Interview by Emily Hessney Lynch.

Published November 15, 2019.

Where are you from? How did you end up in Rochester?

I’m from the Dominican Republic, from Santo Domingo, which is the capital. I came to Rochester because I earned a scholarship to study Management at RIT. I loved the program; RIT is so diverse and it opened my world. I have friends from all over the world now--India, Afghanistan, Africa, Pakistan, Brazil. We had so many different cultures, it was fun!

What were some of your first impressions of Rochester?

I loved it. The first thing I saw was Henrietta, and my first outing was to Park Ave. The architecture of the houses impressed me most. We don’t have so many houses in the Dominican, it’s more tall buildings and towers. 

As soon as I stepped foot in Rochester, I thought I was going to live here forever. I called my mom and said “I love it, I want to live here forever.” It’s a good place to create a family and grow roots.

What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?

I love how it’s so artistic and cultural--we have lots of music, events, and restaurants with live music. More than anything, I love walking around neighborhoods, especially ones I’ve never been in. I’ll pick one at random and we’ll just go walk. 

What hidden gems do you love to visit?

I love Parkleigh, that’s my favorite local store. I love Geva Theatre, the Eastman Theatre, the Eastman House (I got engaged there, so it’s even more special for me). I enjoy the love of little coffee shops, because in my country that’s not a thing. Here there’s a coffee culture, people come and study or have meetings in coffee shops. I like everything--I’m easy to please!

What are some of your favorite local nonprofits to support? 

I love the Eastman Museum, I try to go to all their events, like Dutch Connection in the winter with all the flowers, and their holiday events. I love the Genesee Country Museum; it’s stunning! I went there for the first time last year and it’s one of the most beautiful places around.

If you had $100 and two hours to kill in Rochester, how would you spend the money/time? 

I’d have a glass of red wine on somewhere, maybe on Park Ave. Then I’d buy myself something at Parkleigh. Afterwards, I’d head to see the RPO at the Eastman Theatre. I’d end the night with dessert at Cheesy Eddie’s or Phillip’s European.  

What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather? 

During the winter, we go out for dinner more than when the weather’s good. Tea and red wine help too!

What's one memory you have that captures what Rochester means to you? 

Rochester for me is nature, that’s what it reminds me of. Nature is everywhere. The first time I went to Highland Park for the Lilac Festival is a good memory, you feel so in touch with all the nature is. Nature and an arts festival represent Rochester, for sure--our city is about art and nature combined. Clothesline Fest at the MAG and the Corn Hill Festival are two of my favorites, with the best vendors. I also enjoy the Park Ave Open House at the holidays, with hot chocolate and a very Christmassy vibe.

What makes Rochester unique? 

Every season is marked by a festival. I think that’s very unique. Also, Rochester is very cozy. It feels like an intimate, small community, and that’s special.

What do you think could be improved? 

People need to take advantage of what we have to offer, in every sense. For example, the Eastman House. It would be easy to take it for granted, but they do all these events, they stay relevant, and it should always be something major!

Also, there’s so much potential on Monroe and Main Street. It would be so nice to see it filled with shops, restaurants, and things to do.

Tell me a little bit about Casita by Camila. What inspired you to start it? 

I started it as a passion and hobby in 2017; I wanted to share my vision of a happy and healthy home. Little by little, my community has grown. I started getting asked for recommendations and to decorate people’s homes! I recently started transforming it into my business. It’s become a digital platform to inspire, but I also offer styling services and event planning for intimate events at your home.

For me, it’s about more than material things and decorating perfectly. It’s about the memories that create and what happens in your home. That’s my purpose, to inspire people to see the power of your home.

What's the best part of running Casita by Camila? 

It’s inspiring people. When I receive messages and people are inspired by details I’ve shared, it makes me happy. I love connecting with people. I can impact someone’s life in a very simple way. 

What are some of the challenges you face? 

I’m not from here. Inserting myself in the market and getting my name out there has been tough, especially because I’m doing it all in a language that’s not my primary! I think I’m in the right place to start, and I’m still figuring things out.

What advice would you give to other creatives/entrepreneurs in Rochester? 

Start without thinking of the money. Start because you’re passionate about it and you love what you’re doing; that will translate into economic benefits. Everything will take place from there.

Networking is key too. Insert yourself in the community, attend all the events, and join groups. I think that’s helped me a lot.