We were lucky to catch up with Payal Bansal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Payal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

What does it take to be successful? For me, it’s never been about luck, timing, or even talent alone. It’s about resilience—the ability to keep going when everything around you says stop. It’s about belief—the kind that starts as a quiet whisper in your soul and grows louder every time you refuse to give up. And most of all, it’s about reinvention—the courage to rewrite your story when life doesn’t go as planned.
I know this because I’ve lived it.
When I moved to the United States in 2012, I carried with me academic achievements—double degrees in IT and Business of Commerce, and a Master’s in Retail Marketing. But none of that seemed to matter when I arrived. As an H4 visa holder, I wasn’t allowed to work. Suddenly, I found myself in a country full of opportunity but unable to seize any of it. It was a deeply isolating and difficult period—one where I felt invisible, despite everything I had accomplished.
But somewhere deep within, a small spark refused to die out. I had always been drawn to design. I didn’t have a formal background in it, but I had the passion. And more importantly, I had the determination to pursue it. I enrolled in an interior design course, navigating the complexities of transcript conversions and daily logistics without any support. It wasn’t easy—but step by step, I kept moving forward.
There were moments that tested me beyond what I thought I could bear—including a near-fatal car accident that left me physically unharmed but emotionally shaken. And then came a turning point: the Obama-era policy change that allowed H4 visa holders to work. It felt like the door I had been pushing against for so long had finally cracked open.
From that moment on, I threw myself into the world of design. I volunteered with established designers, offering CAD and 3D rendering support, and seizing every opportunity to learn, grow, prove myself and earn my place in the field. Every project—no matter how small—was a step toward something bigger.
In 2020, I turned my lifelong dream into reality and launched Payal Bansal Design, a luxury interior design studio. Today, our work spans projects across the U.S. and internationally. I’ve been honored as the Most Innovative Furniture Designer, and my designs have been featured in both national and regional publications. Most recently, we launched a new venture—our own line of hand-knotted wool rugs, crafted with artistry and heart.
So, what does it take to be successful? It takes falling down and getting back up. It takes betting on yourself when no one else will. It takes transforming every “no” into motivation and every setback into a stepping stone. Success isn’t about never facing obstacles. It’s about refusing to let them define you.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Meet Payal Bansal: The Creative Force Behind Luxurious, Soulful Spaces
For those who may be learning about me for the first time, I’m Payal Bansal—founder and principal designer of Payal Bansal Design, a full-service luxury interior design firm established in 2020. What started as a lifelong dream rooted in artistic passion and family inspiration has grown into a thriving business where we design high-end residential and commercial spaces that are as timeless as they are striking.
Though I built my professional foundation with double degrees in IT and Business of Commerce and a Master’s in Retail Marketing, my creative journey truly began much earlier. I was deeply inspired by my mother, Vinita, whose intuitive sense of color, balance, and modern aesthetics shaped my earliest understanding of design. Growing up in India, I developed a rich appreciation for historic architecture, intricate craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling—elements that now heavily influence my work.
At Payal Bansal Design, we take a holistic, highly personalized approach to interior design and home building. We don’t just decorate; we curate entire experiences that are tailored to our clients’ lifestyles, goals, and personalities. From large-scale renovations and new builds to bespoke furniture and detailed finishes, every project is executed with precision, passion, and purpose.
My design aesthetic leans toward luxurious, high-end, and glamorous, often incorporating bold, organic textures, layered materials, and unexpected details that add depth and character. Whether it’s a sleek city apartment or a sprawling countryside estate, our goal is to create spaces that feel both beautifully elevated and deeply lived-in.
We’re also proud to offer a unique line of hand-knotted custom wool rugs, designed in-house and made in collaboration with skilled artisans. These rugs not only reflect our love for craftsmanship and cultural heritage, but they also offer clients a deeply personal design element that anchors any room with warmth, elegance, and individuality.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the awards or recognition—it’s the trust our clients place in us to transform their homes into reflections of their dreams. We guide them through an intimate, rewarding design journey where collaboration is key and no detail is overlooked.
To potential clients, followers, or design enthusiasts: if you’re looking for more than just beautiful interiors—if you’re seeking a partner to help you tell your story through space—we would love to work with you. At Payal Bansal Design, we don’t just create interiors. We craft experiences, build legacies, and turn houses into homes filled with soul, luxury, and intention.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

The Art Behind the Thread: Our Journey into Custom Rug Manufacturing

Yes, we proudly manufacture our own custom hand-knotted rugs, and it’s a journey that’s incredibly close to my heart.

Being born and raised in India—a country known for its rich heritage in textile and rug craftsmanship—this venture feels like a natural extension of my roots. In fact, my hometown is renowned for its rug production, and remarkably, over 95% of the hand-knotted rugs in the U.S. are sourced from India. With that in mind, and being immersed in the world of interior design, I saw an opportunity to blend tradition with modern luxury by launching our own line of bespoke rugs.

About two years ago, I began diving deep into the world of rug making. While I didn’t initially know how to manufacture rugs myself, I was determined to learn. I spent months traveling, researching materials, visiting factories, and speaking with various manufacturers to understand every step of the process—from sourcing and dyeing wool to spinning, weaving, CAD designing, and washing.

It wasn’t easy. Finding the right manufacturing partner—someone who aligned with my standards for craftsmanship and quality—took time. But eventually, I connected with a manufacturer who owns his own facility and is committed to top-tier artisanal quality. His team’s mastery of technique and willingness to collaborate gave me the confidence that nothing would be compromised for my clients.

The result? Our very first custom rug was proudly featured in Buffalo Home Magazine, a moment that affirmed everything we had worked toward.

This journey has taught me that manufacturing is not just about production—it’s about partnership, precision, and patience. From selecting the finest New Zealand wool to perfecting dyeing methods and maintaining traditional weaving techniques, every detail matters. It’s an art form and bringing that art into our clients’ homes in a way that’s personal and purposeful is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do at Payal Bansal Design.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I moved to the U.S. in 2012, my visa status barred me from working. Despite holding advanced degrees, I felt powerless—disconnected from the identity I had worked so hard to build. But rather than give in to discouragement, I chose to pivot. I enrolled in an interior design course, started from the ground up, and pushed through every challenge along the way. That chapter of my life taught me that resilience isn’t just about endurance—it’s about forging opportunity where none exists and holding tight to your sense of purpose, no matter the odds.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://payalbansalinteriordesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/payalbansaldesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/payal-bansal-0531b316/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/payalbansalinterior/

Image Credits

Bhawna Bhalla, Sarah Wintle Photography, Julian Ross Imaging, Ilirrizaj Photography