We recently connected with Samia Verbist and have shared our conversation below.
Samia, 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?
Being the only person in the room who looks like me has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and success. I’ve learned to navigate this unique position through a combination of strategies. First and foremost, I’ve committed myself to continuous learning. This involves not only formal education but also observing the successful individuals around me, analyzing their approaches, and understanding the nuances of their achievements.
Additionally, I’ve embraced my failures as powerful learning opportunities. Each setback has provided me with critical insights, allowing me to refine my strategies and approaches. By viewing failures not as defeats but as stepping stones, I’ve developed a growth mindset that propels me forward.
Listening to and implementing advice from mentors and colleagues has also been crucial. I actively seek out diverse perspectives and experiment with different suggestions to see what works best for me. This iterative process of advice and application has been instrumental in my personal and professional development.
In essence, my journey has been about blending knowledge acquisition, observational learning, resilience in the face of failure, and the strategic implementation of advice. These elements together have enabled me to thrive even when I am the only one in the room who looks like me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a French interior designer who embarked on an exciting journey to the United States nine years ago with my husband and our two beloved cats. We settled in California, a place I had always dreamed of calling home. Despite not knowing anyone in the interior design industry here, I took a leap of faith and opened my design studio from scratch.
The early years were filled with challenges and hard work, but my determination and passion for design propelled me forward. Today, I am proud to say that my studio has flourished, and I have successfully completed numerous large-scale projects, primarily focusing on house remodels. Each project allows me to blend my European sensibilities with the diverse and dynamic styles of California, creating unique and personalized spaces for my clients.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the opportunity to transform homes into beautiful, functional spaces that truly reflect the personalities and lifestyles of their owners. I find immense joy in seeing the satisfaction and happiness of my clients when they step into their newly designed homes.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid traveler. Returning to France as a tourist gives me a fresh perspective and inspires my work with new ideas and cultural influences. I also have a deep love for reading, which provides me with endless inspiration and relaxation. Living in California has allowed me to embrace a vibrant and active lifestyle, and I particularly enjoy practicing yoga, which helps me maintain balance and creativity.
As my design studio continues to grow, I am excited about the future and the potential to take on even more ambitious projects. I am constantly exploring new trends and innovations in the interior design world, and I look forward to expanding my brand and reaching new heights in my career.
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?
Looking back on my journey, I can pinpoint three key qualities that have been most impactful: perseverance, optimism, and a touch of boldness, or perhaps a bit of unconsciousness, which gave me the courage to leave everything behind in France and start anew in California after the age of 40.
Perseverance has been the backbone of my success. Building a business from the ground up in a new country, without any initial contacts in the industry, required relentless dedication and hard work. There were many obstacles and setbacks along the way, but my unwavering commitment to my dream kept me moving forward. For those early in their journey, I advise embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities to grow. Persistence is key; keep pushing forward even when the road gets tough.
Optimism has played a crucial role in maintaining my motivation and enthusiasm. Believing in a positive outcome, even in the face of difficulties, has helped me stay focused and driven. This mindset allowed me to see possibilities where others might see barriers. For newcomers, cultivating a positive outlook can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with supportive people, celebrate small victories, and always keep your ultimate goals in sight.
Lastly, a bit of boldness or what I sometimes refer to as unconsciousness, was essential. The decision to leave my established life in France and start over in a completely new environment required a leap of faith. This boldness stemmed from a deep belief in my vision and abilities, even if it meant stepping into the unknown. For those starting their journey, my advice is to embrace risks. Sometimes, it’s necessary to step out of your comfort zone and take chances. Trust in your instincts and have faith in your capacity to adapt and thrive.
In summary, perseverance, optimism, and boldness have been instrumental in my journey. For anyone at the beginning of their path, I recommend developing these qualities through consistent effort, maintaining a positive attitude, and being willing to take calculated risks. These attributes will not only help you overcome challenges but also propel you toward achieving your dreams.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I have developed several strategies to help me regain my balance and sense of calm. The first thing I do is silence my cellphone and put it away from me, ensuring that I am not disturbed by calls, emails, or notifications. This helps create a space free from external distractions.
Next, I take a step back and focus on the present moment. I take deep breaths and allow myself to feel the ocean breeze or the warmth of the sun on my face. I find solace in listening to the silence around me or simply relaxing next to my cats, who provide a wonderful source of comfort and stress relief. Their purring and calm demeanor help ground me and bring a sense of peace.
In addition to these immediate actions, I also try to disconnect by engaging in activities that help me unwind. Practicing yoga is one of my favorite ways to relax. The combination of physical movement, deep breathing, and mindfulness helps to clear my mind and reduce stress. Yoga allows me to reconnect with my body and mind, creating a harmonious balance that alleviates feelings of being overwhelmed.
Reading is another great way for me to disconnect from reality and immerse myself in a different world. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, books provide an escape and a way to relax my mind. They allow me to take a break from my own thoughts and worries, offering a temporary respite that is both refreshing and rejuvenating.
For those who may also feel overwhelmed at times, my advice is to find what works best for you. Create a quiet space, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s spending time in nature, cuddling with a pet, practicing yoga, or getting lost in a good book, finding your own methods to disconnect and recharge is essential for maintaining your well-being. Remember, it’s important to take a step back and give yourself the time and space to breathe and recover.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samiaverbist-interior.design
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samia_verbist_interior_design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiaverbist/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-V1BIxxyULPjJjxNfHE5A/videos
Image Credits
Reza Lotf Photography
Jeri Koegel
Preview First Photos
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