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

Blima, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My journey began in Toronto, where I grew up and earned my Master’s in Interior Design. I started out at an architectural firm, where I learned how ideas move from drawings into built spaces. From there, I partnered with another designer in Toronto, which opened the door to new opportunities and gave me the chance to take on more complex projects. Together, we built relationships that helped us grow and laid the foundation for what would come next.
Launching The Designers Group was both exciting and challenging. It meant turning a vision into something real: building a team, setting up systems, finding our first office space, and learning how to balance creativity with the realities of running a business. Those early days were full of long hours and countless details, but they were also full of passion and purpose. Every project was an opportunity to prove ourselves, and I discovered that when you deliver quality work, word spreads. That principle became the cornerstone of The Designers Group and continues to guide us today.

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

I am the Founder and CEO of The Designers Group, an interior design firm with offices in New York, Miami, and Toronto. My team works on projects across the U.S. and Canada, with expertise spanning commercial, healthcare, senior living, multi-family, and institutional spaces.
What defines our work is a vision-first approach. Every project begins with understanding how a space can support the people who use it, whether that means incorporating wellness, encouraging connection, or elevating daily experiences. We integrate design, build, procurement, and branding to create environments that are both functional and inspiring.
I am most proud of the impact we have been able to create through our work. And beyond our work, I am proud of the ways we give back through our charitable arm, TDG Gives Back, which has supported families and community organizations. For me, design is not simply about aesthetics, it is about creating spaces with purpose that uplift, support, and inspire.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At TDG, we believe the best way to build loyalty is by consistently doing great work. From the very first meeting through to project completion, we make sure that every detail is handled with care and that clients feel confident in the process. Going the extra mile is part of our culture. Whether that means refining a design until it is perfect, accommodating last-minute requests, or staying hands-on during execution, our clients know that we are fully invested in their vision.
When clients see that commitment, trust grows. That trust leads to long-term relationships, repeat projects, and referrals. Many of our clients return to us for multiple projects, which is the strongest sign that we are delivering not only on design, but on partnership.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots for me and TDG came during the pandemic. Almost overnight, the way people lived and worked changed.
We had to completely shift into a remote culture, which was a major change for our team. Building a strong company culture while working virtually required new ways of collaborating, communicating, and staying connected. It was not easy, but it pushed us to become more adaptable and resourceful.
At the same time, our design approach had to evolve quickly. We began focusing on wellness, flexibility, and safety in every project. We reimagined layouts, integrated new technologies, and developed smarter, more adaptable solutions. What felt disruptive at first became a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Looking back, that time reinforced an important lesson: design must always evolve with the world around it, and challenges often hold the opportunity for something better. The adaptability we gained then continues to shape how we approach our work today. It also shaped me as a leader, reminding me that flexibility and resilience are at the core of lasting growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedesignersgroup.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignersgroup/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thedesignersgroup/about/

Image Credits

The Designers Group