Shasta Colmenares
Shasta Colmenares is a Senior Design Manager and professional Latin dancer based in Santa Rosa, California. With a foundation in architecture and interior design, she has spent over a decade crafting custom homes and consulting on kitchen, bath, and full-home projects. At North Coast Tile & Stone, Shasta leads design initiatives and manages a talented team, bringing a unique ability to balance client vision with the technical demands of builders, contractors, and architects in a predominantly male-dominated field. Her work is defined by meticulous attention to detail, creative problem-solving, and a passion for creating environments where people feel supported, inspired, and empowered.
Since 2009, Shasta has also pursued her passion for dance, operating her own Latin dance company and teaching classes focused on women’s empowerment through movement. She specializes in helping women build confidence and explore their feminine and sensual expression, guiding students from high school age through adulthood. Her workshops, such as “Embodied Sensuality,” create safe spaces for women to reconnect with themselves, fostering personal growth, community, and self-expression. Shasta’s experience in labor and delivery further underscores her dedication to supporting women through life transitions, offering care, guidance, and empowerment in both professional and personal arenas.
A creative, dedicated mother of two, Shasta blends her diverse skills to curate meaningful experiences both at home and in the community. She has been recognized for her design excellence in Sonoma County and featured in Marin Magazine’s “Top Women in Business.” Whether designing homes, leading dance classes, or mentoring women, Shasta’s work is anchored in empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others thrive. Her philosophy emphasizes intentionality, connection, and creating spaces—physical or emotional—where people feel whole, valued, and capable of stepping confidently into their lives.
• Nominated for Top Women in Business 2025 by Marin Magazine
• Featured in Sonoma Magazine as Design Professional
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to pursuing work I am truly passionate about, showing up consistently even when it’s challenging, and listening deeply to what is needed. I combine diligence with adaptability—following through on the work in the in-between moments, while being brave enough to pivot when something no longer aligns with my growth or values. My success also comes from empowering others, especially women, to step into their potential, and from creating opportunities that allow both myself and those around me to evolve and thrive.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to follow your passion and allow your skills to cross over into different areas. Be willing to adapt your offerings to fit the realities of your life—for example, modifying classes for other moms. Listen to your community and create accessible spaces that uplift and support other women. Finally, confidently claim your professional value in male-dominated fields while lifting up your peers along the way.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field include navigating male-dominated trades and helping women overcome imposter syndrome. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities: women are increasingly recognized as a primary market, and there is a cultural shift that gives women-owned businesses greater visibility and influence. This combination of challenges and opportunities makes it an exciting time to support and empower women in our industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me are supporting others in their growth and staying connected to my own evolution. I believe in creating safe, inspiring spaces where people—especially women—can step fully into their potential. Becoming a mom reinforced the importance of balancing roles with self-awareness. By following my passion and committing to personal growth, I can make meaningful impact while holding space for others to grow, create, and thrive.