Harriet Despina shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Harriet, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think finding internal balance is really something that most people struggle with. It is really easy to get caught up in the cycle that is “life” and before you know it, time passes and we find wishing we held onto the time. We live in a world where we live to work and not work to live. We are a society that sees a moment in a post or in a reel and we forget to be present.
For me, I think social media has been the biggest blessing for my business in many ways; however, I also believe that it has the ability to create road blocks for people and make them feel as though they are failing. I always try to remind myself that there is not any substance in what is portrayed in a snippet online . It makes certain things seem too far out of reach and unattainable.
With that said, finding harmony between what is important and what is trivial can be challenging. I see that people are struggling with comparison, with believing false narratives, and finding true joy within themselves.
I hope that my peers and others around me find time to take a moment to reflect everyday and really dig deep into what is important to them, and only them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Harriet and I am the owner and CEO of Harriet Despina Interiors. I am coming up on my 5th year in business and I couldn’t be happier! It has been my dream for as long as I could remember to have my own business and to be able to live that dream everyday is truly humbling.
As an Interior Designer, my goal is always to create a space that my clients really enjoy coming home to. A space that makes others feel welcome, an aesthetic that encompasses who my clients are, and a place that creates a feeling for anyone who walks into it!
I am surrounded by many talented designers and I am truly in the background cheering us all on. We are unique and talented in our own ways and it makes me happy to see us all succeeding.
For me, I think finding a niche that works for me is what allows my business to thrive and continue growing. I am passionate about what I do so most of the time, it does not feel like work. I try my best to alleviate any stress that comes along with home renovations, and I will aways put my best foot forward. As a human, we are are all capable of making mistakes and I think for me, being able to take accountability for any mishaps that occur is something that is valued.
As a designer, I am exposed to so much! We see, we touch, we feel, and it allows us to have knowledge on products that most people do not have access to. My biggest flex is being able to work with any style that my client wants to achieve. I work with an array of aesthetics and although at times it can be challenging, it is the best part of what I do! It has expanded my portfolio and my work to some really fun projects.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents are the ones who laid the foundation of what hard work really looks like. Both of my parents are immigrants who came to America to achieve the “American Dream.” In my opinion, they are the pioneers of turning that dream into reality in our family. They put in endless time, dedication, and sacrifice to be able to one day pass their work ethic onto my siblings and myself. Nothing was ever handed to them, so they had to work for everything they had and everything that they were able to provide to us. As a young girl, I remember them leaving the house before the sun was up and coming home to put food on the table after a long day of commuting and work. They never spared us from anything in our lives.
Personally, the lesson was both valuable and life altering. I valued their dedication, their selflessness and hard work; however, I also learned that it is also important to take care of yourself in the midst of it all. I have taken on their work ethic, and I will always continue to value my business and my work, but once in a while, I remember to have fun while doing it!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are worthy.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Self growth.
I believe that I am forever evolving and changing. Who I was a year ago is so vastly different from who I am today. I think that society and life creates this narrative that you have to have it “all figured out” by a certain age or time in your life and I think its total crap. There is no relationship more important than the one that you have with yourself. Every other relationship is secondary and if you do not nurture yourself, it affects every other part of your life.
I used to believe that once I hopped on the bandwagon of self growth, that I would reach an end. That was the most false belief I ever had. The path is infinite. There will always be new lessons, new roadblocks, new horizons and each of those things will only mold me into a better version of my current self.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I must say, I think about this question often. Humility has always been important to me. We are immeshed in a world that chases material things and status. When you are gone, no one will care how much money you have, or how much your clothes cost, or how many friends you had. The most important thing that people remember is who you were as a person.
I simply hope that people see my heart. I hope they see my love for people and how I engaged in their stories and related to both their dreams and their struggles. I hope that I inspire people to find what makes them happy and to not give up on themselves no matter how far fetched their goals they may seem. Most importantly, I hope that I was a friend to everyone that ever came across me.
As I talk about this, I realize that what I do for a living as an Interior Designer may seem contradictory. Most people associate Interior Design with luxury, and although that can be true, it isn’t about the most expensive things that go into a project, or having the most extravagant pieces in your home. For me, it is a feeling. It is the ability to create a space that provides comfort, warmth, happiness and calm.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.harrietdespinainteriors.com
- Instagram: @harrietdespinainteriors
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