Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rhona Rubio. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Rhona, thanks for joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

Growing up, my parents did missions work and pastored. They were always quick to follow where they felt we should be (as a family) in each season of life. I think that has impacted and shaped me as an adult.

It’s easy to want to “control life”. We all have ideas and a plan for how to get where we think we are going. Not only that, we normally have a timeline, and 5 year goals to go with it. Nothing against planning and having goals – all for it. What I’ve noticed is that our plans are usually linear.

But, in my experience life doesn’t always work best when I try to control each step of the process. I really believe when we hold on to our plans lightly and keep our hearts open in each season the path may be different (even better) than we expected.

I think that’s one of the best lessons they showed me. “Walking by faith” can feel confusing and scary, but it’s a lesson they lived out. And, I can see how it’s impacted every area of my life and career. I’ve realized that, surrendering plans in one season, and walking by faith might only make sense in reverse.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In 2006, I was a fine arts major. I visited South Florida to share my art portfolio, and met my future husband who was managing a kitchen design showroom at the time.

So, with roots in art education + interior design I aim to cultivate a meaningful experience through art + design. I hope to cultivate introspective dialogue connecting us all on a personal level to social issues of our time, and spark conversations for change.

We founded The Miami Design Studio as a fusion of passion and experience to create luxury living where ART + LIVING COLLIDE. As a design build firm, we enjoy walking clients through the process from concept to completion.

In 2021, I launched a new line of service. The “Happy House Project” is a collaborative service for designers and clients looking for quick budget friendly design solutions. We play with color theory and pattern to elevate happy living and focus on bringing fun home.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

Oh, that’s a great story! René and I had friends in common. We had seen each other in passing once, but didn’t actually meet until 2006. Like I mentioned earlier, he had been managing a design showroom, and I was a fine arts major. A friend of mine worked with him and in the middle of remodeling the showroom asked for me to bring my portfolio. The truth is, It was a total set up! They flew me in for the weekend, I brought my portfolio, and the rest is history. Fifteen years and we are here building a life and company together.

It’s been a journey, and anything but linear.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Not long after we were married the recession happened, and it was a huge season of change for us. The company he had been working for went bankrupt during the recession. Over a period of time, he stepped in full time with our local church. What we thought was temporary turned into long term and we spent nine years serving as pastors. We learned so much in that season, and never really thought we would be where we are today – doing this again.

Transitions aren’t always expected, or easy, but there is beauty as they unfold. Little by little, doors began to open and with each step we found ourselves shifting back into design + art. I think being willing to pivot when necessary makes all the difference in life.

No one is locked into one path or one direction for life – life is organic – and when we allow ourselves we can grow in ways we never dreamed. I think one of the most important things is to find purpose in the pivot. It’s easy to make changes “just because” – if there’s not a purpose to the pivot – you may end up lost. There’s got to be something that keeps you anchored and focused when it feels like the world doesn’t make sense – because – a pivot can be disorienting.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.RhonaRubio.miami
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rhonarubio.art?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/themiamidesignstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhona-rubio-231a5982
• Other: Www.TheMiamiDesignStudio.com

Image Credits
Yesi Laver Briggitte Pascual