Stacy Garcia had the pleasure of being interviewed by Fotis Georgiadis as a part of Authority Magazine’s series about business leaders who are shaking things up in their industry.
Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I’ve always been very artistic and naturally gravitated towards the arts. I studied surface pattern design at Syracuse University, and the major trained me on how to design all kinds of surfaces. I even studied abroad at Central Saint Martins in London as an exchange student, which had an amazing textile program, offering a focus on screen printing, knitting, and a variety of other mediums. After college, I built a career off of that major — and it has allowed me to work with some really incredible companies. Looking at my partnership with Koroseal now, it’s really a pinch-me moment. They’re leaders in materials — not only design, but in their manufacturing process, which produces beautiful color and collections. They are also the only commercial wallcovering company that has both manufacturing and full distribution capabilities.
Can you tell our readers what it is about the work you’re doing that’s disruptive?
The work I’m creating is all about innovation in the materials. In addition to having a career as a designer, I’m also a trend forecaster. You can’t innovate if you’re not forecasting; you need to make sure you’re looking at what is driving the marketplace. For example, given the trend of bedding becoming more neutral in hotels, it’s created space for more room to play in other parts of the design — for there to be a statement wall or carpet. In this Koroseal collection, we’ve simplified down the city to graphic motifs that are clean, crisp and fresh, and yet have the right amount of saturation and optimism. They make an excellent statement on the wall of any space. Though simultaneously, they also respond to the current moment, where many of us are spending more time indoors as a result of the pandemic — and instead of being surrounded by such bold colors, we’re looking for more calming hues. To be disruptive, you must first have a grasp on the present, see what’s working and then have the vision to not be afraid to dig deeper and bring the future to fruition.
We all need a little help along the journey. Who have been some of your mentors? Can you share a story about how they made an impact?
While I’ve looked up to iconic trailblazers like Georgia O’Keefe, those that have taught me the most are the closest to me. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from both my father and grandfather. At my first internship, one with Ralph Lauren, I was originally put on tasks like arranging the merchandise closet. While I was overjoyed to even step foot in that iconic building on Madison Ave and had already felt like I had made it in securing the role — my father knew I had more to offer and could get more out of the experience. So, he sat me down and had me practice these words to share with my manager: “I don’t mind doing the scut work, but I’m here to learn.” And after advocating for myself and showing my eagerness to expand, I was able to excel, and was the only intern placed in the high-level meetings. This follows the idea of “if you don’t ask, you don’t get” — and while the answer might be no, you at least have to advocate for yourself. I thank my father immensely for pushing me in such a way. And I definitely learned my hard work ethic and gratitude from my grandfather. He was a cutter in a garment district, a job he took great pride in — and he was a Holocaust Survivor from Poland. He ended up having ten grandchildren — something that made him feel innately rich, often saying: “I’m a millionaire” as he referred to having us as his grandchildren.”
For the full interview, click here.
About Authority Magazine
Authority Magazine is devoted to sharing interesting “thought leadership interview series” featuring people who are authorities in Business, Pop Culture, Wellness, Social Impact, and Tech. We use interviews to draw out stories that are both empowering and actionable.
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