Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonia Holshouser-Lackey.
Sonia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Mexico had a huge influence on my love for color, texture and eclectic, timeless design. I always loved going to markets and art fairs where the vibrancy of colors and textures abound. And, even as a child bought miniature furniture made by the artisans for my doll houses.
I moved to Europe after high school and studied art, photography and languages. Then moved to the USA and studied interior design at the Art Institute of Dallas. Then got a BFA with a concentration in film at SMU. After college, I spent many years in the film and TV industry, doing production, wardrobe and set design. I then went into merchandising and window design for the Limited Express, Banana Republic, Next USA and Derby Farm Flowers and Gardens in Arlington. I worked as an interior designer for Andra Birkerts, a renowned designer in Wellesley, then became an independent designer & color specialist and staged homes for events.
“Dot the i” became a seedling after a pair of architects asked me to design their wedding reception. I was excited by the new challenge, and I had confidence in my sense for details and ability to create beautiful and unique spaces. This project had all of the elements to be a success and “Dot the i” was born.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think any small independent business owner has bumps along the way. It hasn’t been a smooth road mostly because it’s not always easy to maintain enough projects to stay afloat. Balancing home, family and business responsibilities is always a struggle, and is the story for most of us women trying to make it. Some years are better than others and having only yourself to depend on can be scary at times. There is great freedom in being your own boss, but with that comes the constant challenge of bringing in new clients.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Dot the i Designs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Memorable events or beautiful homes are theater… a seamless blend of beauty and meaning that are also highly personal. They require coordination and production skills that are acutely visual and detail-driven. Involving so many different media—space design, furniture, color, lighting, fabrics, textures, flowers, dress, staging… This eclectic range of interests is, and has always been, my world—the visual world.
“Dot the i” is a small design company that provides interior design services and celebration design and coordination. Staging an event or designing a home go hand in hand, so combining the two worlds just made sense. Transforming a space while reflecting the uniqueness of each client is what I pride myself in and find most interesting about the work. For me, the human element gives it a life and makes it real. After all, a space with walls and furniture doesn’t become a home until it becomes the backdrop for people and their daily lives. I like to think that I am designing a home and not a show-room.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I grew up in one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City. So, by contrast, Boston can be a bit sleepy for me. And, although I appreciate the beauty of the four seasons, winters can be too long.
I love that Boston has all the ingredients of a large cultural and cosmopolitan city, and yet it’s compact and very manageable. It’s an ocean-front historical city with beautiful green spaces, great museums, art, architecture, music, great food, and it’s also a center for education. It’s a sweet little package.
Contact Info:
- Address: Arlington, MA
- Website: dottheidesigns.com
- Phone: 781 492 7580
- Email: soniahl@rcn.com
- Facebook: Dot the i Designs
Image Credit:
Sarah Winchester Photography (table scapes and stone fireplace)
Blonde Cow Photography (1 wedding pic, yellow flowers/lemons)
