Meet Andreea Franca | Entrepreneur & Interior Designer

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

Hi Andreea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always had an entrepreneurial spirit since I know myself so I guess it came naturally. In the second grade I was thinking of how to sell the classroom news paper to more people, but nobody really took me serious and I remember being so frustrated. I had a few other attempts since then, some more serious than others. I was always attracted to the creative industries. I did have a corporate start to my working life, which I believe structured the way I act in business, but I always knew it was not the path for me.

I am a rational person so I function better when I really believe in the goal I work for and when I see the big picture. I want to work on my own dream, not somebody else’s creation. I would not be able to be truly myself in somebody else’s story!
I love to have to wear 10 hats at the same time… Eventually as my business is growing I have to start to delegate more and more, but so far I had to do everything – from book keeping, IT manager, website developer, copywriter, marketing manager, project manager on top of the interiors side of things.
I am very passionate about both interiors and the way the business side of it. It is so complex and there are always things to learn and problems to solve! It is essentially a problem solving business for achieving functional and beautiful spaces that make people happy.

What should our readers know about your business?
After a lifetime of living in London, last year I moved over the pond together with my family to sunny Miami. The change made me see design and life through two different lenses, the modern and more commercial lens versus the grounded traditional and more soulful one.

Miami by nature is a new city and this is deeply reflected in the architecture as well as people’s mentality. Most Miamians moved from various parts of Latin America and other sides of the globe to have a fresh, sunnier life. From the interiors perspective this meant a white canvas – no inherited furniture or architectural specific traits – just a desire for a juicy lifestyle. This in turn created a Miamian ‘typical’ design style that is modern, sometimes opulent and quite impersonal.

On the opposite side lays the British design who’s core is found in the sometimes heavy traditions, but most importantly in the intimate human connection. The last adds character and makes the design welcoming and sustainable over time.

Our main aptitude at Studio Andreea Franca became mixing these two worlds – by adding coziness and character to the modern Miamian setting and creating balanced interiors that are modern yet classic, welcoming and sustainable.

Studio Andreea Franca is a full service interior design house that helps busy professionals smoothly navigate renovations and achieve the homes of their dreams.
Our mission is to unlock every home’s potential so that it can improve the owner’s quality of life. People who live in spaces that reflect their personalities are happier, healthier and more productive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me when I think of Miami I think of Miami Beach – so it imperative as a tourist to go tick the box ( 1st to 5th only) There is such a light and happy atmosphere. I love for visitors to experience this holiday feel that we have right at our door step and see the blue ocean in the morning! Then I would definitely take her on a street art tour in Wynwood! It is so impressive! So much creativity and beauty – right there on the street! And if I had a boat /I’d go out on the ocean /And if I had a pony /I ‘d ride him on my boat (Lyle Lovett song) Leaving songs aside …going out on the boat is probably one of the best activities to do in Miami. I love to go around the canals in Key Biscayne and admire the beautiful houses!
Also a sunset and a margarita from The Cleat (at the end of key Biscayne)is always priceless. 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband was the one that encouraged me and supported me when I decided to finally go the entrepreneurial route. You need a little time to build a portfolio, it doesn’t just pop up after a good night sleep. I am also a big fan of slef develpent books and there is one that stuck to me. It is called ‘Mindset’ by Carol Dweck and it essentially makes you feel confident and not afraid of failure and making mistakes, by always letting yourself be guided by the learning process. Out of all the advices and books I have read this is the one that truly resonated with me!

Website: www.andreeafranca.com

Instagram: @Miami_Interior_Designer

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreeafranca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StudioAndreeaFranca/