Why I'm Starting Santa Susana Design Studio.

Designing spaces that reflect stories like mine.

This has been a long time coming.

For years, the idea of launching my own interior design business lived quietly in my heart. I’ve always had a deep love for creating beautiful, meaningful spaces—but for a long time, I didn’t know that a creative career was even an option. Growing up as a second-generation Canadian in a family of Chilean immigrants, the idea of becoming a designer wasn’t part of the conversation. We were encouraged to seek stability, to find safety in more "traditional" career paths. And I understand why—our parents and grandparents were forced to make unimaginable sacrifices to get us here. The immigrant mindset is focused on survival, security, and building a better life. Creativity often had to take a backseat.

But here I am now.

I’ve gone back to finish my interior design degree and I’m finally, proudly, stepping into this next chapter: the official launch of Santa Susana Design Studio.

My motivation for starting this business runs deeper than just a love for interiors. I want to be an alternative voice in an industry that too often overlooks people who look like me or share similar life experiences. The world of interior design is still largely dominated by a narrow definition of beauty, shaped by people who have had very different opportunities and platforms than I’ve had. For a long time, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me in magazines, in design schools, or in leadership roles in this space. That absence made me question if I belonged here.

But I do. We do.

Santa Susana Design Studio is my answer to that silence. It’s a space where stories, culture, and heritage matter. Where design isn’t just about trends, but about telling stories through the objects we choose and the spaces we create. My goal is to design with meaning—to help people see themselves and their histories reflected in their homes.

I want to thank the people who have supported me on this journey so far—my husband, my kids, my family, and my friends. You’ve reminded me time and again that creativity is not just a luxury, it’s a form of expression and survival. Your encouragement has kept me going.

I’m excited—really excited—to start this new adventure. I’ll be sharing updates as I build my portfolio, finish my degree, and continue working with clients. Whether it’s a DIY consult or a full-service design project, I’m here to help bring your vision to life, in a way that honours your story.

Thank you for being here with me. This is only the beginning.

Con cariño,

Sussy

Santa Susana Design Studio