Today we’d like to introduce you to Cacia Harris.
Hi Cacia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I do not have formal training in design or a formal interior design degree that says I know what I’m doing, but the truth is I have been designing my whole life. When I was little, I got thrown into the design world working with my grandma who was an elegant British woman with impeccable style. She owned her own firm and had a sprawling clientele that loved her regal style. She always decorated with classic pieces that had a unique twist or curiosity. I can remember shopping in back alleys to source the perfect fabric or item to complete her projects. I enjoyed the process from beginning to end. Seeing all the pieces come together to create a mood or to make a home feel complete. In the end, I finished college with a business marketing degree because the idea of working fast-paced ad agency idea sounded exciting and safe… mostly safe. I was quickly hired out of school and realized that the high stress and demand of the ad world weren’t fulfilling me and my creative side was left unused.
I left work for some time and started having kids… 3 to be exact. We moved many times while they were young. From Utah to Seattle to London and back home to Utah. Everywhere we lived I got a fresh start and an opportunity to recreate a home with my ever-changing style. Throughout the years my design style has evolved becoming a unique blend from the different places we have experienced. I think with maturity my style has also changed into finding things that make a home comfy and livable and buying things that truly make me happy or remind me of a special memory.
Over the years I have done several remodels and helped friends and family with projects. I really enjoyed the creative process of each project. I wanted to create a home and space that just felt good when you walked in. I found that sourcing goods to create what I envisioned required me to purchase things from all over the place. This seemed time-consuming and complicated. I wanted to create a place where you could shop for inspired home goods that make you feel connected and at home. I started online with transitional decor pieces with the intention of bringing good energy to your space. In the last year, more and more pieces were added to the site and I was able to source items from artisans and small vendors. The site left me lacking human interaction and I had hopes of connecting with people by having a storefront.
A location on Main street in Heber came available and I knew it was time to dive in and open a store. I was excited to build out the space with all the ideas and visions living in my head. With the storefront, I wanted to expand our product line to not only home decor that made you feel good, but houseplants and thoughtful gifts like jewelry, beauty products and candles. Again, sourcing these items from small business owners that have put so much thought, love and care into their products. I truly believe there is an energy exchange for good when we buy things that are sourced from people who pour their souls into their products.
As I feel old to finally be ditching the “safe” path and diving into an unknown world, the truth is you will never be as young as you are now, do what you are meant to do. With inspiration from the small shops on the high streets of London, I hope to offer a unique store that offers special finds or favorites to gift to others. With something new and interesting displayed each time you come.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Really life in general is a bumpy path that shapes who we are. Our life lessons come with harsh realities that teach us empathy for others. I don’t think anything you jump into is ever smooth. Everything new comes with its own challenges and struggles and with each one you come away with more insight and knowledge of how to do it better in the future. No matter the challenge I have come away a stronger and better person for having gone through that hurdle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Really this is a repeat of the previous story, but my branding is all about energy. The energy we create in our home and finding the energy we want to embody where ever we go. Its a combination of everything you have brought into your life: people, places and experiences. You become your surroundings. That is why I wanted to offer products that are based on love and light and create a space that is filled with good energy. There is also something to be said about thoughtfully selecting a gift for another person- again an exchange of energy- Love.
My logo is an eye and it stands for two things: the third eye and the evil eye. The third eye is to represent your intuition, trusting yourself. Being real and authentic and connecting to who you are deep down. The evil eye is said to reflect negative energy back to those casting it your way. That could be jealousy, ill-will, or resentment. I choose to be who I am, and focus on the things that truly bring me happiness.
How do you think about happiness?
I think it takes experience and maturity to realize what really makes you happy. As we age, we learn that so many things we thought were important never really mattered. As I am rounding out my 30s, I am able to say that being my authentic self makes me the most happy. Not pretending for someone else, not living in a way to appeal to others. Just being me- rough edges and all. Take it or leave it.
I am most happy when I am connected to nature- whether its hiking, on the lake, or by the ocean. I need sunshine always. I get lots of energy from people… I love people. Everyone has a story and I love to connect and interact with people. My husband is hilarious and can always make me laugh- and my kids are my world. One hug from them and every stress melt because in an instant you connect to all that really matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: curiocollective.com
- Instagram: @curio.collective
- Facebook: @shopcuriocollective
Image Credits
Braden Young Photography
