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Tell us your full name, age, hometown and passion.
My name is Mark Hermogeno. I’m 32 and I’m from Los Angeles but I’m currently living in San Francisco. My passion is Interior Design.
What dream are you currently living out?
I own and run my own successful company, Hermogeno Designs, an interior design firm which has been published in Design Journal Magazine and Window Fashions Magazine and has also won an award from Window Fashions Magazine & Hunter Douglas.
When I was younger I had made a list of goals I wanted to achieve before I turned 30, all of which I succeeded in achieving: have my own successful company doing something I love, purchase a home, purchase my first BMW and be in a great relationship.
Where were you before you decided that it was possible to pursue your dream?
I was a retail manager and visual merchandiser for over 10 years. In my last position I worked as a store manager for San Francisco Bay Area company Smith & Hawken. The favorite and most enjoyable part of my retail career was always merchandising the stores, which I did for companies such as the GAP, Restoration Hardware and The Disney Store. I slowly climbed the retail ladder from a part-time Christmas sales associate to store manager and visual merchandiser for multi-store locations.
Did you have an epiphany or a change in mindset when you realized that it was possible? When/what happened?
I took one class to productively use my time and stir my curiosity in design. The class was “Introduction to Interior Design” at the University of California Berkeley Extension. After the first day of class I knew interior design was for me. I felt like everything fell into place and I dove into design head first and with all my heart.
When you committed yourself to walking that path, what changed for you?
I truly felt that I finally knew what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I felt that I was in control of my life and that I was proud of what I knew I could accomplish.
What mental barriers and fears did you have to overcome? What physical barriers?
Mentally I felt I was ready to dive into the industry. However, because it was a new industry for me, I was nervous and scared that my lack of experience may affect my new career.
Physically, because I look younger than I am, many clients questioned my abilities. It took quite a bit of time before I gained my clients’ trust.
What kind of feedback or advice were you given and how did you perceive it?
While taking classes I was encouraged by many people who said I was good at design. One instructor told me I was great and encouraged me to start working with clients to give me real world experience. I took his advice and ran with it. My first few clients were learning lessons but I proved to myself that I can and I am a designer. My parents and all my family have been really supportive of what I do in all aspects of my life: dancing semi-professionally for many years, changing my college from pre-med to cultural anthropology, and supporting me during my coming out process. Without them I don’t think I would have made it through my late teen and early 20’s. And finally my partner of 5 years has been such a great source of support and inspiration. My family and friends, along with my partner, have encouraged me to move forward with my passion.
What inspired you to reflect on your former circumstances and begin to define how you wanted to live your life?
After finding out about my medical condition I found myself alone. I felt that life is short and that I never wanted to look back and wonder “what would have been?”
How has doing what you are doing changed how you see future possibilities and challenges?
I feel that anything is possible and that simplicity is the key to a successful life. The less complicated answers to problems make the best solutions to everyday challenges.
What are your strength and weaknesses? Which are you trying to improve upon?
I think my strengths and weaknesses go hand in hand. The first strength is that I have somewhat of a photographic memory and I’m able to visualize an end product or design in mind. I can usually walk into a space or a client’s home and after speaking with them, translate their personality into a space. Another one of my strengths is being assertive with my designs. However when a client doesn’t see eye to eye with me, I sometimes take it personally. I am also open and generous to a point, which can also be a weakness. I guess it’s a good thing that my strengths and weaknesses are tied together as they create balance in my life.
How has your perspective on life changed?
I feel that I have matured a lot and that I don’t take things so seriously anymore. I find pride in things that make others happy.
What have you learned about life from your journey?
Life is too short to doubt yourself and that no matter how bad life gets, the world isn’t out to get you. There are people out there that do love and support you. Be real and true and you will be surrounded by people who will treat you the same.
How do you perceive society?
I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I always follow my first gut feeling when I meet someone. I truly believe in karma and aura. But in most cases I take people at face value until they prove themselves otherwise.
What would be your advice to other people who want to live out their dreams?
Don’t self doubt yourself and follow your passion. When you love what you do chances are you will do it well.
What is most important to you in life?
Personal happiness no matter what I am doing, whether it is professionally or personally, is the most important thing in my life. Life is about being happy and having fun.
What are you most proud of in your life?
I think the one thing I am most proud of is finding who I am, being comfortable and happy with myself and finding someone who accepts and loves who I am. I guess those are three things, but they all go hand in hand.
What is your next dream?
I dream that same sex marriage and relationships are not just legally accepted in the United States, but also socially. My partner and I live in California and we are hoping that we can legally marry in 2009. However, I do dream of expanding my business to include product design and being an internationally known designer – think Martha Stewart reincarnated as a young, hip, fun, down-to-earth, gay Filipino-American interior designer, LOL =)
Click on the link below to visit Mark’s site:
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