Meet Cesarina Johnson | Founder & Principal Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cesarina Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cesarina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a desire to remain completely authentic and true to who I am — both as a designer and as a person. I knew early on that I wanted to build something that reflected my voice, my values, and my creative point of view without compromise. That’s where the name, which includes “Moxie,” comes in — it’s about boldness, courage, and a little bit of grit. I wanted my business to embody that same spirit: fearless, intentional, and unapologetically me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as an interior designer is the feeling my spaces evoke. Even when I’m designing large, expansive homes, they still feel intimate — as if every corner has been lived in, loved, and thoughtfully considered. That’s because every nook is designed with intention. There’s always a new charm to discover, a quiet moment of beauty tucked into each space. My goal is never just to make a home look good — it’s to make it feel like home.

I believe in creating spaces that feel collected, not decorated. I want my clients’ homes to reflect their stories, their quirks, their passions — not just a trend or a showroom. I always encourage homeowners not to design too safely. Let’s find something you truly love, even if it’s unexpected, and build around that. That’s what brings soul into a space.

There’s a lot of love that goes into every project I take on — and I think you can feel that when you walk into one of my homes. To me, design is energy. And that energy begins the moment we start dreaming up the space together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I actually play host in Dallas pretty often — and I love it. I’m originally from Arkansas, but I’ve lived in Dallas for over 12 years now, so I’ve definitely made this city home. Whenever friends come to visit, I’ve got a go-to weekend lineup that mixes the best of what Dallas has to offer with a few of my personal favorites.

Most friends roll in late Friday, so we usually kick things off with drinks at a rooftop bar like HG Sply Co. for great views — or if we’re feeling more low-key, I’ll take them to a dive bar in Downtown Plano, which has this cozy, unexpected charm.

Saturday starts strong with hot yoga at Black Swan, then we’ll head to Whiskey Cake for a solid brunch. After that, shopping at NorthPark is always a hit — it’s one of the best spots to find a mix of fashion, art, and good people-watching. If it’s the right season, I’ll grab tickets for a Stars or Mavs game at the AAC — such a fun energy there.

When it comes to nightlife, nothing beats the Bishop Arts District. My absolute favorite bar is Revelers Hall — the live house jazz band gives the place this electric, soulful vibe that people don’t expect.

And if the weather’s good and we’re in the mood to chill, I’ll host at my pool or take everyone out to Lake Lewisville — perfect for my outdoorsy friends who want a little nature with their city weekend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest influence in life is my mom. Although she has passed, her life lessons are tattooed on my heart. My first memories I can remember include her teaching the importance of being 100% myself and never dimming my light for anyone. She taught me that standing in your truth, even when it’s not the easiest path, is where real strength lies. That mindset has shaped who I am and how I approach everything — especially my business.

When I started my own firm, I knew it had to reflect that same spirit she raised me with: bold, fearless, and authentic. That’s exactly why the word “Moxie” is part of my business name — it represents that inner fire, the courage to take risks, and the power of showing up as your full self, unapologetically. My mom didn’t just teach me to be confident — she showed me what it looks like to lead with integrity and to trust your own voice. That influence is woven into the foundation of my brand and everything I create.

Website: https://houseofmoxiedesigns.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofmoxiedesigns