Meet Hector Bernal | BLAKDES.S Custom Furniture- Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hector Bernal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hector, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

BLAKDES.S initially came about as a clothing brand idea back when I was a freshman in college. I wanted my clothing to be handcrafted with a variety of material combinations.

As I got further into college, I decided to pursue a degree in Interior Design. It was during that time when I realized how much I enjoyed the architectural aspect of Interior Design and how much I disliked picking out furniture… which is why most people get into Interior Design in the first place.

I had inspirations from custom car build shows like West Coast Customs and Monster Garage. As I progressed into my discipline as an Interior Designer, the modern and clean design lines from Italian furniture really caught my attention. I still did not enjoy picking out furniture pieces for my projects. Everyone seemed to always pick the same thing over and over again. So, I designed my own stuff. The next thing you know, I am getting requests for tables, chairs, and anything custom. I kept saying yes, and eventually this little act of rebellion grew into a side hustle/ business.

What should our readers know about your business?

I started my brand from my need to do something very creative. I wanted to be an artist. But along the way I also wanted to be a builder and create with my hands beyond pen and paper. I think that is what sets me apart from other makers; I see into the future, I am never afraid to push the status quo and challenge redundant phrases such as, “that is impossible” or ” how will that even work or sell?” etc, I do not take “No” for an answer. Come to think of it, the more I am told “No” the more I have been able to exceed with my brand.

What excites me the most about what I do is what I will be coming up with next. How I will do it and how I will grow from it. Every project and design I have taken on has contributed to my development as a designer and entrepreneur. I really do embrace that part a lot.

As any business, it has not been easy. There is the part where I wanted to design cool furniture pieces and the other part where I needed to be profitable to continue building cool furniture pieces. From a young age I was taught to make everything (My family is all in manufacturing and engineering, so naturally I was encourage to do the same). I discovered people needed a lot of one off parts, like brackets, retrofit applications, and even custom sink drains! I made money by making miscellaneous items and soon enough those requests turned into actual furniture pieces. Much like Steelcase furniture; they started making and selling steel trashcans before they made furniture. This in itself was a very humbling lesson.

If there is anything I want the world to know about my story and brand is this: take no for answer, be humble enough to learn from the very best, and always stay creative through challenges and adversity. There are so many people who will critique you, laugh at you, or unfortunately will try to put you down. Honestly, having an obsessive attitude towards your goals with blinders to block negativity will get you very far. There is no need to ask for permission to be accepted by others. You just need you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love San Diego and I happen to know some of the cool spots around this awesome town. I would have to start them out with some scenic drives along the coast beach towns. I am sure food and drinks get involved for most of this trip, so in my non-professional opinion, I take them out to one of the best California burrito spots, Lucha Libre, and maybe bring the food back to one of the many craft breweries, like Belching Beaver, Modern Times, or St. Archer to name a few.

Little Italy is a great evening spot. Iron Side for dinner, Salt and Straw for dessert, or if they are not feeling fancy, there is always Underbelly and The Princess Pub for some good times.

There is of course beautiful Balboa Park to see, Coronado, Mission Bay, and if we are not feeling like we are in our mid-thirties, maybe some dancing and some of the best cocktail drinks at The Office Bar in North Park, because everyone should make a stop there- again. It’s my non-professional opinion. There is so much to do, but this is what comes to my mind.

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?

There is a lot of people along the way who helped me get to where I am today. First and foremost, my father, Hector Bernal Sr. for showing me just about everything I know today, my mother, Norma Bernal for fighting hard to bring me alive to this world; I would not be here today talking to you guys!

Philip Matzigkeit, one of my design professors and mentors who was influential in the development of my furniture designs. My go to solid friend, Chris Brandley who I credit with a lot of the background work that happens in BLAKDES.S. and my very soon to be wife, Angie Bernal- who I made the mistake of showing off on our first date of how I can “build anything she wants” and has kept me busy these last three years with custom projects.

They all have been instrumental in my entrepreneurial endeavor as a designer.

Website: www.blakdess.com

Instagram: blakdess

Image Credits
visual_captures_photography (Henry Arroyo)