Halaken

BY DIANA CLARK

Halaken

YOU ARE ANOTHER ME

The Mayan greeting “halaken” means “you are another me.” It is the Mayan concept of universal love that sees us all as an integral part of the great universe. The idea views human relationships as based on respect, love, and coexistence; each of us a part of the other. Halaken is the guiding principle for Laura Cueva, President/CEO of Interior Innovations and the name of the building her business now occupies in Syracuse.

Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Laura immigrated to the United States and brought with her a passion for interior design and a desire to one day have a business she could call her own. She also brought her preparation. The youngest of twelve children, Laura grew up in a family whose parents were

Laura Cueva, President/CEO Interior Innovations,

Photography by Nancy Ford

“No perder la mirada a donde quieres ir y a donde quieres llegar.”

dedicated to providing their children with a college education. She holds a Doctorate in Business and has 18 years experience in growing and expanding businesses throughout Mexico before coming to the U.S. In 2013, Laura decided to use that preparation and experience to open her own interior design business. She became a certified MWBE and got to work selling her products, an array of seating, tables, desks, systems furniture, adjustable height furniture, classroom and waiting room furniture, dormitory furniture, andmodular

1641 E. Genesee St. in Syracuse.

Photographs by Laura Cueva

Interior Innovations Conference Space

Photographs by Rickey Brown

The Mayan greeting “halaken”means “you are another me.”

Interior Innovations will be renovated into mixed used space.

Photographs by Laura Cueva

walls, among others. With a focus on universities and hospitals, Interior Innovations provides consulting, space planning, specifications, sales, project management, and professional installation. To build her business, Laura hit the pavement to meet with representatives from universities and hospitals. The first few years of her business, it was just Laura in her car traveling along the thruway from Albany to Buffalo by herself.

Despite her success, Laura’s journey so far has not been without hiccups. As a new business without local connections, it has taken some time to build up a name for herself. Being a speaker of English as a second language has at times helped her, and at others hindered. Nevertheless, Laura has stayed focused on her goals. When it gets difficult, she remembers a simple phrase, “No perder la mirada a donde quieres ir y a donde quieres llegar.” (Don’t lose sight of where you want to go, whereyou want to arrive).

Laura is proud to be an American citizen and to work with other business ownersin Central New York. Heradvice to aspiring MWBEs? “You have to prepare yourself. You have to strive to get ahead, but you can do it! Get your education. Prepare yourself. There’s much to do,but also much to begrateful for.”

Interior Innovations "THERE’S MUCH TO DO BUT ALSO MUCH TO BE GRATEFUL FOR.

Interior Innovations brings experienced Space Planners, Designers, Account Managers, Suppliers, Manufacturers & Installers together to manage your project from start to finish.

Contact Details

Interior Innovations, Inc. 1641 E. Genesee St, Syracuse, NY 13210 315-724-1985 315-930-3510 info@iicontractfurniture. www.iicontractfurniture.com

Photographs by Nancy Ford

NYS Certification

NYS Certification