I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My parents immigrated here when I was around seven years old. We were part of the refugee program that the united states had in place at the time to help with communist countries. Both my parents were engineers and worked on the bay bridge in San Francisco.
I started my first business right out of high school. I was doing custom floral design for homes and art shows or special events. I dreamed of going to interior design school but my parents didn’t consider interior design an education. They wanted me to get my master’s in business. During my college years, I started working in sales and quickly moved up in the corporate world, working for companies like Chiquita Banana and Campbells Soup as National Sales Director.
In 2016 I sold my home and staged it for the sale. The new homeowners asked to purchase all the furniture and decor. All my realtor friends said I had a talent and asked if I would do one-off jobs for them on the side. So while working a full-time corporate job during the week, I would stage on weekends. It started out with one, maybe two houses, a month. Within a year, it was 2-4 houses a month. And in the beginning of 2019, it became 10-15 houses a month. I realized quickly I could no longer work both jobs. I was putting in 16-18 hour days on a regular basis and just felt like I was drowning in work. So in March 2019, I took a leap and gave up my close to 20-year corporate career to follow my dream job.
It was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I couldn’t be happier with my successes and passion for my job. Although I work long hours and it’s a ton of work, I’ve never felt more satisfied. The true meaning of the “American Dream.” A refugee immigrant running a successful business in the United States. Contact info: www.DivineDesignsByLydia.com instagram: Divine_Designs_By_Lydia
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have two parents and one sister, all living in the Bay Area. Both of my parents are electrical engineers and run their own business as well.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My business is an Interior Design & Staging Company. We specialize in the furnishings of home for sale, as well as individual consultations with clients to help design and decorate their homes. What sets Divine Designs apart from other companies is our specific style and brand, our professional manner dealing with clients, and our knowledge of the market, as well as trending styles.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Simple fondue , Uncle Yu’s at the Vineyard
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
10 years
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would go to Europe. Would love to explore all the different sites.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Forensic files. My boyfriend always makes fun of me but it perfect background noise when I’m working on my computer.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Going to Maldives
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Country
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The vine movie theatre
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jewel. Love her energy and music.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Great downtown area
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Growing my company into larger territories
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
English is my second language
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I love playa del Carmen in Cancun. Also in Slovakia there is a castle called Spišský hrad that is amazing.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
June favorite month. Christmas favorite holiday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Enjoying life to the fullest
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents and boyfriend.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
I love the smell of fall.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, luxury, family
