We recently connected with Diana Sarracino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

In February 2020, I graduated as an Industrial Designer in Cuba. As soon as I earned my degree, COVID hit, and two months later, I found out I was pregnant. Well, I always say we were pregnant—my husband and I. I was terrified. I was only 22 years old, and my plan was to become a mom at 30 or 35.

Due to pregnancy symptoms, I was sick all the time and stuck in bed. I couldn’t be near my computer at all—it just made me feel worse. I started doubting my career, convinced that my design journey was over.

But then, I met the most beautiful, loving baby girl, and she opened my eyes to a whole new world of design I had never considered before: playroom design and children’s interiors focused on functionality, not just for the kids but for the parents as well!

I came to the U.S. for the first time two years ago, bringing with me the dream of building an amazing playroom design company. But as a new immigrant, what I expected to find was very different from reality. So, I waited a year and a few months before finally starting.

Sometimes, I catch myself thinking, Oh, I should have started sooner. I wasted so much time on the wrong things. But honestly, I believe God knows when the timing is right. Maturing and doing the mental work helped me build the strength to become an entrepreneur, something I now realize I wasn’t ready for before.

So, no, I don’t regret not starting sooner. What I would have regretted is never starting at all!

Diana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Diana Sarracino, an Industrial Designer originally from Cuba, now based in Coral Gables, Florida. When I became a mother, I saw firsthand how the right environment could support a child’s development, creativity, and independence. I also realized how challenging it could be for parents to create functional and beautiful spaces for their children. That’s why I founded My Play Space Design, a design company dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed children’s spaces that foster growth, learning, and imagination.

I offer custom playroom and kids’ interior design services, including:

-Bespoke Interior Design: Fully customized room designs tailored to each family’s needs.
-E-Design Services: Online interior design for families who want expert guidance with more flexibility.
-Graphic Design for Kids’ Brands: Helping businesses in the children’s industry with branding and visual identity.

Unlike traditional interior designers, my approach is deeply influenced by Montessori principles, ensuring that every space I create is not just visually appealing but also functional and developmentally appropriate. I focus on designing with purpose, integrating solutions that promote a child’s independence while making life easier for parents.

I am proud of the impact my designs have on families and children. Seeing little ones thrive in spaces I’ve designed and hearing from parents about how my work has made their daily routines easier brings me immense joy. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about giving back, which is why I’ve established a program that allocates 5% of my company’s revenue to help families in need, especially those with neurodiverse children, by creating functional and beautiful spaces for them.

My Play Space is more than just a design service—it’s about creating environments where children can grow, explore, and feel truly at home. Every project I take on is approached with creativity, research, and a deep understanding of child development. If you’re looking for a designer who truly cares about how a space impacts your child’s well-being and your family’s daily life, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life!

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Definitely networking and word of mouth! Of course, the product must be good, but when people see how much you love what you do and how passionate you are about it, they naturally want to be a part of it. I’m also very lucky to have so many supportive people around me who always recommend my work.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes! Several resources have significantly influenced my entrepreneurial mindset and management approach. One of the most impactful has been listening to podcasts that provide incredible insights into the business side of interior design, from pricing strategies to client relationships, which has helped me shape my own business.

Beyond business, I am always educating myself about child development and education, as my designs are deeply rooted in functionality and how children learn and grow in their environments. I read books, follow experts in Montessori and play based learning, and stay up to date with research that helps me design spaces that truly support a child’s development.

Additionally, I follow various design and business thought leaders on social media and YouTube, always looking for fresh perspectives on branding, customer experience, and business strategy.

These resources, combined with real world experience, have shaped how I approach My Play Space Design, not just as a designer but as a business owner committed to creating meaningful, developmentally supportive, and functional spaces for children and families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.myplayspacedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myplayspacedesign?igsh=c2p0cndseWpzc3Vq&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HadtUvNUU/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-sarracino-b1b0b6260?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app