6 THINGS WITH SAMANTHA ROMERO
6 Things with Samantha Romero Founder of Fig & Oak
Based in Los Angeles, Samantha is the founder of Fig & Oak. A showroom in DTLA specializing in hand-selected vintage decor and furniture. What started off as selling personal mid-century pieces to sourcing out-of-state with her father has become a full fledged business. Samantha has a curatorial eye for interior design and in 2021, she made the tough yet brave decision to quit her job in marketing and go after what she's been longing for all along. She's innovative, artful and pushing the boundaries of design.Â
1. What started it all for you?
Maybe it’s the adrenaline rush you experience as you discover three Italian Maralunga Sofas by Vico Magistretti untarnished by the passing of time and set before you on your fluorescent computer screen at 3am. It’s a beautiful insanity. What began as a therapeutic pastime that would consist of early morning flea market strolls and countless hours scouring the internet for vintage gems has evolved into something so much more for me. In 2021, I made the decision to finally quit my comfortable, work from home position at a marketing agency to fully commit myself to Fig & Oak.
2. What drives your creative spark?
Constantly surrounding myself in beautiful design. It takes such skill and intentionality by an artist to create a space or piece that is so special that it can transcend time. I think that’s what makes visiting architectural landmarks like Casa Organica and Luis Barragan so special because the energy is palpable.
3. Most treasured home decor item?
My most treasured home decor item must be the checkered marble plinth coffee table. It was one of the earlier pieces I sourced with my dad. I immediately knew that this piece would need to be front and centerfold whenever I opened a studio. Less than a year later, that vision came into fruition when I received the keys to my first space for Fig & Oak.
4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?
“Echale ganas,” it translates into “put in the effort” in Spanish. This was the piece of advice my father gave me when I decided to commit full time to Fig & Oak. It’s simple but valuable to every aspect of the creative journey and life. We have to put in the effort into the things we love to reap the rewards.
5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?
I’ve currently been reveling in warm cups of tea in the evening, particularly anything by Oha. I brought several of Regina’s handcrafted teas home after visiting her taller in Mexico City. My favorite is “Tierra Quemada,” like the name suggests it has an earthy flavor.
6. What are your favorite 6 accounts that you follow for inspiration?
@casa__shop- A must for hand-selected home goods.
@studio.arva- Studio Arva was one of the inspirations behind creating a multi-faceted showroom.
@sissychacon- Sissy’s curation of The Sort is an online sanctuary with intention at the forefront.
@thebreak- I adore their creative execution: timeless and refreshing.
@ananas____ananas- The edible art installations produced by Ananas are one of a kind.
@lessismore.___- Aisha has created a beautiful conscious brand with an ethos that speaks volumes: less really is more.
SHOPÂ SAMANTHA'SÂ 6 HOME PICKS
"Echale ganas” translates into “put in the effort” in Spanish. This was the piece of advice my father gave me when I decided to commit full time to Fig & Oak. It’s simple but valuable to every aspect of the creative journey and life. We have to put in the effort into the things we love to reap the rewards." -Samantha Romero
