Katie Gutierrez

Founder & Creative Director

 

Born and raised in Miami, creativity has always been second nature to me. From an early age, I gravitated toward storytelling as my primary outlet—whether through writing, debate, or imagination-driven projects. (Fun fact: I won an award for storytelling, competed at the state level in debate, and earned a college scholarship for a written story contest.) Storytelling taught me how to connect emotion, memory, and meaning—something that continues to shape everything I do today.

As I grew older, I wanted to channel that creativity into something tangible—something that could also serve and inspire others. That curiosity led me to architecture and eventually to the objects and environments people live with every day. I began my formal education at the University of Florida, where I was deeply involved in campus life and earned a master’s degree in architecture.

After graduating, I returned to Miami and worked at MC Harry, one of the city’s oldest architecture firms in Coconut Grove. Alongside my professional work, I stayed closely connected to the community through volunteering and serving as vice president of a business networking group. Still, I knew I was being pulled toward something more personal—something that felt expressive, welcoming, and human.

Maison Mischief was born from that feeling. Co-founding the store with Ruben allowed me to bring storytelling into a new medium: furniture and home objects. Each piece we curate carries character, memory, and intention. I believe furniture isn’t just functional—it’s part of your daily rituals, your gatherings, your quiet moments. It’s how a space begins to feel like home.

At Maison Mischief, my goal is to help people discover pieces that resonate with who they are and how they live. Objects that feel nostalgic yet fresh, playful yet timeless. This store is a reflection of that belief—and building it has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.