Meet John Henry Maldonado | Interior Designer and Contemporary Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Henry Maldonado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John Henry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My answer to your question is FREEDOM. Since I can remember, I have been inspired by my parents; back in Colombia, they went above and beyond to provide for us even though they did not possess a higher education or background in business. My Mother and Father pushed beyond the boundaries of resilience and determination to provide for us and to offer financial safety and a better-quality life and education. Freedom is one of the main characteristics of my thought process for building my own Interior Design Studio. The ability to provide for myself, do what I am passionate about, take risks for a vision embedded in my heart, and follow in my parent’s footsteps. Another aspect of the thought process for creating this venture is that times have changed. What used to be enticing and a comfort zone working for corporations and having a guaranteed paycheck works for many but for others, and I am speaking from a perspective of the creative realm. COVID has been a catalyst to awaken the need for many in my field of architecture and design to cut loose from their comfort zone, take a chance on building their dreams, and feel that sense of accomplishment that infuses and empowers our thought process to seeing the limitless possibilities to establish yourself as your entity. I can engage with a community of entrepreneurs walking the same path, which continues to motivate me to keep pushing and not give up on my dreams. It inspires others also to set themselves free and follow their true calling. Please note that I am speaking from my perspective in life; there are those who have been blessed to work for great companies that are very successful and have had the ability to grow and expand through their approach and thought process in their careers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

There is much to say about my story, but I’ll keep it as simple as possible. First and foremost, it has taken me 45 years to come to terms with myself and my approach to life. To understand and accept that we are all different and that some of us do not “fit” in a world where following the rules is the safest way to travel. I have challenged that concept. I have refused to follow certain rules and injustices. My spiritual core values have played and will forever continue to be the beacon of light that will guide me to wherever this journey might take me. My art stems from a sense of knowing, not a belief system or perception of something invisible to the naked eye. However, through this sense of knowing and guidance from the universe, I feel I am called to infuse many aspects of spirituality into my works of art and my approach to creating interior spaces. I feel this need in the world to experience art beyond the five senses and treat our homes as our sanctuary where stillness, warmth, beauty, comfort, and elegance are all conduits to elevating our awareness and creativity.

It certainly has not been easy to accept and embrace how I perceive the world around me, but most importantly, how I am guided to see the world through different lenses. It has sometimes created barriers for my business practices to grow. However, I am finally at a point in my life where I now understand that my visions and their purpose are what sets me apart. We all have a specific gift; my gift is to share aspects of art and design through the uniqueness I bring to the light, and by embracing this aspect of myself, I allow others also to become who they are meant to be in this lifetime.

Many lessons I have learned through the years and up to this pivotal point in my life. The greatest lesson has been loving myself through authenticity and not being afraid any longer of what the world thinks, feels, or how I am perceived. The truth is that this force that works with me allows me to find creative ways that might not be innovated worldwide but that, when applied to my work, resonate with those whose voices are dimmed by the world.

I see it, I feel it, and it is an electrical impulse that overpowers my fears and embraces the outcomes of what I create in the world of art and interior design.

Suppose I have a moment to tell the world about my brand and story. In that case, it is to truly feel the essence of who we are and permit ourselves to become the higher version of ourselves, knowing we are imperfect. Our imperfections make us beautiful and authentic, and fearing what others think of us is extraordinary- irrelevant, for we are all here with a unique gift and contributions to the world. It has been challenging to present to the world this aspect of myself. Still, because of this force, the universe, synchronicities, and the guidance I now embrace, I am setting myself free from the indoctrinations that hold us back from finding, paving, and leaving our mark in the world. When it is all set and done, we can look back and say. I delivered, I created, I believed, and I cut the cords to the shortcomings of my ancestry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would have them rent a car and allow them to explore the areas as they wish!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Thank you for allowing me to recognize that it would not be possible if it weren’t for the ones in my life who believe in my vision but have also contributed through their actions to see the evolution of this dream become tangible. Please allow me to mention a few, and to those, I might be missing in this article, please know that you are part of this journey.

Gage Peter Hartung from Shuster Design Associates has been the catapult and one of the main characters in my story that presented me with opportunities to grow as an Interior Designer. I am grateful not only for his valuable intentions but also because he has been a source of inspiration and guidance in aspects of the field where his wisdom is priceless to me.

Peter Dekaj, from Stork’s Bakery and Coffee House, is a humanitarian who gives back to the community. Through him, I had the opportunity to express my Interior Design skills by renovating his business’s interior and exterior aspects. At the same time, Jim Stork, Peter’s associate and good friend, entrusted me with the full scope of work for the recent transformation of Stork’s.

My friend Joshua Vera from Core Concept Architecture. Jose Arango from Toby Zack Designs, Joao Pimento from Joao Landscape Designs. Claudia Lugan, Lead Interior Designer. Harry Martinez from Studio 33 Interiors. Naomi Demers, Design Studio Director. My family, my dear friend Obed Melendez and my Doctor, Sheetal Sharma. Every single induvial I have mentioned, whether we are close or not at this moment, they have been crucial, each in its capacity, through guidance, advice, wisdom, and inspiration, and through their actions have contributed to my growth even if they are unaware. Thank you!

Website: https://www.jhmdesign.studio/

Instagram: jhminteriordesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhm2020/