We were lucky to catch up with Silvana Ralphs recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Silvana, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My confidence and self-esteem developed over time as I got deeper into my passion for woodworking and home improvement. In the beginning, I wasn’t always sure of my skills, and I still have those moments time to time and like most creators, I made plenty of mistakes (still do). But every project, every video, every challenge was a lesson that built me up. I learned to trust my creative instincts and not be afraid to share my journey—mistakes included! Putting myself out there on YouTube, seeing people enjoy my work, and growing from feedback really boosted my confidence. Plus, knowing that I’m building a life and space for my family that reflects my values keeps me grounded and proud of what I do every day. One day, I realized how important it was to actually enjoy the pieces I create and the home projects I complete, without rushing to post them on social media. Taking breaks from social media and really appreciating my work helped me feel more confident and, surprisingly, more creative. It gave me space to focus on what truly matters and brought out the best in my craft.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a woodworking and home improvement content creator with a passion for transforming spaces into beautiful, functional areas that people can enjoy. Through my YouTube channel, I share DIY projects, from amazing furniture builds to full room makeovers, giving my audience an inside look at the creative process. What excites me the most is seeing how a piece of wood can be transformed into something truly special. I’ve always loved clean lines, warm wood tones, and that organic, Bali-inspired vibe, so my work reflects that balance between simplicity and nature.
For me, what’s special is the ability to inspire others to take on projects they didn’t think they could do, whether it’s a simple decor piece or a larger home transformation. I think we often underestimate what we’re capable of, and I hope to show people that with a bit of creativity and effort, they can create spaces they love.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my YouTube channel and expanding my brand to include more content, including woodworking guides, and possibly a coffee table book featuring some of my favorite projects. I want to not only inspire but also provide people with the tools and knowledge to take on their own projects. I’m also working on launching an online store where I’ll be offering branded merchandise like stickers, shirts, and beautiful one of a kind pieces. The goal is to build a community of home design enthusiasts who share the same love for creativity and minimalistic designs.
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 perseverance, creativity, and the willingness to learn. Perseverance has been key because woodworking and DIY aren’t always smooth sailing—projects take time, and mistakes happen, but sticking with it has made all the difference. Creativity has helped me think outside the box and solve problems when things didn’t go as planned, and it’s been the foundation for making unique, meaningful projects. Lastly, the willingness to learn has been essential. I didn’t know everything when I started, and I still don’t! But being open to learning new techniques and embracing challenges has kept me growing.
For those early in their journey, my advice would be to not give up when things get tough. Mistakes are just part of the process. Keep pushing through because you’ll gain confidence along the way. Don’t be afraid to experiment and let your creativity guide you, even if it feels a bit out of your comfort zone. And always keep learning—whether it’s through online tutorials, books, or just trying things out for yourself. The more you learn, the more empowered you’ll feel to take on bigger challenges.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Without a doubt, my husband has been the most supportive person in my woodworking career. From the beginning, he believed in me, even gifting me tools and patiently waiting for things like our dining table to be built—over a year later, he finally got to enjoy it! He’s been my rock through moments of frustration when I felt like giving up, always encouraging me to push through. Ironically, though, he’s sometimes also the reason I want to give up—he loves being involved in the design process, even though he doesn’t actually build anything! I always joke that he’s my ‘worst client’ because he’s so picky, but at the same time, his input challenges me to keep improving and pay attention to the details that matter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.silsdesign.com
- Instagram: @sils_design
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@silsdesign
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