We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Acosta. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken recently wasn’t financial or technical. It was personal. One morning, sitting in my car before starting my day, I decided to finally show up on Instagram and share the knowledge I’ve built from years of designing signage, stationery, and event details. I’ve always been someone who creates quietly in the background, so pressing “post” on that story felt like stepping onto a stage I’d avoided for a long time.

I asked people to sign up for my email list so I could share honest, practical tips and the information I wish I had when I first started. I had zero expectations and honestly didn’t think it would spark a big response. As simple as it sounds, that moment required me to leave the safety of being quiet and “just working,” and instead step into being visible. It meant trusting my voice, trusting my experience, and letting people in.

Within minutes, the messages started coming in. Sign-ups, encouragement, and people thanking me for sharing. It was overwhelming in the best possible way.

That experience taught me something important: the risks that make us the most uncomfortable are often the ones that create the biggest shift. By choosing to show up, I opened a new lane for myself, one where I get to educate, support others, and build a community around real, usable information. It was a small action with a big impact, and it reminded me that growth happens when you step into the light, even when it feels unfamiliar.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I didn’t grow up imagining I’d run a design studio, and even when I was creating custom pieces for my own children’s parties, I never thought it would turn into what Design35NY is today. Looking back, the moment that made everything feel real was surprisingly simple: the day my business cards arrived. Something about holding them made me realize, “Okay… we’re officially a business.” From there, I kept investing in myself, including my first “big machine” purchase and each step pushed me deeper into the craft I truly love.

Today, I specialize in modern event signage, day-of stationery, and custom details that help elevate a client’s entire event experience. Out of everything I create, bar menus have become my absolute favorite. There’s something about designing them, the balance, the typography, the textures, the storytelling — that feels endlessly inspiring to me.

One of the biggest problems I solve for my clients is taking the stress and uncertainty out of the design process. They never have to wonder if I’ll execute at the highest level, if the details will be right, or if they’ll need to micromanage anything. Reliability is a core part of how I run my business. I show up fully, in theory and in execution. My clients trust that I understand the assignment, that I’m an expert in signage and day-of stationery, and that I’ll bring their vision to life with precision.

What I want people to understand about my brand is that high standards guide everything I do. I’m intentional about the materials I use, the vendors I collaborate with, the way my products are presented, and even how I present myself both in person and online. Craftsmanship is non-negotiable for me. Clean glue lines, spot-free acrylic, sharp edges, thoughtful finishing, and pieces that look beautiful from every angle, these are the things that matter. I don’t cut corners, and my work reflects that.

I’m most proud of building a brand that people recognize instantly. When someone sees my work “out in the wild” and knows it’s Design35, that’s an honor I don’t take lightly. I’m proud of the quality, the consistency, and the originality behind my pieces and I’m equally proud of being able to pour into other creatives who are just beginning their journey. Sharing what I’ve learned and helping others grow feels like a full-circle moment.

My design aesthetic is out-of-the-box, intentional, and clean and everything I create reflects that. Design35NY is built on thoughtful details, strong craftsmanship, and a genuine desire to help clients feel confident, cared for, and fully supported from start to finish.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is knowing that my talent is truly a gift. I genuinely believe I was born with this ability, and every day that I get to wake up and run Design35 feels like a quiet thank-you. A way of showing God that I’m grateful and that I won’t take this for granted. I don’t want to get overly spiritual, but there’s something deeply meaningful about being able to use the talent I was given and honor it through hard work, growth, and intention.

I was raised by a family who always encouraged me to strive for the best, and that foundation made a huge difference. It allowed me to take this blessing and elevate it to push myself, to refine my craft, and to build something I’m genuinely proud of. The reward isn’t just the finished product; it’s the privilege of knowing I get to do what I’m meant to do, with the support and values that shaped me.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Outside of Instagram, my biggest source of new clients has been word of mouth. My clients recommending me to their friends, planners, and networks has created more growth than any marketing strategy ever could. I think that comes from the trust I’ve built with them. When people feel taken care of and confident in the work, they naturally share that experience with others.

In this industry, personal referrals carry so much weight, and I’m grateful that my clients speak about my work in rooms I’m not in. It’s also one of the highest compliments I could receive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.design35ny.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/design35ny/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Design35NY/

Image Credits

Trene Forbes Photography, Sha Memories Photography, The DV Image, Nikki Elizabeth Photography, Vision Byy Vintage