We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marbé Briceno Velázquez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marbé below.
Marbé , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As an interior designer, navigating spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
Initially, it was tough—coming to terms with being an immigrant of color with a distinct accent in Los Angeles, a city known for its diversity, made me feel like an outsider. I struggled with feelings of insecurity, wondering if my differences would hinder my success.
However, I soon realized that my uniqueness was actually a strength. Instead of seeing myself as an outsider, I began to embrace my background and perspective as assets that set me apart in the industry.
My journey taught me to have confidence in my abilities as a designer, regardless of how I looked or sounded. I reminded myself that my talent was a gift and that great artists could emerge from any background.
Over time, I developed resilience in the face of challenges. I learned to maintain a positive mindset and to persevere through setbacks, focusing on my strengths and surrounding myself with supportive individuals who valued diversity and inclusion.
Through self-affirmation and support, I gradually learned to celebrate my differences rather than viewing them as obstacles. I realized that being the only one who looked like me allowed me to bring a unique perspective to my designs, enriching the creative community with my distinct style.
Today, I’m proud to say that being the only one in the room who looks like me no longer feels like a burden—it’s a source of strength and inspiration.
I’ve learned to thrive in any environment, making a positive impact through my work as an interior designer and contributing to a more diverse and vibrant creative landscape.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
What excites me most about my work as an interior designer is the opportunity to bring my clients’ visions to life. Each project is a new challenge, and I’m grateful for the chance to push boundaries and create something inspiring.
At Marbé Designs, we specialize in personalized attention and bespoke creations, blending European elegance with contemporary flair. From residential to retail and hospitality design, we tailor each project to our clients’ unique needs, ensuring a seamless result from concept to execution.
I’m particularly thrilled about the upcoming move of my studio to AKA Boutique Studio Lab. This curated space will offer a boutique experience, showcasing top-tier artisans and craftsmen. Lighting plays a crucial role in our designs, and I’ve curated architectural lighting to enhance every corner of the studio.
Additionally, art is integral to my design ethos. I have a dedicated wall for rotating art installations, supporting local artists and educating the community about various artistic styles.
Overall, I’m excited about the future of Marbé Designs and our commitment to excellence and innovation. We’re poised to create unforgettable experiences that inspire awe in all who encounter our designs.
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 consider myself very resilient, perhaps because of the life experiences that have shaped me. My ability to swiftly rise after falling and to continuously move forward without dwelling on the past is one of my greatest strengths. I am very competitive by nature, but with myself directing this drive inward, I always strive to surpass my own standards.
I firmly believe that each of us is born with unique talents, but it’s only through diligent study and development that we can truly flourish. It’s like the parable of the talents—if you have it, don’t bury it; multiply it.
We have to embrace our journey and resist the urge to rush toward success. Every step along the way offers valuable lessons and growth opportunities. Staying true to ourselves and others will help lay a solid foundation for achieving our goals. Each experience, whether triumph or setback, contributes to our overall success.
Therefore, I advise newcomers to approach their journey with authenticity and patience, understanding that true achievement is a result of embracing the process in its entirety.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always open to collaboration with professionals across various disciplines within the design industry, including architects, artists, vendors, builders, investors, realtors, and more. Whether it’s partnering on architectural projects, exploring product design opportunities, or creating bespoke lighting solutions, I’m eager to expand my collaborative network.
For instance, last year, I had the privilege of being invited to design a theater stage for the WestEdge design fair. This experience showcased the breadth of my collaborative endeavors and underscored my commitment to pushing boundaries within the realm of design.
As I mentioned, I’m in the process of establishing my new studio, which I envision as a hub for creative minds to converge, collaborate, and bring their visions to life.
I love to collaborate. I invite anyone to reach out to explore collaboration opportunities. Whether you’re a fellow designer, an architect, an artist, a vendor, or someone with a passion for design, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how we can collaborate. I believe we can harness the power of collective creativity to shape the future of design as a group.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marbedesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marbe.designs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marbedesigns
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marbedesigns/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marbedesigns
Image Credits
NICK PHOTOGRAPHY DARLENE HALABY PHOTOGRAPHY
