Meet Ani Connolly | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ani Connolly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ani, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. After a successful career in the textile industry, I wanted to leverage my passion for interior design and my business skills to create aesthetically pleasing environments. I believed that by doing so, I could contribute positively to how people live and enhance their overall quality of life. This motivation to combine my expertise and passion inspired me to venture out on my own.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am most proud of the beautiful, personalized spaces I’ve helped create alongside my clients. What truly sets me apart is my collaborative approach—residential interior design is such an intimate process, and I believe the best results come from really understanding how my clients want to live, what brings them comfort, and what matters most in their homes. I strive to make each project a partnership, guiding clients while also listening deeply to their needs and aspirations.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced challenges—building a client base, balancing creativity with practical constraints, and learning to trust my instincts even when trends or outside opinions said otherwise. I overcame these obstacles by staying true to my values, continuously refining my process, and focusing on communication. Each project taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and the power of thoughtful design to transform everyday living.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that I am passionate about creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also deeply personal and meaningful for each client. My story is one of connection, creativity, and a genuine love for helping people feel truly at home.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Miami, I’d want to show them a perfect blend of the city’s style, history, art, and cuisine. We’d start our day by grabbing coffee at Maman—any location works, since they’re all super cute and have the best pastries.

Next, we’d head to Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to soak up the grandeur of old Miami architecture and history. Vizcaya is truly a gem; it feels like a European escape right in the heart of the city, with its lush gardens and breathtaking views.

In the afternoon, we’d explore Wynwood Walls and the surrounding galleries, taking in bold street art and creative inspiration around every corner. Afterwards, some shopping is a must—either the chic Design District or Bal Harbour Shops, both perfect for people watching in their own unique way.

For dinner, there’s nowhere better than Estiatorio Milos. I’d recommend ordering just about everything on the menu—the appetizers alone are worth the trip! We’d end the evening with drinks at the Lido Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Surfside, soaking in the glamorous, old Miami vibe and toasting to a day well spent.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family, especially my daughter for being patient and sacrificing time away from me at a very young age so that I could study and get a 2nd bachelors in design while working in a full blown career.

Website: https://www.aniconnollyinteriors.com

Instagram: @aniconnollyinteriors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ani-connolly-15258a103/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Jennifer Cardiff Photography