go into media in some form or home accents, as well as bed-
other. ding and bath products, and
candles. Our latest venture
What was the idea behind into home décor is our Casa
your talk show? Cristina Art Collection con-
At the end of 1988 the Uni- sisting of 28 beautifully pro-
vision Network was looking duced and framed pieces of
for someone to do a talk show; fine art.
many names were bounced
around, mine was one of them. What is so unique and dif-
I had been invited many times ferent from other brands?
ABLO BLUM
to participate in “Sabado Gi- The Casa Cristina collection
gante” with Don Francisco as a is inspired by those things
© CSE/P
women’s issues expert as Edi- that feel natural to any Lati-
tor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan en Español no—for example: wrought iron, leath-
magazine. It seems Don Francisco and the corporate umbrella of CSE, Inc. It er, nail head trim, carved woods and
the audience enjoyed my candid dis- was a better way to keep a handle on rubbed finishes, metal studs, hand
cussions. I’ve always said that I don’t things and everything organized. painted designs, pottery, scroll work,
have a connection between my brain and carvings. I have lived surround-
and my mouth – I call them as I see What motivated you to create the ed by these influences.
them. This would be my key to suc- Casa Cristina™ Collection? Of course, Hispanic consumers are
cess on television. In 1989 “El Show I’ve always said that I am a “frus- drawn to the Casa Cristina collection
de Cristina” debuted and within three trated decorator.” Not anymore. I since the design elements are familiar
months we became #1, but the most have always been involved in design to them. However, consumer desires
important factor, I believe, has been and creations as a magazine editor. are becoming more global in many
my ability to grow with the market. For more than 25 years I have spent categories, including home, so I be-
We just celebrated the show’s 20
th
an- countless hours clipping and watch- lieve our collection appeals to a broad
niversary last year! I am very proud ing trends come and go on that job. consumer base that is intrigued by
of that milestone. When the opportunity arose to cre- fresh, unique, global design. Product
How was it different from any ate a home furnishings line under my has no language. When you see some-
other talk show during that time? name I was thrilled with the possibili- thing beautiful, it’s simply beautiful
ell, W we were one of the first “talk ties. The creation of this collection is to any consumer.
shows” in Spanish. I remember when an extension of my personal style,
we first started people told me that which has been influenced by my own You’ve been very successful in ev-
this type of program wouldn’t work heritage and my admiration of Medi- erything, how did you get to where
because Hispanics never really dis- terranean design. So to answer your you are now?
cussed their issues. I didn’t agree. It question I have always had a need to I always say ‘success is not an acci-
wasn’t that we didn’t discuss our is- create. I’ve created magazines, radio dent’. Hard work, determination and
sues, it’s that we had never been giv- shows and TV shows. Now I’ve cre- taking chances is the real road map
en a forum to do so. I’m happy to say ated Casa Cristina. to success. I think it’s important for
that “El Show de Cristina” became A sense of home is very impor- young people starting out to under-
that forum. I’m grateful that over the tant. In a home we build a family and stand that every step you take along
years, we’ve been able to give a voice dream. We live and celebrate life. We the way to success will afford you
to so many who may not otherwise mourn our losses and hope for a bet- many challenges. I always say that
have had one. And, we’ve also been ter tomorrow. Our surroundings are many times we learn more from our
able to shine a light on so many of the an integral part of our development. mistakes than from our successes. The
issues facing our community today. Beauty and design are also important key is to learn and grow.
for our well-being and growth. A bal-
When and why did you decide to anced and well decorated home gives As a busy businesswoman, how
launch CRISTINA SARALEGUI EN- us a sense of stability, of belonging, do you coordinate your time between
TERPRISES? and pride. Casa Cristina’s intent is to work and family?
In 1991 after the television show make you feel like you should…in Ah, that’s the million dollar ques-
had been on the air for more than two harmony with your life. tion! I think so often we as women feel
years and with the launch of several guilty because our careers are taking
other projects, among them a nation- What can we find in your collec- time away from our families or vise
ally syndicated radio show and our tion? versa. I truly believe you can have
magazine project. It made sense to The Casa Cristina Collections con- it all—just not at the same time. You
have all of these properties under sists of furniture, mattresses, lighting, have to pick and choose what’s more
www.hnmagazine.com Celebrating 18 Years of Diversity HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE 49
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