Coming from a long line of women who took care of themselves and had their own businesses, Linnore Gonzales knew that she would run her own one day. Being an entrepreneur was woven into her DNA and upbringing in the Philippines. The eldest child, responsibility became second nature as she took care of things when her mom was traveling. She eventually earned a BA in Chemical Engineering and landed in the corporate world. Linnore climbed the ladder so much so that her New York-based company sent her to open an office in Colorado. That ultimately changed the course of her life forever.

Linnore had a successful string of stores before she decided to dive into her decorating business, Décor & You. It has since evolved into a unique experience for clients looking to decorate their home. We talked about what makes Décor & You different from all the rest and even found out what music she puts on when she’s not singing along to 80’s music.

Kendra: Looking back at your bedroom in high school, were there any elements that make you go, “What was I thinking?”

Linnore Gonzales: My childhood home was decorated with my mom’s style and tastes. I never really had a moment when I thought about how awful the design was. I loved every inch of my room and particularly remember the beautiful chandelier from Spain. My mom was very traditional as far as her décor and had a flair for French Provincial. Looking back, I can now understand why I lean towards the more traditional and French Provincial elements in design in my home.

Kendra: Back to the present. You went through a sort of rebirth when you re-branded your company a couple years ago. What brought that need for growth and change about?

Linnore: We re-branded Décor & You to be more of a one-stop and turn-key design company. The re-branding was precipitated by the changes we saw in the design industry as well as the change in our client’s buying patterns. The surge of technology, the availability of everything online and furniture being more disposable are some of the reasons that made us shift how we do business.

We are now a full-service interior design company that not only provides interior decorating and design but can now do kitchen, bath, and basement remodels too. Keeping up with the changes we see now and constantly finding ways to serve our clients is crucial for us to continue to be successful.

Kendra: Like you said, D&Y is truly a one-stop shop when it comes to design. You design, have tips and even have a shop. Is there more on the horizon?

Linnore: Our goal is to provide everything our clients need. Decorating and remodeling can be very daunting and intimidating. It can be a source of stress and a big time waster if you don’t know where to start, what to do and where to go to complete the project. We want our clients to know that we do it all for them. We are there from start to finish. No need for them to be running around town trying to find the perfect tile or worrying about timelines, dealing with contractors, scheduling and permits. We will grow and continue to offer new services based on what our clients want and need.

Kendra: You also play the part of the host on your local Good Living by Design. Do you pull from any HGTV hosts for inspiration from when you step in front of the camera?

Linnore: I really do not have a particular HGTV host I pull inspiration from but when I have the time to binge watch HGTV shows, I enjoy watching Property Brothers and Fixer Upper’s Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their authenticity and being themselves in front and behind the camera is what I like about them.

Kendra: You’re a strong woman with drive and her own business. Because of that you garner a lot of respect and admiration from others working towards similar goals. Are you involved with any groups that allow you to share your passion with others? I know you’re involved with some women’s organizations. Are they business based?

Linnore: I am mostly involved in women’s and business groups. I enjoy helping first-time business owners navigate the challenges of business ownership. I truly get excited when someone talks about starting their own business and share their enthusiasm, nervousness, and sense of pride.

Kendra: What’s coming up for D&Y Design in the upcoming months?

Linnore: D&Y Design Group is continuing to take more remodeling projects. In mid-end of 2018, our plan is to launch our commercial design division to supplement our established and growing residential design side. We want to be able to not just make you love your home but make you love your workspaces as well!

Kendra: What music do you have on to calm down when work gets hectic? How about five songs for your “Chill Playlist?”

Linnore: Right now I love listening to current hits. Songs on my Chill Playlist?

“Beautiful Trauma” by Pink
“Havana” by Camila Cabello
“Never Be The Same” by Camila Cabello
“Lights Down Low” by Max/Gnash
“Meant To Be” by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line