We recently connected with Nayoka Simone and have shared our conversation below.
Nayoka, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding your purpose is something we all desire to discover in life. I remember growing up during my teenage years I would often asked myself “What is my purpose in life right now”. So, as a young mother, wife, full time worker and attending college I desired for my purpose to be something that’ll help others. Although, I wasn’t completely clear I decided to purchase this book titled “A Purpose Driven Life”. I wanted God to be in the middle of the message I’d receive for my purpose and for him to navigate me all the way through it all. After reading this best seller book it was the fire I needed to ignite me in that season of life. It was the motivation and manifestation that led me along the way to include my two beautiful daughters. As time went on and having to build and create a better life I found my passion through prayer. This is how I found my way of becoming an Award-Winning Interior Designer.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m an author and award-winning Principal Interior Designer featured on the cover of LWL Magazine, Essence, Business of Home, Forbes, Shoutout Atlanta, FOX 5 DC, iHeart Radio, Pandora, The Elegant Journal, Medium. I’ve also walked the red carpet for events such as Essence Magazine and featured on the Billboard in NY Times Square. The featured Principal Designer for CIAA X LOWES collaborative event showcasing the Lowes Origin 21 collection. I’m also the CEO and Founder of NyRai Interior Designs,LLC, Black Design Magazine and Noir by NyRai luxury candles and scents featured at the MGM National Harbor. I strive to design unique interiors that will have a positive impact on my clients’ lives. My desire to create and design interiors that exceed clients’ expectations is always a goal of mine. With an eye for quality, a superior sense of style, and a client-centered approach to business, I’ve proven myself as an innovative designer. Offering a balance of creativity, collaboration and forward thinking. I’m a declutter advocate who believes that physical clutter is sometimes a correlation with a mental clutter. My heart is extremely passionate about helping individuals and organizations declutter both their physical space and mind to increase productivity.
I found my love designing homes in 2016, that’s when I embraced my entrepreneurial spirit, founding NyRai Interior Designs. My goal is to assist both residential and commercial clients in creating timeless spaces. Whether classic or contemporary, across a vast range of styles, I’ve hosted events in collaboration with McCormick Paints on color theory and textures and host design workshops. I will steadily teach others how to live comfortably in their home.
In my previous role as CEO and Wedding Planner with her previous business Exquisite Weddings by Simone. I have partnered with many mid-scale organizations. Overseeing the complete design of the wedding, organizing and personalizing each wedding throughout the entire planning process. I’ve also implemented the full design concept for the wedding and reception location. Weddings are unique to each client’s vision for their dream wedding. Therefore, I always ensured to personalize each wedding while maintaining continuity of each client.
I’ve always possessed the ability to develop client relationships based on respect, trust, and confidence has been the key to her success as a designer. Skilled at creating beautiful designs under a variety of budgets, styles, timeframes, and requirements, guide clients through every phase of the design process. I remain committed to cultivating valued relationships and helping clients reach the best version of their overall vision.
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?
The 3 qualities and skills that helped my journey along the way is
1. Networking/Collaboration
2. Excellent Customer Service
3. Providing a solution to a BIG problem
In order to obtain these you have to be open to trusting the process. Positioning yourself as the best candidate for the job. Understand and be firm in your value and the intentionality in building relationships.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! We love working with other creatives, homeowners, and business owners. Creating & Elevating spaces is our goal. We want to build timeless spaces that make you or your clients not wanting to leave. Those looking to connect please follow us on socials @nayokasimone.
If there are any larger brands interested in working with us.. We’d love to!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nayokasimone.com
- Instagram: NayokaSimone
- Facebook: NyRai Interior Designs
- Linkedin: Nayoka Simone
- Twitter: Nayoka Simone
- Youtube: Nayoka Simone
Image Credits
Mfieldsphotography
