Meet Yeni Mora | Founder & Creative Director

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

Hi Yeni, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was a little girl, the dream of owning my own business has been deeply ingrained in me. From a lemonade stand to selling homemade sweets, I constantly invented various business ideas, always captivated by the thought of creating something new. As I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in interior design, the vision of having my studio grew stronger. Starting my own business was a natural progression for me, given my passion for design and the desire to have the freedom to express my creativity in my unique way. After gaining valuable experience working with a prestigious Miami interior design firm, I felt confident in my abilities and understood the industry dynamics. So, with all that newfound confidence, I thought, “Why not take the leap and start my own business?” Certainly, there was a lot of fear sneaking in, but I brushed it off and went for it anyways with loads of courage. I mean, who said chasing your dreams would be easy, right? I was ready to hustle and make my own mark in the world of interior design.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
How did you get to where you are today business-wise? I started my design career straight out of obtaining my bachelor’s degree in interior design. I worked in a renowned Miami-based interior design firm, gaining invaluable experience through a variety of high-end residential and commercial projects. After honing my skills during those foundational years, I made the bold decision to establish my very own design studio.
Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and fear as I took on my first project as an independent designer – a fully remodel turnkey apartment referred to me by a vendor. While the opportunity was thrilling, it was also my first experience running a project through my own studio, which made me a bit nervous. Nevertheless, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and poured my passion and expertise into the project. To my delight, the client was absolutely thrilled with the result. This successful project turned out to be a turning point for my business. It opened doors to two more exciting opportunities that soon came my way. Since then, I have continued to work in the industry, designing and executing projects in Florida and across the country.

Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
It was definitely not easy! I faced countless challenges and obstacles along the way, but each one of them taught me something valuable. From dealing with unexpected site conditions that influenced the design to overcoming project-related issues that seemed to pop up out of nowhere, I can say I’ve grown so much from those experiences. They’ve really helped me become better at what I do and deliver great results to my amazing clients.
Building our portfolio, making connections, and establishing ourselves in the industry required immense dedication and effort as well. Prospective clients always want to see what you’ve worked on before entrusting you with their projects. Yet, I made it a priority to provide top-notch customer service, which not only earned us referrals but also secured repeat projects from clients who entrusted us with their second or even third residences. And I can’t forget to mention how awesome it is to have a great working relationship with vendors, contractors, and all the fantastic people in the industry – that’s been a real game-changer in getting new projects.
Starting as a business owner was like taking a wild roller coaster ride! Wearing so many hats, from branding myself to managing projects and everything in between – it was a lot to handle. I quickly learned the importance of time management.
In this journey, I’ve learned the importance of open communication with our clients. Listening closely to their desires and concerns to ensure that we deliver results that truly resonate with them.
Also, building confidence in my abilities and learning when to delegate tasks were essential skills I developed during these years. Understanding when to rely on others allowed me to focus on the aspects where I could make the most significant impact.
I’m still learning every day and on each project. The design and construction industry is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to discover or improve upon.

We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.

At Project23 Designs, our approach to interior design centers around a strong emphasis on customer service and building meaningful relationships. We firmly believe that nurturing these connections is fundamental to the growth and success of an interior design business.
As a designer, my passion lies in truly understanding and embracing the distinct personality and lifestyles of each client. This allows us to curate spaces that authentically reflect and enhance their individuality. Our goal is to craft personalized high-end interiors that are truly one-of-a-kind and narrate a captivating story of the people who call them home.
I find great satisfaction in the organic growth of my business; primarily driven by word-of-mouth referrals and the strong connections I have cultivated over the years. My dedication to hard work and perseverance has allowed me to learn and grow from every challenge, refining my approach and continuously improving my design process.
Reflecting on the journey, I am genuinely proud of the progress Project23 designs have made and remain eager to embrace new challenges. I am grateful for the trust our clients have placed in us, propelling us forward in this ever-evolving industry

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

We are currently Miami-based, and we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our design services to Nashville, TN. With my husband and I now splitting our time and work between these two cities, we can better serve clients in both regions.
In addition to our presence in Miami and Nashville, we take pride in offering our exceptional design services across the entire country and internationally. No matter where you are located, we are dedicated to bringing our creative expertise to your project. Moreover, we understand the importance of flexibility, which is why we also provide fully remote services for clients who prefer to collaborate from the comfort of their own space.
Furthermore, we are excited to share that we recently launched our home decor brand, Project23 Shop! As a part of our brand’s debut, we are starting with a beautiful collection of handmade throw pillows, meticulously crafted to elevate the aesthetic of any living space. However, our vision for Project23Shop extends far beyond throw pillows. In the future, we plan to introduce an array of unique home decor items that embody our passion for exquisite design and quality craftsmanship.

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.
Since I split my time and work between the vibrant cities of Nashville and Miami, I’ll share some spots I would take my best friend to in each location.

Miami:

Definitely enjoy some beach days to relax.
Try delicious pizzas at Mister 01.
Indulge in Peruvian food at Ceviche 105.
Treat ourselves to seafood and wine at Seaspice.
Explore the artsy neighborhoods of Wynwood and Design District, appreciating street art and trendy boutiques.
Visit museums like the Rubell Museum and Superblue for a cultural experience.
Satisfy our sweet tooth at Salty Donut and Cielito with delicious desserts.
Experience the fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at Chotto Matte.
Nashville:

Dive into the lively atmosphere of Broadway, hopping between bars and enjoying live music.
I would take my friend to taste the famous Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s or Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Delight our taste buds at The Audrey, Pelican&Pig, and Rolf and Daughters with exceptional dishes.
Enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine and cocktails at Lyra.
Experience speakeasy bars like Old Glory and Pushing Daisies for unique cocktails.
Catch a sunset from a rooftop bar like Louna for a relaxed evening.
Unwind at Arrington Vineyards, for some outdoor time and great wines.
Add some adventure with a kayaking trip or visit nearby waterfalls during the summer

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take this opportunity to give a big shoutout and heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals who have played an important role in my journey, supporting me, offering referrals, and being true friends.

Pepe Calderin & my colleagues at that firm – my first job
Jashira Ruiz – Colleague & friend
Tatiana Varela – Colleague &friend
Jenia Piedra – Colleague & friend
Juan Garcia – Vip-woodwork
Juan Rossel & team – Rossel construction
Esteban Santino – Santino Design
Juan Marrero – Husband
Always thankful for my family & friends’ support.

Website: https://project23designs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project23designs/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/project23shop/ https://project23shop.com/

Image Credits
Some photos are by @visus_3