Meet Veronica Barney | Veronica Design Studio. Creating Spaces that Love you Back.

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

Hi Veronica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had a passion for beautiful things, including architecture, the mixture of lines and curves, textures, contrast, and cohesiveness. This was my creative side. At the same time, I was great at administration, setting up processes, paying attention to details, budgeting, time management, and other related tasks. I initially pursued a business degree and worked in related fields, but I felt trapped because I couldn’t express my love for design or connect with people in a meaningful way. So, I took a leap of faith and decided to open my own interior design firm. I realized that if I could combine my greatest strengths, I could help people uplift the way they live by creating beautiful spaces that nurture them inside and out, and do it in a timely and well-managed manner.

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?
What sets us apart from others:

I love my business. Honestly, I wake up excited every day to continue learning and helping others. I believe what sets us apart from others is the flexibility of our services. We are not only the kind of design studio that will undertake your entire project and run point on everything, but we are also the kind of design studio that will take on just one room, one phase, or work with you virtually. We help you in whatever way works best for you. If clients have skills they want to leverage, we will fill in the gaps and work with them to achieve their vision. We are highly adaptable.

On top of that, our relationship-first approach, where we look at the client as a whole evolving human being, makes us a service provider that not only services homes and businesses but where people come to feel loved and cared for in the process.

How did we get to where we are today in the business world?

It’s a joy to say we literally got here by satisfied client referrals, we made people happy, they told a friend, a family member about who helped them design their home, and then they called us. Day by day that is how we have increased our business.

Staying in business was the next important thing and so in that sense, the most crucial elements have been trustworthy business relationships and staying one step ahead. Teamwork is essential, as is having the right connections before a big project comes up and building relationships with local craftsmen to learn from them. This approach has been key to growing our business.

At the same time, preempting potential outcomes and having plans in place have made us ready on a deeper level. We study our clients in depth before starting the creative process. We also study properties to anticipate potential challenges and have alternative plans in place. We preempt supplier chain issues and have solutions at hand.

Was it easy to get to where we are today? How did we overcome challenges?

No, it clearly took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get here. The best way we have overcome challenges is by believing that they can be overcome. Rather than treating a closed door as permanently closed, we try to think beyond it. Sometimes we need to wait, admit mistakes, listen to our clients without taking a stance, and be willing to try again. If we love what we do, there is always a way to move forward.

While I am not a religious person, I am deeply spiritual and pray for the greatest good in every project before starting. Allowing higher wisdom to elevate my own for my clients’ blessing has been a key factor in moving through obstacles.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

I have learned so much along the way. Here are my most important lessons:

Listen Deeply: I have learned to become a better intuitive listener. People sometimes don’t have the words to articulate what they like and what they don’t like, so being perceptive to indirect cues helps me communicate better with my clients and staff.

Maintain Communication: Consistently keeping your clients updated can help earn their trust and develop a better relationship.

Trust Your Skills: There is always room for growth, but trust the skills you have right now. Trust your good judgment, trust your experience, and don’t sell yourself short.

Prepare for the Unexpected: Nine out of ten projects end up being more expensive than anticipated. Setting realistic expectations and leaving room in the budget for unexpected expenses is key.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I would want the world to know that we look at design with a vision that transcends the physical. For us transforming a house is a way to transform a person, creating for them the nourishing environment they need to develop and reach their highest potential. We strive to create not just sophisticated and breathtaking homes but spaces filled with spirit that give our clients back the love they need and deserve. We are paid tenfold through their joy and fulfillment.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami-Dade and Broward are gorgeous places in so many ways! If I had a friend visiting for a week, these would be my must-dos:

Sights:

– Morikami Gardens (an immersive nature experience)
– Vizcaya Museum (an Italian Renaissance-style residence of a 19th-century philanthropist)
– Miami Design District (luxury fashion and cutting-edge architecture)
– Delray Grass Beach (a half-sand, half-grass beach that’s absolutely perfect)

Eats:

I am vegan, so this is a very biased response, but here would be my musts:

– Full Bloom in Miami (fancy date-night dinner)
– L’Artisanne Bakery in Coconut Grove (croissants, coffee, and vegan omelets)
– Holi Vegan Kitchen in Hallandale (casual lunch or brunch)
– Parlour Vegan Bakery in Plantation (best to-go empanadas, sandwiches, and cupcakes)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, who deserves so much credit. He has stood by my side since the beginning of my business and always reassured me of my skills when I have been doubtful. He has helped me work through challenges and always offered a positive ear and perspective. He is highly devoted to me, which makes him devoted to my business and someone I can always count on emotionally, if not physically as well.

Website: www.veronicadesignstudio.com

Instagram: @veronica.design.studio

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@veronica.design.studio