We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Gonzalez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is being authentic. I believe in always being transparent and genuine with my clients, which helps build trust and strong relationships. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how much clients appreciate honesty and openness. Additionally, having a good understanding of business has been essential, allowing me to navigate challenges and opportunities effectively. I also owe a lot of my success to networking and having great partners who support me whenever needed. These connections not only back me up but also enhance the quality and reliability of the services I provide.
On top of that, having a good eye for design and years of experience in the industry has been invaluable. Working closely with tradesmen has given me a deep understanding of their roles, the intricacies of their work, and the importance of each step in the demo and building process. This hands-on knowledge allows me to help my clients create spaces that are not only stylish but also functional, practical, and structurally sound. Staying true to myself, understanding the business landscape, and leveraging my experience and network have been key to my success.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity and transparency with my clients. I believe in building strong, trust-based relationships, which allows me to truly understand and meet their needs. Additionally, my hands-on experience working closely with tradesmen and my keen eye for design ensure that every project is both stylish and functional.
What are you most proud of or excited about?
I am most proud of the strong relationships I’ve built with my clients and partners. Seeing their satisfaction with the final design is incredibly rewarding. I’m also excited about the continuous growth of Mint + Mod Design Studio and the opportunity to create unique, personalized spaces for my clients.
How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy?
Getting to where I am today was far from easy. It required a lot of hard work, long hours, and perseverance. The support of my family, friends, and colleagues played a crucial role in my journey. Overcoming challenges meant constantly learning, adapting, and staying true to my vision.
How did you overcome the challenges?
I overcame challenges by maintaining a positive mindset and being resilient. Whenever I faced obstacles, I focused on finding solutions and learning from the experience. Building a reliable network of partners and mentors also provided valuable support and guidance.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Some key lessons I’ve learned include the importance of communication, the value of strong relationships, and the need for adaptability. It’s crucial to listen to clients and understand their needs, as well as to stay flexible and open to new ideas and approaches.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that Mint + Mod Design Studio is built on a foundation of authenticity, trust, and excellence. My journey has been shaped by a passion for design and a commitment to creating beautiful, functional spaces that reflect my clients’ unique styles and needs. Every project is a collaboration, and I am dedicated to making the design process enjoyable and stress-free for my clients.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Morning: Check into a hotel like The Woodlands Resort, which offers a beautiful setting with plenty of amenities.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around The Woodlands Waterway, enjoying the scenic views and sculptures along the path.
Evening: Dinner at Hubbell & Hudson Bistro, known for its farm-to-table cuisine and extensive wine list.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Head to The Woodlands Waterway Kayak Rentals for some kayaking. It’s a great way to explore the area from a different perspective.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Fielding’s Wood Grill, which offers delicious burgers and craft beers.
Afternoon: Visit Market Street for some shopping and people-watching. It’s a vibrant spot with a variety of shops and boutiques.
Evening: Dinner at Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy island-inspired cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 3: Nature and Parks
Morning: Spend the morning at George Mitchell Nature Preserve. It offers beautiful trails for hiking and biking.
Lunch: Picnic at Northshore Park overlooking Lake Woodlands. Bring some sandwiches and snacks to enjoy by the water.
Afternoon: Rent a paddleboard or take a boat tour on Lake Woodlands.
Evening: Head to The Republic Grille for dinner, known for its Texas comfort food and friendly atmosphere.
Day 4: Art and Culture
Morning: Visit The Woodlands Children’s Museum if you’re traveling with kids, or check out the local art galleries.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at True Food Kitchen in Hughes Landing, which focuses on healthy, organic options.
Afternoon: Explore the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, a great place to catch a concert or live performance.
Evening: Dine at Via Emilia Italian Restaurant for some authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Day 5: Local Favorites
Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Black Walnut Cafe, known for its hearty breakfasts and coffee.
Lunch: Visit Grimaldi’s Pizzeria for some of the best pizza in town.
Afternoon: Spend some time at The Woodlands Mall for more shopping, or catch a movie at Cinemark.
Evening: Dinner at CRÚ Food & Wine Bar, which offers a great selection of wines and a cozy ambiance.
Day 6: Day Trip to Houston
Morning: Drive into Houston and visit the Houston Museum District, which includes the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Lunch: Have lunch at The Pit Room, a popular spot for Texas barbecue.
Afternoon: Explore Hermann Park, which includes the Houston Zoo and a beautiful Japanese Garden.
Evening: Return to The Woodlands for dinner at Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen for some fantastic Cajun and Creole dishes.
Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.
Late Morning: Visit The Woodlands Farmer’s Market if it’s a Saturday, to pick up some local produce and artisan goods.
Lunch: Have lunch at Local Pour for a relaxed atmosphere and a great selection of food and drinks.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Spa at The Woodlands Resort for some pampering and relaxation.
Evening: Wrap up your trip with a farewell dinner at Truluck’s Seafood, Steak, and Crab House, known for its upscale dining and excellent seafood.
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 can’t express enough love and gratitude for my family and friends who have been incredibly supportive throughout my journey into entrepreneurship. Their unwavering support through all the emotional ups and downs has been crucial for me to stay grounded and focused.
I also want to give a special shoutout to Rodio Luxury. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with every single tradesman on various projects, building strong relationships with each of them. We all started out working for another company but decided to take a leap of faith and create our own companies.
The owner, Arron Winn, and I have spent countless hours working side by side on numerous projects. This close collaboration has allowed us to create exceptional spaces that perfectly match our clients’ styles, wants, and needs. While Arron and the rest of the team were growing Rodio Luxury into one of Houston’s most trusted construction companies, they still made time to help me build Mint + Mod Design Studio. I couldn’t have done it without such an amazing team having my back every step of the way.
Website: https://mintandmoddesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintandmoddesign/?igsh=MXIyb21ieG9mdjg3YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-gonzalez-222481182
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554829781920