Meet Eliana Rajao of Cambridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliana Rajao.

Eliana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My fascination for fashion started as a teenager in Brazil, first by watching my mother sew and embroider our clothes, and later when I received a knitting machine for my 16th birthday. At the time, my family did not have the means to send me to a fashion design school and this pushed me to explore textures, colors and shapes creatively on my own. When I was about twenty years old, I opened my own business making and selling hand-made knitted sweaters, which I ran until I decided to broaden my horizons and come to the United States. It took me about two years to gain enough fluency here, and to feel confident enough to apply to the Mass College of Arts. There, I studied Fashion Design while continuing with a home-based business knitting sweaters.

What followed were decades of designing sweaters, fashionable clothing, and interior design accessories. Although I never envisioned interior design as my focus, when I began working at Marimekko, I saw that there was a need for this type of service, and I had a vision for the kinds of projects I could help my clients fulfill. With the rich textiles and natural resources of Brazil as my inspiration, I explored a variety of textures, colors and styles. Regularly combining my substantial experience with new perspectives and techniques, I made decorative accessories for the home, and provided home and personal fashion consultation to more and more clients in the greater Boston.

Simplicity in life has always been important to me. It is the essence behind my guiding design principles: Elegance, Comfort, and Versatility.

Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Coming from Brazil, it was hard adjusting to a different life in the United States, and to leave everything behind. The language and culture here were both obstacles for me, as I spoke no English when I first arrived as an adult, even though I was educated in Brazil. It is so difficult when you want to express yourself and do not have the vocabulary, but I was able to channel my frustration and learn English over the next few years.

The evolution from fashion to interior design was another challenge. The sewing techniques were completely different from fashion, and it was an entirely new design vocabulary to learn. I had to reinvent myself as a designer, and start to learn all over again. However, none of this has ever stopped me, because I love learning and like to push through challenges.

Eliana Rajao – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I help people create a beautiful, cheerful space for their home or office.

I have extensive experience in the design and creation of custom drapery, window shades, bedding, cushions, décor pillows, and more. I take great pride in my perceptive approach to customer service, and my ultimate goal is to give the customer a finished space that is personalized, practical, and stylish.

I know that a home is a reflection of each person’s personality and lifestyle. My work is to assist each client in creating signature pieces that will reflect who they are in style, color, and functionality. Over the last decade, I have worked to build a name that is synonymous with quality and personalized service.

Some of my signature offerings are: home design consultations; use of Marimekko textiles; custom duvet covers and comforters; custom cushions; custom drapery; fabric and textile repurposing from your home; custom window-seats; tablecloths, and more.

People love my use of unique textiles and patterns, as well as my fast turn-around on projects.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
My proudest moments are when I deliver a finished project, and get to see the items placed in peoples’ homes. I love to see how the work comes alive and changes the space completely; each item speaks a different story.

When clients reach back out to me for a new project after several years, citing their fondness for my work and approach, I feel very proud. With so many other places they could take their business, I feel fulfilled knowing that my clients go out of their way to work with me again.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Elianarajao.com
• Phone: 617 -2337528
• Email: elianaprajao@gmail.com
• Instagram: Elianarajao.com
• Yelp: elianarajao- Designs

   
Image Credit:
Hugo Rajao _photografer
Sienna MacArthur/Eliana Rajao-Styling

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