Meet Illie Alvarez, Founder of JoySpace Austin

I’ve worn a lot of hats in my career—some quite literally, thanks to my days in fashion merchandising. From styling retail spaces to curating the perfect dinner party, my journey has always revolved around creating experiences that bring people joy.

Before interior decorating, I lived in the fast-paced world of catering and event management, where I learned that every detail matters—how the right lighting transforms a space, how a well-placed floral arrangement sets the mood, and how a thoughtfully designed environment makes people feel welcome. I thrived on the energy of pulling together unforgettable events, balancing logistics with creativity, and making sure every moment felt seamless.

Today, I get to blend everything I’ve learned—design, hospitality, and the art of making things feel just right—to help people fall in love with their homes. Because at the end of the day, great design isn’t just about how a space looks. It’s about how it makes you feel.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a vintage dresser to sand, a can of paint waiting to work its magic, and a vision to bring to life.

Working in fashion merchandising taught me the power of aesthetics—how colors, textures, and silhouettes come together to tell a story. That same instinct now guides my approach to interior decorating. After all, designing a space isn’t so different from styling an outfit—it’s about balance, proportion, and making sure everything fits just right.

Then life shifted. I became a mom. And somewhere between late-night feedings and chasing a toddler, I realized my true passion had been with me all along—transforming spaces into something both beautiful and functional. From rearranging a friend’s living room over a glass of wine to breathing new life into forgotten furniture, I started seeing how much I loved helping others create a home that truly felt like them.

And so, JoySpace was born.