What does it take to turn creative talent into a globally recognized design brand?
In this episode of Thrive In Design, Nicole Lashae Hall sits down with Stacy Garcia—founder, designer, and entrepreneur—to explore how she built a multi-faceted brand spanning product design, licensing, and strategic partnerships across the A&D industry.
Stacy shares her journey from launching her own design studio to developing a licensing powerhouse, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how designers can expand beyond traditional service models. This conversation dives into the business mechanics of scaling creative work—covering everything from brand positioning and product development to navigating long-term partnerships with major manufacturers.
Nicole and Stacy also discuss the importance of evolution in a creative career. As the industry shifts, Stacy emphasizes why adaptability, curiosity, and a clear point of view are essential for staying relevant—and how designers can create opportunities rather than wait for them.
If you’re an interior designer, product designer, or creative entrepreneur looking to diversify your revenue streams, build a lasting brand, and think beyond client work, this episode provides both inspiration and practical insight.
⏱️ Timestamps (Key Moments)00:00 – Introduction to Stacy Garcia + her impact in the design industry
02:00 – Stacy’s early career and transition into entrepreneurship
05:00 – How she built her brand beyond traditional design services
08:00 – Understanding licensing as a growth strategy for designers
12:00 – The role of partnerships in scaling a creative business
15:00 – How to position your work for long-term opportunities
18:00 – Adapting to industry shifts and staying relevant
21:00 – The mindset behind building a global design brand
24:00 – Advice for designers looking to expand their business model
27:00 – Final thoughts: creating longevity in your creative career
💬 Key Quotes- “Your creativity doesn’t have to be limited to one business model.”
- “Licensing allows your ideas to scale beyond your time.”
- “You don’t wait for opportunities—you create them.”
- “A strong point of view is what makes your work valuable.”
- “Longevity comes from evolution, not repetition.”
To learn more about Stacy Garcia and her work shaping the future of design and the built environment, connect with her and Stacy Garcia Studio:
- Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacygarcia/
- Follow Stacy Garcia Studio on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stacy-garcia-studio/
- Follow Stacy Garcia Studio on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stacygarciastudio
- Follow Stacy Garcia Studio on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacygarciastudio/
- Follow Stacy Garcia Studio on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/stacygarciainc/
- Visit the Stacy Garcia Studio website:https://stacygarciainc.com/
You can also reach Stacy directly at stacy@stacygarcia.com.
🔗 Connect with Thrive In DesignFollow Thrive In Design for insights on design leadership, business strategy, and growth in the A&D industry:
- Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thriveindesign
- Take the SpecReady™ Assessment: https://specready.co/
- Join the Thrive In Design: AI in Design Summit on May 20, 2026: https://tidsummit.com/
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