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

Hi Marissa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Looking back on my experiences, it is evident that taking risks has been the cornerstone of my personal growth and transformation. Every sacrifice and bold decision I made contributed to my evolution, enabling me to blossom into the person I am today – constantly striving to be my highest self.

From the beginning, I embraced taking risks, jumping into new challenges without hesitation. Taking on my first job as a sushi delivery driver with only my learner’s permit. Working only 2-3 days a week, I managed to afford a car and learned how much control I had over creating my own experiences and financial freedom. This early experience taught me the power of taking chances and trusting myself.

As my appetite for more experiences grew, I found joy in serving chicken cali samples at Charley’s Philly Cheesesteak at the Broward Mall. My enthusiasm for Phillys’ was so contagious that I wanted everyone to taste them. Though I eventually moved to the register, a brief stint during Black Friday made me realize it wasn’t the right fit. But my journey continued, and I discovered JumpZone, where I formed valuable connections with people who still remain a part of my life to this day.

With a desire for something new, I ventured into the world of retail, working at Agaci in the Sawgrass Mall. This is when my passion for fashion ignited. Not only did I love the creativity the environment offered, but also the opportunity to connect with even more people.

My life became a series of diverse experiences and jobs, but the underlying desire was always there—to connect deeply with others. It was as if an unspoken voice inside me constantly asked, “How much MORE can you do?” And each time I asked myself that question, nothing could deter me from pursuing what felt right in my heart.

Fast forward to the present, and I find myself embracing multiple roles—entrepreneur, interior designer, and Access Consciousness Bars Facilitator. If you had asked the younger versions of myself whether I’d be this multi-hyphenate being, helping others achieve greatness in different aspects of their lives, they would have deemed you crazy… or an angel.

Today, I stand tall, grateful for the risks I’ve taken. They have shaped me, enabled me to discover my true calling, and brought me to where I am now—a person unafraid to chase her dreams, reach for the stars, and create a positive impact on the lives of others.

As I continue my journey, I eagerly wonder, “What else is possible?” The path ahead may be uncertain, but with unwavering commitment to myself and openness to embrace risks, I know I’ll find even more remarkable opportunities and connections waiting to be explored.

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 company, New Day Collective, is a South Florida Interior Design Studio that goes beyond the conventional. Specializing in Residential Interiors, we don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach. Our focus is on creating designs that embody the homeowner’s unique aesthetic, carefully curating spaces that are nothing short of perfect for our clients.

What sets us apart is our innate ability to understand our clients’ desires. With just one photo of inspiration, we can craft an entire house that captures the essence of their vision, even if it looks nothing like the initial picture. Our goal is to alleviate any worries our clients may have about creating something unfamiliar – we take the reins, making the design process a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Has it been easy? 

Well, I won’t sugarcoat it-–It’s definitely not a walk in the park. I’ve faced my fair share of challenges, but that’s all part of the journey. In fact, for a while, I was content with strolling through the park, but eventually, reality kicked in – money doesn’t grow on trees, even in the most beautiful parks. That realization led me to question myself – what was I avoiding about making money?

Society, family, friends, and social media often paint a picture of the “right” way to do things – work hard, be patient, and success will follow. But I’ve come to recognize these as limiting beliefs. I dare to dream big and embrace new ideas without dwelling on the potential pitfalls. It’s essential to surround ourselves with people who invest in themselves, take risks, and pursue their dreams, because they show us that a different reality is possible.

I’ve been given advice like “blog consistently,” “create content for social media,” and “make tiktoks” to attract my ideal clients. While I acknowledge the importance of passion and effort, I reject the notion that success can only be achieved through rigid routines and conforming to conventional wisdom.

In my journey, I have found that opportunities and connections often emerge from unexpected places – like referrals from people I met years ago. I recognize the importance of hard work, but I also embrace the joy of the process and the thrill of discovery. I’m ready to let go of excessive to-do lists and instead ask myself, “What else is possible?”

At New Day Collective, we believe in carving our unique path, defying limitations, and embracing the potential for greatness. With us, interior design is not just about spaces; it’s about bringing dreams to life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For a fantastic dining experience, I can’t help but mention Ember Grille at The Ray in Delray Beach, Tropical Smokehouse in West Palm Beach, and Irish Brigade in Downtown Lake Worth Beach. Lake Worth Beach itself boasts an abundance of charming restaurants, each offering its unique array of delectable dishes. Whether you’re a local exploring new culinary delights or a visitor seeking the finest South Florida flavors, the variety of options in Lake Worth Beach will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings.

If we’re in the mood for some fun and drinks, some great spots to hang out are the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, The Colony in Palm Beach, and, of course, returning to The Ray in Delray. These places offer a vibrant atmosphere and refreshing drinks to unwind and enjoy the evening.

And if my friend decided to spend a week with me, it would be an adventure filled with beach days, indulging in BurgerFi’s famous onion rings, and simply reveling in the joy of each other’s company. There’s nothing quite like bonding over the sun, sand, and delicious food, creating cherished memories together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Among the many influential people in my life who have played a part in shaping my journey, there are a few stand-out women who made a significant impact within the last year, driving my personal growth and transformation. I want to give a shoutout to Louise Hay, the “Behind Her Empire” podcast by Yasmin Nouri, and Sahara Rose’s “Highest Self” podcast, which have been instrumental in empowering me.

I’ve gained valuable insights from the “Kate the Socialite” podcast and found inspiration from the stories shared on “A Well-Designed Business” podcast. These podcasts have really helped me on my entrepreneurial journey.

I’d also like to shout out Wendy Davis, the Owner & Principal Designer of Wendy Lynn Interiors. In an industry where there can be strong competition among women, Wendy has been a genuine supporter of me and my business. I truly feel fortunate to have developed such meaningful connections with women like Wendy and others.

Though my mind might not recollect every name as I write this, one thing is clear—I have eagerly embraced diverse perspectives, welcomed guidance, and opened my heart to receive the wisdom that was being given. In doing so, I have unlocked new dimensions of myself and have stepped confidently into being my highest self.

Website: https://www.newdaycollective.com/

Instagram: @mawissaxo @newdaycollectivestudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-i-navarro/

Facebook: New Day Collective

Other: direct.me/mawissaxo

Image Credits
Makayla Casey, Mia DeLuca

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