Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Mendoza and Ella Nilsson Lasater. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Ella Nilsson Lasater and Pamela Mendoza have been design partners since 2010. We joke that we are like Batman &Robin – the dynamic duo of spaces, humbly, of course! With several inspiring interior design and art projects across the US, we have been fortunate to create spaces of all kinds and types. From homes, to co-working spaces, to hospitality and larger than life retail, we put function and beauty at the forefront of every project.
Our vision for Hangar Art Studios and its gallery is to define the intersection where creatives hone their craft and also interact with the public. Austin has a long history of supporting the arts, and we wanted to be a part of continuing that tradition.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We often struggle with our own apprehension – taking risks can be stressful. However, the old adage of “you’ll never know until you try,” is very relevant in our journey. We have talked about Hangar for the better part of a decade but hadn’t had the opportunity to get it started. Conditions were finally (almost) right, and we decided to take the leap! Thankfully, we are able to leverage our friendship and working relationship whenever that pesky imposter syndrome kicks in.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Our paths were predetermined by our parents and their talents. Ella’s parents are both artists, so she followed their path, and has been a practicing artist (@HandyBitches) from youth, through college, and into adulthood.
Pamela is the daughter of an interior decorator and grew up with a passion for beauty and aesthetics for home furnishings. She also continued her pursuits through college, with a degree in Interior Design, and into present day with her own boutique design company (@DreamBoxInteriors).
Through our melding talents and partnership, Hangar Art Studios is a hybrid of creative studios and gallery space. We believe that everyone should have a home that they are proud of and reflects their personality. It is through our gallery and rotating collection of artwork, that we are able to offer a wide range of styles and mediums of art. There is always something new to see and something for everyone! Additionally, our studios offer an inspiring collaborative environment for artists to create.
We are so proud of what Hangar has created for the community, both creatives and the public. We are advocates of supporting small and local businesses and we are thrilled that our quirky little space can contribute to Keeping Austin Weird.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The support from our families has been unconditional and we are eternally grateful for that! Even our husbands got involved – Pamela’s husband, Ernesto, painted the space, and Ryan, Ella’s husband, laid all new flooring. We are indebted to our vast network of bad-ass people that we are proud to call friends; from photography, to accounting, to professional advice and encouragement, we thank you all! Huge shout out to our artists too, we are in awe of your talents.
Contact Info:
- Website: HangarArtStudios.com
- Instagram: @HangarArtStudios
- Facebook: @HangarArtStudios
- Twitter: @HangarArt
Image Credits
Lindsey Baker Photography @lindseybakerphotography
