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

Hi Diana, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My journey with work-life balance has been an evolving process, marked by periods of intense focus and necessary recalibration. As a young entrepreneur launching my first business at 21, the concept of balance was completely foreign to me. Driven by a powerful vision to create, innovate, and build, I poured every ounce of my energy into the business, often to the detriment of everything else. This relentless pursuit, while initially fueling growth, eventually led to burnout. The arrival of my daughter brought a new set of challenges, compounded by a struggle with postpartum depression. This period forced me to confront the unsustainable nature of my previous approach and reimagine not only my business but also my life, my understanding of balance, and how I wanted to live, grow, and prosper.

The turning point came with the implementation of systems within my business. This single change proved to be transformative, enabling me to scale, hire staff, and manage operations far more seamlessly. It created the much-needed space to integrate work and life in a more balanced way. Complementing this was the introduction of structured time blocking and a detailed calendar. Visualizing my week and allocating specific days to specific tasks provided crucial organization. Mondays became dedicated to administrative tasks and team meetings, Tuesdays for project work and innovation, Wednesdays for consultations and virtual networking, Thursdays for in-person meetings, and Thursday evenings for date night. Fridays were reserved for self-care and an inspiring lunch. This framework, while requiring discipline, provided the structure necessary to succeed in a more balanced and sustainable way, allowing me to nurture both my business and my personal life.

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?
My career began in the fast-paced world of healthcare interiors. Working within a large hospital system, revealed significant gaps in design offerings and opportunities for better solutions. This inspired me to found InspireDesign Creative Studio, a full-service studio providing artwork, design consulting, and project management. We’re passionate about inspiring clients and the industry through the strategic use of art, signage, graphics, and interior design.

Our clientele is diverse, spanning a wide range of sectors, including commercial real estate, property management, corporate offices, educational institutions, public and private healthcare facilities, wellness centers, and more. Despite their varied industries, our clients share a common vision: they want their spaces to be a powerful reflection of their brand, mission and position at the forefront of their respective fields.

At InspireDesign, we strive to deliver the best of all worlds. We combine the polished professionalism and creative expertise of a New York studio with the dynamic energy and resourcefulness of a startup. Above all, we pride ourselves on being the trusted collaborators our clients can rely on every step of the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a weekend getaway, I’d take my friends out east, to the North Fork of Long Island. We’d hit up Croteaux Vineyards for some rosé and sunshine, then head to the bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound to watch the sunset. After that, it’s the Frisky Oyster for their legendary Oyster Rockefeller – a single, delectable bite of creamy, briny perfection. Finally, we’d walk over to American Beech and chill by the fire pits in the courtyard – great vibes, music, and lighting. We would probably order more food : )

The next day, we’d grab brunch at Bruce’s, then wander around town checking out the local shops. In the afternoon, we’d do an art workshop at Veme Studios, and that night, we’d go all in on an ecstatic dance and breathwork workshop – the perfect weekend experience!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This journey, both personally and professionally, has been an incredible ride, and I’m so lucky to have my husband, Rocky, by my side every step of the way. We’ve faced every challenge and celebrated every victory together, creating a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Website: https://id-inspiredesign.com

Instagram: @id_inspiredesign

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/inspiredesign-creativestudio

Image Credits
Headshot by @katherinenunez.photo

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