We were lucky to catch up with Prarthna Vas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Prarthna , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
“If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.” — T.D. Jakes
Finding my purpose was a natural evolution. It wasn’t about discovering something entirely new but about uncovering what had always been within me—my passion for storytelling. At every stage of my life, I’ve been a storyteller, whether crafting narratives for global brands, advocating for sustainability, or now, bringing life to an interior space through art direction and styling. Purpose, for me, is about aligning my work with what excites and fulfills me, creating spaces that hold deeper meaning and connection.
During the pandemic, I curated and styled a friend’s condo for resale, which unexpectedly ignited a deeper interest in interiors that I hadn’t fully embraced before. After over 18 years in corporate marketing and sustainability—telling stories for Fortune 500 brands and organizations—I found myself drawn to the art of storytelling through design. The pandemic offered a rare pause to reflect on what truly brought me joy. I reimagined my own home, blending the new and the old, the flawless and the flawed—celebrating imperfections through pieces with history. Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which celebrates imperfection and the beauty of impermanence, I transitioned from my corporate career to embark on a new journey in the world of interiors.
Through it all, storytelling has remained my constant—a thread that connects my past and present passions.
For me, pursuing this path isn’t just about design—it’s about creating meaningful experiences and celebrating the art of storytelling in every space. I aim to transform spaces into captivating narratives, elevating every detail and orchestrating objects to create a sense of visual poetry. By juxtaposing textures, styles, and eras, I desire to curate soulful interiors that tell stories uniquely their own.
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?
I am thrilled to introduce Casa Prāta – a multidisciplinary creative atelier offering interior curation, art direction and styling services, along with private sourcing of vintage furniture, objects, and art. We also design custom handcrafted furniture.
Growing up, my passion for cultivating a distinct sense of style in fashion naturally evolved into a unique perspective on interiors. Whether styling an outfit or curating a space, I am drawn to timeless, one-of-a-kind pieces that effortlessly infuse charm, character, and soul into any setting. When I walk into a room, the first thing I notice is the feeling it evokes. My eye instinctively seeks out the objects and accents that make a space captivating and soulful—not just for their individual beauty, but for how they interact, complement, and elevate one another. It’s the harmony between pieces that brings a room to life.
Enter Casa Prāta—your friendly partner in sourcing artful objects, rare vintage treasures, and bespoke handmade pieces. I work closely with clients to uncover unique finds that bring depth, character, and thoughtful finishing touches to their spaces. By juxtaposing the old with the new and blending the rare with the interesting, I help curate and style homes that are soulful, refined, and distinctly yours.
With roots in Washington D.C. and India, we specialize in discovering pieces of enduring quality and rich history—objects that transcend fleeting trends and tell their own unique stories. We offer interior styling, sourcing, and procurement services for interior designers, developers, private residences, and curious collectors.
Currently, I am in the process of setting up a styling studio—a space where designers and local collectors can connect with me, enjoy a cup of tea (or a glass of wine), and experience my curated objects and aesthetics in an intimate, soulful setting. Looking ahead, I plan to collaborate with interior designers, photographers, and other stylists to curate private showings, showcasing the work of emerging artists from near and far.
Prarthna Styled This Image At A Maryland house. Interior Design by Theo & Co Design. And Image By East & Lane.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the power of simply asking for what you want. Whether it’s an opportunity, a favor, or feedback, asking directly and with confidence can lead to unexpected results. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no—but when you do, the chances of success increase significantly. After all, there’s nothing to lose.
Two years ago, I found myself outside the stunning, Instagram-famous home of an artist in Los Angeles. On a whim, I decided to knock. To my surprise, they answered—and even gave me a 20-minute tour. That moment not only affirmed the power of asking but also inspired me to pivot my career into the world of interiors. All it took was a chance, a knock, and the belief that the door would open.
2. The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration has been central to my journey. As Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships at Conservation International, I cultivated brand and sustainability partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. This role reinforced my belief that meaningful relationships are the foundation of success, enabling mutual growth and learning. When you work collaboratively and uplift others, you grow alongside them. True collaboration creates outcomes far greater than anything achieved in isolation.
3. The Power of Networking
Networking isn’t just transactional—it’s about building genuine connections. Informal coffee chats, for instance, have been one of my most effective tools for learning and creating opportunities. These conversations foster mutual understanding, unlock candid insights, and often lead to mentorship, partnerships, or career growth.
If you’re just starting out or transitioning industries, aim for one coffee chat a week. Even if the results aren’t immediate, you’ll gain knowledge, broaden your perspective, and build relationships and mentorships that could benefit you later. Remember to give back to your network—offer advice, make introductions, or share opportunities. Genuine, reciprocal connections are the cornerstone of a thriving professional network.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
“Your Second Life Begins When You Realize You Only Have One” by Raphaëlle Giordano beautifully reflects a philosophy my father instilled in me. He believed that we come to this planet just once and must make the most of it: pursue your dreams without worrying about the results, live and love fully, be bold, show kindness, and most importantly, give back. “Be the person who always tells another person there is room for one more”, he had said. These values, lovingly imparted by him, have shaped both my personal and professional journey. I am deeply grateful for the foundation he gave me—one that continues to inspire and empower me every day. He is my greatest mentor.
My husband’s unwavering support has also been crucial in my journey. His belief in me, encouragement, and constant love have given me the strength to overcome challenges and stay focused. His support has given me the strength to make the leap, push forward, and keep up the momentum. Together, they’ve empowered me to pursue my goals with confidence.
Additionally, I’ve learned immensely from my peers in the world of interiors—clients, designers, artists, photographers, makers and more—who have taught me more than I could have learned alone. My time at Conservation International, HSBC, and Leo Burnett, where I was guided by senior leaders, also deepened my understanding of the value of building meaningful relationships and collaboration.
Success, I believe, is never achieved alone—it’s the result of collective learning, support, and encouragement. I am grateful to all who have helped me reach where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casaprata.com
- Instagram: @casaprata.studio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prarthna-vasudevan
Image Credits
Tatiana Dove Photography
Zealand Artistry
East & Lane
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
