Alumni

Grad Raelena Vasquez is the Interiors Entrepreneur Behind Swank Designs and Swoon Home

FIDM Graduate Raelena Vasquez is the founder of two complementary businesses in Redlands, California: Swank Designs, a residential and commercial interior design firm, and Swoon Home, a contemporary furnishings shop featuring furnishings and fixtures from CR Laine, Palecek, Arteriors, and Hudson Valley Lighting, among others. Raelena's design aesthetic combines "modern chic with timeless classic contemporary beauty" and is inspired by her world travels and the California lifestyle.

Growing up in southern California, Raelena's parents owned bridal boutiques in the cities of Fontana and Alta Loma. Exposed to entrepreneurship at an early age, they encouraged her to discover her creativity and instilled the importance of customer service according to a recent article in Redlands Community News. 

After graduating from FIDM, she apprenticed under famed fashion designer Trina Turk, but realized she preferred to work in the world of interiors. She landed a job in LA but the commute wore on her. Fourteen years ago, Raelena founded Swank Design out of her Redlands home. Once she realized she needed a staging room, she opened Swoon Home for her clients and anyone else interested in fine interior design pieces. 

"I have a diverse design background in fashion and furniture design, as well as residential and commercial interior design projects, such as hair salon design to new home building projects," Raelena has said. "I pay attention to details and the whole person and my passion is to create a dream space for my clients."

Learn more at swankdesignhome.com and swoonhomeliving.com.

Categories:  Interior Design Alumni