We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mark Hermogeno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Mark, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
First and foremost my work ethic stems from the examples my parents set for us. My mother was an advanced individual who started college at the age of 14 back in the Philippines. By 18 she received her Bachelor’s Degree and then ventured over to America where her successful aunt helped with her transition to a new country. She worked for over 25 in the medical field. My father on the other hand was from a poor family in the Philippines. He immigrated to America in his teens, attended community college, received his Bachelor’s Degree and eventually earned his MBA from California State University Los Angeles Sum Cum Laude! His last position in medicine was working as a hospital administrator. These 2 individuals set a standard for us to learn from and follow. Other than my parents all my grandparents were tough: my maternal grandmother and grandfather were music professors and composers, my paternal grandparents had 10 children and when they arrived in the US my grandfather was a line cook. All these examples affected my way of approaching work.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Mark Hermogeno and I am a Los Angeles based kitchen, bath and interior designer who specializes in remodels and renovations. 2023 marks 18 years being a designer and I wouldn’t want to do anything else. I love to reimagine spaces and creating homes or businesses specifically for each client. And what I love most is when clients challenge me with solving problems in their spaces from layout of cabinets or furniture to completely rearranging a home. PSHA is a fundraiser for kids music and art programs where designers like myself are selected to transform a property. All ticket sales go to fund scholarships and education programs. The 450 square foot kitchen will be updated and refreshed with the latest and greatest products and design. Come on out!! It runs from the end of April to the end of May 2023!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three things that have influenced my journey are: 1. Resilience: No matter what keep aiming for your goal. If y0u make a mistake learn from it and move on. 2. Support: If the folks around you believe in your drive listen to them. These people are here for a reason. And in the same note, those that do NOT support you need to take a seat. 3. Self Care: if you don’t take time out for yourself you will burn yourself out and your dream will become a nightmare. You cannot work 24/7. Marking sure I make time to take care of myself is very important. It should be to you too.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Since 2014 I was diagnosed with a number of physical ailments: herniated discs, bulging discs, arthritis and nerve problems. In 2020 I had an emergency 4 level thoracic laminectomy and spinal fusion. I physically have issues that make some of my everyday activities difficult. But I know when to rest and I know when my body can do more. The one thing is since I am relatively young, not being able to do particular things I could do when I was younger is a difficult pill to swallow.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://hermogenodesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermogenodesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HERMOGENO-DESIGNS/100063787830400/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hermogenodesigns/
