A Strong Foundation: My Early Years in Boston
My name is Christina Petrella, I’m 37, and I was born and raised in Boston, MA. Today, I’m the owner and designer of Lincoln Interiors LLC, an interior design company based in my current home city of Melrose, MA.
Growing up, I witnessed my parents’ strong work ethic and the sacrifices they made for our family. They taught me the importance of supporting myself, and I learned that hard work builds character. Being financially independent became a source of pride for me, as I remained focused and goal-oriented throughout my life.
A Creative Path: From Fashion to Real Estate
I have always been creatively driven. My journey began with studying Fashion Merchandising and Design at Bay State College, which led me to become a hair stylist. By age 21, I had already purchased my first condo—driven by my passion for breathing new life into outdated spaces. Renovating, renting, and selling that condo was just the beginning. Soon after, I bought my first house, a 130-year-old home that I spent seven years renovating both inside and out.
Each new project fueled my love for interior design. I began helping family and friends design their own spaces, always striving for more.
Balancing Life: Motherhood and Professional Growth
By 29, I was married with two children, Aiden and Andrew. While my professional life was thriving, my personal life threw me a curveball. I found myself stuck in a situation where I was made to feel that I had to choose between being a mother or a businesswoman. Ambition was something someone tried to take from me.
I realized I couldn’t allow myself to settle for a life that didn’t align with my potential. Change was scary, but the fear of staying stagnant was even scarier. That’s when everything shifted.
Taking the Leap: Launching Lincoln Interiors
In March 2020, I officially launched Lincoln Interiors. But just as I was starting out, the world shut down due to the pandemic, and after 19 years, I was laid off from the salon. Panic set in. I was trying to build a business while others were closing.
Determined to succeed, I turned to social media to find clients. Many of my loyal hair clients had listened to my renovation stories for years, and when I shared before-and-after photos, their support poured in. Friends and clients hired us, helping spread the word, and we quickly expanded from one room to two, then three.
Building a Brand: Transforming Spaces, One Room at a Time
At Lincoln Interiors, we design residential and commercial spaces that are comfortable, personal, and full of character. I find joy in transforming smaller spaces and love working with the charm of older homes—crown molding, wainscoting, and wallpaper are key elements in my projects. I take pride in showcasing the best features of my clients’ homes, always looking for new ways to elevate each space.
Lessons Learned: Growth, Resilience, and the Power of Perspective
Over the years, I’ve learned that the only thing I can control is my reaction to life’s curveballs. I refused to let anyone or anything define me or make me small. In the past four years, I’ve watched my business flourish, met amazing clients, and evolved as a versatile designer with each new challenge.
I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, even while navigating the hardest years of my life. I’ve shown myself and my boys that it’s okay to stand up for yourself, to grow, and to evolve with your goals. No matter the obstacles, you can still pursue the happiest version of yourself.
The Eagle’s Flight: Overcoming Challenges
A family member once shared with me a story about a bird and an eagle. The crow represents all the challenges in life—the critics, opinions, and distractions. But like the eagle, you can soar higher, focusing on self-improvement, learning, and working smarter.
For every person trying to dim your light, there’s another drawn to your glow. My story is simple: I pushed through the obstacles and became the best, happiest version of myself. And I’m still soaring higher.