Meet Violetta Ustayev | Interior Designer

I always loved design and fashion but went to school for law and finance. After the market collapse, I decided that I had nothing to lose and it was time to do what I always loved to do. I always dreamed of being my own boss, so starting my own business was the only option for me. This way I can decide how high I can grow.

Vi Design is an interior design company which also runs as a retail store that sells wallpaper and fabric. In addition, I own an upholstery shop and recently partnered with a carpentry shop. We mostly work on mid to high-end interiors. Many of the projects, we manage the construction and produce a turn key project. Many of our clients are designers themselves. They buy wallpaper and fabric at our store and hire us for their custom carpentry and upholstery needs.

What sets us apart from others is that, while we are a design retail store and fabricator, we are still a boutique firm that is very personalized and very hands on with each client. Our capabilities allow us to work with trade and the end user. In addition to a background in law, finance and construction which allows me to also be a very well-rounded project manager.

What I am most proud of is that I am self-made. I never worked for another designer nor have a design degree. I am a single mother with 3 small kids and run my businesses. Every year I scale and try to expand and grow. It’s not always easy. but from every obstacle I learn and continue to grow. My outlook and mind set is always “nothing can stop me.”
Almost 2 years ago I broke my spine and during that time I almost lost my business but because I have that mind set, giving up was not an option or something that I even thought about. This was just an opportunity to learn and see what I have to change and implement in my business to be ready for the unexpected.

I want the world to know how passionate I am about what I do and how grateful I am for every day, every lesson, and every challenge. I want to show everyone that it’s possible to start a business, be a mom, have obstacles and still succeed. And most importantly I run my business with the most sincere and passionate morale.

I would most likely first take them to the beach, maybe get on a boat and enjoy the outdoors. Take them to some of my favorite restaurants (too many to list). Relaxing and enjoying the time together would be my ideal week. And of course I would ask them what they would like to do as well and cater to their interests.

I would have to dedicate this shout out to my parents. They came to America in the late 80’s with my brother and I. We were both under 5 years old. They had no money, did not know English and went to go work for almost nothing just to get by. They would always tell us, “if you want something you will have to work for it”. “And if you don’t want anyone to ever tell you how high you can rise then you need to be your own boss.” Seeing their struggles, I knew at a young age that one day I will be my own boss. And so here I am running several successful businesses.