occupied home staging to my service lineup and am currently enrolled in an International Staging Certification with Stage4More.

I’m so happy to spend my days collaborating with renters, homeowners, and real estate agents and am proud to share with my daughter as she grows how to discover & nurture her passion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a cakewalk to start my business, mostly because I am a mother to a small child and have since added another little bundle of joy to our family. Life happens and as all parents know, it can be difficult to balance your family needs with your professional endeavors.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The JoySpace vision is to create a cohesive, functional space for each client by providing a practical approach to the interior decorating process. We want everyone to live happily in their home and feel excitement and joy each time they walk into their space. We specialize in redesign (a low/no-cost approach, utilizing what you already own) and occupied staging.

Color is our specialty and we set ourselves apart by encouraging our clients to embrace the energy color can bring to their space and life!

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Without risk, there is no reward and I am a very firm believer in “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. I grew up with a single mother who played it safe in most of life’s decisions while I was growing up for the security of her family. I grew up seeing that and just took a different approach to life by going after what I wanted confidently, even if I wasn’t sure how.

I took a huge risk by transitioning industries in my mid 30’s, both financially and emotionally but I’ve always felt deep down inside that taking the risk and failing would feel a lot less disappointing than never taking any steps.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @joyspaceaustin

Image Credits
Philip Adcock Photography