Meet Ivania Maria Rodriguez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ivania Maria Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ivania Maria, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding one’s purpose can happen in a single moment or it can take a lifetime. For a while, I asked myself questions like, What am I good at? What is my purpose? Until I decided to follow my parents’ advice: always make time for the things that make me smile.

With time (and a lot of practice) I began to notice how my mind worked when I was in places that made me feel good. I started feeling the desire to try new things, to transform spaces, and to make them feel special. I discovered that one of my purposes was to use my talents to make a home feel the way it should: special and beautiful.

But along that journey, I also discovered that a person’s purpose isn’t just one thing. In my case, motherhood is a role that’s reflected in all my purposes and everything I do. In fact, my purpose as a mother and a wife is what most inspires my creativity. Whether it’s in my home or someone else’s, understanding how each family functions and how each member fulfills their role allows me to fine-tune my talents according to their needs.

That’s why I believe we can find our purpose by paying attention to the divine gifts we were born with

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I work in interior decoration, but right now my focus is on renewing my own home through hands-on projects. What excites me the most is the challenge of bringing to life what I see in my mind. For me, decorating and DIY projects aren’t about spending money on pretty things just for the sake of it—they’re about creating spaces that make people feel something. When you can make someone feel that connection, and even more when it happens in your own home, it’s deeply rewarding and exciting.

In my style, I always seek a sense of peace and clarity. That’s why I’m drawn to bright, simple designs with plenty of natural elements. Every project becomes a reflection of that inner calm—a reminder that beauty doesn’t need to shout; sometimes it just needs to breathe.

That’s what I hope my brand will always reflect.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I feel like I’m still fine-tuning and developing my skills, but I believe that qualities like the desire to learn, to listen, and to pay attention to details have helped me the most in growing as a designer. Even though I’m always seeking to learn more and educate myself in my field, I would advise anyone just starting out in this career to train their eye—to look at many photos, to appreciate all styles even if they’re not their own, and most importantly, to learn to listen to the needs of the person seeking their help.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Wow! I’ve had amazing parents, and it’s hard to name just one thing, but if I had to choose what has impacted me the most, it would be that they taught me with passion. My father has a divine work ethic—he’s always shown passion for his work, discipline, and dedication in everything he does. That has deeply influenced my personal growth.

My mother is the most creative woman I know. She puts heart and effort into everything she does. She taught me that everything has a solution, and that everything can be beautiful. She showed me how to be responsible with creativity and not to be afraid to express it. It might sound curious, but that has shaped not only my personal life but also my spiritual one. I owe so much to that combination of lessons they gave me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @idesign.homes