The recession has actually been good for Cindra Manera’s home design business. “Because of the recession, more homeowners are keeping what they have and remodeling,” she said. Manera celebrated the grand opening of T Design by Cindra last week at
The recession has actually been good for Cindra Manera’s home design business.
“Because of the recession, more homeowners are keeping what they have and remodeling,” she said.
Manera celebrated the grand opening of T Design by Cindra last week at 4365 Rice St., Unit A in Lihu‘e.
She provides interior design work for remodeling projects or new construction projects, helping clients see how rooms can be arranged to maximize effectiveness.
Born and raised on Kaua‘i, Manera graduated in 1994 from Chaminade University in Honolulu with an interior design degree.
“I always wanted to come back and an opportunity came up to work at Aloha Lumber,” said Manera of the company that eventually became Honsador Lumber. A friend of hers worked as kitchen and bathroom designer there and brought Manera onboard.
After four years, Manera moved to Container Home Supply, where they sold everything for a house including doors, windows and flooring. After spending a decade doing design work there, the company closed in 2009.
With 14 years experience under her belt, Manera was left wondering what to do next in her career.
“I had so many options,” she said. She joined Kaua‘i Lumber in Lawa‘i, but after two years, they merged with another company and “went corporate.”
Manera knew she wanted to stay in a smaller environment and felt it was time to break away and be on her own.
“It feels good to be your own boss,” she said, adding that it allows her the opportunity to be flexible with her hours.
Manera generally works on eight to 10 kitchens of all sizes per month. She has designed bathrooms, entertainment and desk areas, closets, bedrooms, bar and sink areas and uses creativity to show homeowners what is possible with new materials, features and structures.
“I help them visualize it,” Manera said of drawing up plans using a design program on her computer, “and they can revise the plans until they area comfortable with what their kitchen will look like.”
