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

Hi Christina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before Colossus Mfg., Kele and I had spent a decade building some of the country’s most prolific brands and telling their stories. While we loved our work, we were yearning to build something tangible that we could markedly put our stamp on. Designing physical spaces gives us the opportunity to do just that. Every project we work on – whether it be a restaurant, home or brand project – begins with a simple and distinct concept that we can bring to life through many different tactile touch points. Every day brings new challenges and we love what we do!

What should our readers know about your business?
Colossus Mfg is a creative agency specializing in hospitality, interiors, branding and communications. We’re based in California, but work all over the country. We started Colossus Mfg. with one project in 2018, which then it became two, then ten and so on. It wasn’t easy and it didn’t happen overnight – starting any business takes grit, long hours, and a strong will to succeed. Along the way we ended up filming a seven episode HGTV series, which aired in 2022, called Mashup Our Home. If you think starting your own business is hard, throw in filming and hosting a television show for seven straight months! It’s been a wild ride, but we’ve learned that anything in life worth doing takes guts, courage and leaning into risk.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re transitioning our business and life to Encinitas, where we’re currently remodeling a home, so we know our friends will line up to visit us soon. When they come, Kele will take any adventurous souls for a morning surf break at Beacons, then we’ll head to Moonlight Beach for a kid-friendly day at the beach. We’ll do a lunch stop at Roberto’s in Leucadia for tacos, then we’ll stop to pick up some fresh fish from Pelly’s and other groceries at Seaside Market to grill a big feast at home for dinner. Finally, after dinner we’ll stroll down to the Belly Up to check out some music if there’s a good lineup playing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’ve been fortunate to have met many incredible mentors that have helped guide us along the often uncharted waters of running your own business. A few years ago we met Paul Basile, who is doing incredibly forward thinking hospitality design work throughout the US with his design and fabrication shop, Basile Studio. Beyond being an open and curious creative, he’s encouraged us to push further, and dream bigger.

Website: www.bycolossus.com

Instagram: @colossusmfg

Image Credits
Christina and Kele Portrait – Stephanie Russo Trailer Rehab – Kele Dobrinski Mountain Eclectic Living Room – Stephanie Russo Modern Spanish Living Room with blue chairs – Kat Alves Mission Tudor Living room – Stephanie Russo Canon Restaurant Patio – Codi Ann Backman Tudor Noir Pool House – Kele Dobrinski California Cottage Kitchen – Stephanie Russo Stark Punk Kitchen – Stephanie Russo

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