Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Solomon.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Veronica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I moved to Florida from Jamaica in 1996 and was never really exposed to interior design in my home country. I came across HGTV (back when they had great design shows on), and was hooked. I quickly realized that I had a natural ability to decorate, and so I did a great job decorating my first apartment. I later went to school and had to drop out after my husband passed away and I was now raising two kids alone. I kept designing as much as I could and eventually moved to Houston. I worked for a few home builders trying to learn as much as I could about the design industry, and also took an online course in interior decorating and received a certification.
Not long after that, I got laid off at the height of the economic downturn, and after searching for employment without much luck, I decided to launch Casa Vilora Interiors. This was back in 2007. The first few years were very challenging. I worked hard, but not much results, but I got smart and started to think like a businesswoman and focused on creating great work, but also being profitable. My business has grown tremendously in the last 10 years. I have won several prestigious awards, and my work has also been featured in local publications. I now mentor designers through an online group of over 1300 designers. I have become very passionate about not just doing great in my own business, but teaching it to other designers.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a rough road but so well worth it. I learned so much from trial and error. I had no real processes and systems in place when I started, I wasn’t focused on profitability, I wasn’t marketing efficiently and I was weak in sales. I was determined to succeed and so I taught myself business, sales, and marketing skills and I use them every day in my business. I have seen tremendous growth as a result.
Please tell us about Casa Vilora Interiors.
I would describe my business as a boutique design firm that focuses on the needs of residential clients who want to live luxuriously in their home, but still, want practicality for everyday living. I am known for my bold choices with a masterful mix of patterns, color, and texture. I am most proud that I run a profitable debt free company and can focus on the needs of my clients without stress, I have process in place that makes the design process very easy and streamlined for my clients. What sets me apart is that I provide excellent design services at every budget level through my vast menu of design services. Everyone who desires a beautiful, comfortable and functional space can afford to hire my firm on some level – whether on a consultancy basis or providing a comprehensive design plan that the client can DIY, or a full scale, full service remodel. We enjoy working with clients from all walks of life
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would think of my firm not just as a creative firm, but as a business and conduct my operations accordingly.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6193 Highway Blvd
Suite 207 Katy TX 77493 - Website: www.CasaViloraInteriors.com
- Phone: 281-751-7552
- Email: info@casavilorainteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casavilora
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/casavilorainteriors
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/casa_vilora
- Other: http://www.thenakeddecorator.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Veronica
November 16, 2017 at 12:08 pm
Thank you so much for featuring my story.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
November 16, 2017 at 12:28 pm
I’m so glad to see you showcasing Veronica! She is an amazing interior designer. I’ve been following her work for a long time, now, and she has such a great eye!
Bill Sweeney
November 16, 2017 at 12:30 pm
Wow. She really has a great eye for spaces. I love what she said about thinking of her company as a creative endeavor and a business one. That’s what we sometimes don’t think of when we first start out.
Makeba Giles
November 16, 2017 at 3:46 pm
I love the different styles of decor. You truly have an amazing talent!
Liz Mays
November 16, 2017 at 9:03 pm
It’s awesome what she has been able to do in a few short years! Her room designs are always the coolest!
Maureen
November 16, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Beautiful interior decorating. I love the themes and not sure I can pick just one that makes me smile bigger. They are all gorgeous designs and themes for anyone!
Kristi
November 16, 2017 at 9:42 pm
Wow Veronica is so talented. Thank you for sharing her story, I enjoyed learning about how her business was started and how it’s going now.
Pam Wattenbarger
November 16, 2017 at 11:18 pm
I love all of Vanessa’s work that I have seen from Casa Vilora. She is great at what she does!
Kelly Hutchinson
November 17, 2017 at 12:02 am
I really love the design style Veronica has. Each of the rooms she designed have such a strong personality.
AnnMarie John
November 17, 2017 at 1:11 am
I think your designs are amazing! It’s definitely a challenging journey but you got through it all and now you’re reaping the rewards of your hard work. It’s really amazing how much passion can drive you to become successful.
Claudia K
November 17, 2017 at 1:18 am
Thank you for sharing your story and congrats on 10 years! I love your style. Keep it up!
Sara Welch
November 17, 2017 at 2:55 am
We all have at least one little thing we wish we could go back and change. Her design style is gorgeous!
Carol Cassara
November 17, 2017 at 3:14 am
I can relate so much to how difficult it’s going to be in the beginning. You’ll encounter stuff you never expected! It was really nice to read your story! So motivating!
Kristin Lesney-Ruiz
November 17, 2017 at 5:02 am
Great review. Love the looks and layouts she does!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
November 17, 2017 at 5:43 am
This is amazing! These are really great work!
Crystal
November 17, 2017 at 5:44 am
Even though I’m not in design, it’s empowering to hear her story. I know that with a strong professional plan and natural talent, it’s amazing how far you can go!
brianne
November 17, 2017 at 12:14 pm
Wow your work is super impressive! I love all of your work and will have a bunch of questions next month when we re-do our living room!
Kiwi
November 20, 2017 at 6:12 am
I had to follow Veronica. She is awsome she looks like she is thriving and love looking at some of her designs.