Clara Richardson-Olguin’s journey from the Dominican Republic to the forefront of the flooring industry in Georgia encapsulates a narrative of passion, resilience, and innovation. Co-founding C.I.C. Floors with her husband, Cesar, Clara has infused her diverse background in law, music, and entrepreneurship into a business that transcends the conventional flooring store model.
C.I.C. Floors, under Clara’s leadership, is not just about selling flooring solutions; it’s about creating relationships and crafting environments that tell a story. Clara’s approach to business is deeply personal, prioritizing customer relationships over mere transactions. This philosophy is evident in the unique showroom experience C.I.C. offers, where clients are invited to explore their options with a glass of wine or mimosa, reflecting Clara’s commitment to an enjoyable, stress-free decision-making process.
Her academic and professional journey is as impressive as it is diverse. Clara holds a law degree from the Dominican Republic and a master’s in Music Management/Voice from Georgia State University. This eclectic background has endowed her with a unique perspective on business, seeing it as an art form—whether it’s the harmonics of a well-designed living space or the intricate details of a legal contract.
Under Clara and Cesar’s stewardship, C.I.C. Floors has grown significantly, achieving milestones such as multiple business certifications, including Minority Business Enterprise and Women’s Business Enterprise certifications. Clara’s leadership and vision have been recognized widely, evidenced by her nomination as a finalist for the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Small Business Person of the Year Awards in the Minority Entrepreneur category.
Clara’s commitment to the community is as robust as her business acumen. C.I.C. Floors contributes a portion of its earnings to various causes, reflecting a deep-seated belief in giving back. Clara envisions leveraging C.I.C. Floors not just as a business but as a platform for social impact, including supporting the flooring installation workforce through training programs tailored for non-native English speakers and refugees.
C.I.C. Floors itself is a testament to Clara and Cesar’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation. The company offers a broad selection of flooring materials and specializes in environmentally conscious solutions, aligning with Clara’s vision of creating art on floors that form the foundation of countless memories.
As Clara Richardson-Olguin receives the Georgia Minority Business Heritage Award, it is a celebration of her journey, her impact on the flooring industry, and her contributions to the community. Her story is a powerful reminder of how diverse experiences and a commitment to excellence can pave the way for meaningful success and lasting change.