Meet Maria Ilinca Browne

We recently connected with Maria Ilinca Browne and have shared our conversation below.

Maria, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I developed resilience through both my faith and the strong work ethic instilled by my family. I learned that with curiosity, research, perseverance, and hard work, you can navigate challenges and accomplish your goals. Equally important is maintaining an open mind and being able to pivot and adapt to change. This combination has been invaluable in all areas of my life, both personally and across my diverse career path.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As CEO and Head Designer of The MIB Project, I am dedicated to transforming residential, vacation rental, and commercial spaces in New York through full-service design and custom furniture that embodies innovation and client vision. My approach focuses on drawing out the essence of each client to weave their personal story into our experiential design aesthetic, creating environments that are rich in both function and beauty.

With a strategic background as a Senior Business Analyst, my expertise in project management, analyzing market trends and client needs has been vital in steering The MIB Project to success. Our team excels in managing end-to-end projects, ensuring seamless communication among all stakeholders, and delivering exceptional service that reflects our commitment to design excellence, customer satisfaction and the process by which we get across the finish line.

In addition to my design work, I have been collaborating with my husband to launch a coffee roaster, which began as his dream but quickly became mine as well. Our current focus is on expanding our wholesale distribution while also cultivating a curated online retail presence. What truly sets us apart is our passion for partnering with visionary clients, such as startup cafés, who share our brand values. Together, we aim to help them launch their business and achieve lasting success by bringing their unique story to life. Through authentic collaboration, we craft experiences that not only set them apart but also build a strong foundation for their brand’s growth and impact.

We believe that the most impactful experiences come from true collaboration with clients who, also value authenticity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. By working with those who care about these details as much as we do, we create environments that reflect the brand’s essence while offering multi-sensory experiences. Whether it’s the taste of the coffee, the design of the space, or the music in the background, we ensure that every touchpoint tells a cohesive story, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and the ability to deeply understand both client needs and market trends.

1. **Resilience**: The path to success is rarely linear. I’ve learned that persistence, fueled by faith and a strong work ethic, has been crucial in overcoming challenges. For anyone starting out, embrace setbacks as learning experiences, and let them sharpen your focus and determination.

2. **Adaptability**: The ability to pivot and adjust to change has been a key factor in both my design and entrepreneurial ventures. Markets evolve, trends shift, and unexpected circumstances arise. My advice is to always stay open-minded, be willing to evolve, and view change as an opportunity for growth.

3. **Client and Market Insight**: Whether in design or business, understanding your audience and their needs is essential. My background as a Senior Business Analyst has equipped me with the ability to deeply understand and advocate for client desires and aspirations, allowing me to translate their vision into a finished project that truly resonates with them. I’d encourage anyone early in their journey to invest time in truly understanding their clients, to develop a keen sense of empathy.

By focusing on these areas—resilience, adaptability, and insight—you can build a foundation that supports both personal and professional growth, no matter the challenges you face.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is someone who values authenticity, creativity, and collaboration. They have a clear vision or aspiration but are open to exploring innovative ideas to bring that vision to life. Whether it’s a residential space, vacation rental, or commercial project, I look for clients who appreciate the details and understand the importance of creating environments that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. They are committed to a high standard of quality and are eager to partner in a process that blends their personal story with thoughtful, experience-rich design. Ultimately, an ideal client shares a passion for creating spaces that reflect their essence while pushing boundaries to achieve something truly unique.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mib-project.com
• Instagram: @themibproject
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559142420988
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-browne-50768b1b4/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@themibproject
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-mib-project-brooklyn?osq=the+mib+project
• Other: Youtube:
  @mibexpression
  @soulcafecoffeeroasters
  @soulcafecoffeechatInstaram:
  @soulcafecoffeeroasters

Image Credits

C a r l o s A n d r é s V a r e l a – Portfolio

Peter Hurley Photography by Britney Young – Headshots