Meet ERIKA MARINI: PRINCIPAL AT FIXE DESIGN HOUSE

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

Hi ERIKA, what is the most important factor behind your success?
One of the most important factors behind my success and the success of my brand is due in part because it began as a mere passion project. Although FIXE has grown into a full-fledged business, the passion remains the soul of who I am and what I create. I am my brand and believe it is an extension of me. I don’t take myself too seriously, but in the same token I am very serious! Make sense? Anyway, I think I have found success in building FIXE design house because I took a chance on ME as did others! 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career started in the fashion industry, the surf industry to be exact. During it’s hey day when girls surf was the thing! After graduating from FIDM, working as a women’s designer for companies such as Roxy, Paul Frank, Ralph Lauren ultimately lead me to help launch Harajuku Lovers with Gwen Stefani. My experiences in design, design direction and ultimately learning how to build a brand for someone else really gave me an internal passion to create something of my own. I admit, fashion was not where my heart lingered for long and interiors became my focus. With kids in tow, helping my husband build his Development co. and keeping myself sane, I took a little break from fashion and quickly found interiors stole my heart. I’ve learned that as a wife and mom we can reinvent ourselves. You lose your identity a little, but I have found my second life pivot and am so grateful that I can work in the field of Interior Design and fulfill my creative passion. I would want the world to know that you can be who you want to be, if you work hard enough. So cliche but true. You just have to be realistic about it. And accept the bumps along the way. I am not there yet, but also realizing my journey is my success. I am successful each day because I am following my dream on the yellow brick road – and that is enough.

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.
Oh gosh, staycation? So much yes. I would start off at the Montage…all day lounging, yoga on the beach, shopping in Laguna at some of my favorite stores. Watch the sunset on top of the rooftop bar. Take a duffy through the Bay in Newport Beach…and maybe charter a boat to Emerald Bay in the hopes of seeing some dolphin, occasional whale and always the sea lions on the buoy. Pop up to Newport to Lido Village and shop the quaint shops and stores like Jenni Kayne, Claire V. . Go to the Wedge and watch the surfers. Eat some sushi at Buddhas Favorite and pop up into Huntington Beach for a surf culture check at the pier. Go to the Long Beach Flea market…a must if you can wake up early. If there’s time to head to LA for some shopping and dining – small boutiques, small batch makers and so much more. Maybe drive through Venice and land in Santa Monica at the Proper Hotel. Its on my list…I am going this year. There’s so much more…but, that’s a good place to start.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Starting this business with my ex-partner, Donna Golden, gave me the wings to fly. I had always dabbled in interior design, styling, and creative forces, but we made the leap to join forces. Joining groups like the R.O.A.R. Society founded for business women to REACH OUT AND RECONNECT and surrounding myself with fellow entrepreneurs like my BFF and President of Z Supply Mandy Fry, have given me strength and conviction to follow my business goals. My husband has always been my creative co-partner. I still throw all of my ideas at him for his feedback. Thanks babe.

Website: www.FIXEdesignhouse.com
Instagram: fixedesignhouse

Image Credits
CHARLOTTE LEA PHOTOGRAPHY