Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Gizzi.
Amber, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started working at Pineapple House as a summer intern during my junior year at the University of Georgia. Since I couldn’t stand to leave in the fall, I ended up staying on part time while I finished school. I started working full time immediately after graduation. After another year, I followed ambition to start my own interior design business, which I ran successfully for two years. I rejoined the team at Pineapple House when I was offered a partnership role last year.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not always been smooth. Starting my own business was unbelievably challenging. I had to teach myself how to use accounting software, figure out what sales taxes are, design a logo and website… The list goes on and none of it is mentioned in design school! Rejoining Pineapple House in a leadership role has been a huge adjustment not only for me, but for all of our employees. Having partners makes running a business much more enjoyable than doing it alone, but there are still ups and downs every day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Pineapple House is a high-end residential interior design firm founded in 1981 by Stephen Pararo. We take on jobs as simple as redecorating, but I would say our specialty is renovation and new construction. Our design team prefers to be on a project from the very beginning working with the architect to perfect the plans. During construction, we communicate with the builder and all subcontractors to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly with no stress on the homeowner. Over 35+ years, Pineapple House has built a reputation for not only beautiful designs, but also exceptional customer service. We truly go above and beyond for our clients.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was very independent and often frustrated because I wanted to be treated like an adult and make my own decisions. I drove my parents crazy, but my mom has admitted that my personality traits that came across as difficult when I was a kid make sense to her now that I’m an adult running a business.
I rode horses competitively from age 5 through college where I received an athletic scholarship to the University of Georgia. Hard work, long hours, and sacrifice are definitely nothing new to me.
Contact Info:
- Address: 190 Ottley Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30324 - Website: www.pineapplehouse.com
- Phone: 404-897-5551
- Email: info@pineapplehouse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pineapplehouseinteriordesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PineappleHouseInteriorDesign/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
