Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Ferreras-tokan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Heather, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
I launched my interior design-build business in 2017 alongside my husband, an amazing craftsman while still working as a first-grade teacher in the Broward County School District. Teaching little minds was a joy, but I yearned for something more. I vividly recall taking client calls and sketching design concepts during my students’ music, art, or PE classes—and even on my lunch breaks. Balancing a major career shift while parenting my 8-year-old and expecting my second child was both exhilarating and daunting. The decision felt monumental, filled with equal parts excitement and fear.
Would Starting Sooner Have Been Better?
Had I started earlier, I would have brought plenty of enthusiasm but far less experience. I also would not have had my husband ride the wave with me. My husband, Shawn is the builder and creative behind Tokan Interiors. Without him, I wouldn’t be the designer that I am today. My time as an educator shaped essential skills that now serve me daily in running my business, from patience and organization to understanding people’s unique needs. It also allowed me to grow my network and develop a deep appreciation for the human side of design.
That said, starting earlier might have given me more time to grow alongside the industry, especially as technology like 3D renderings and digital mood boards became standard tools. But I likely would have made more costly mistakes without the perspective and maturity I gained from those additional years. And most importantly, I wouldn’t have had Shawn by my side. He has taught me so much about the construction industry and what it truly means to be a creative and to think outside the box.
The truth is, there’s never a “perfect time” to take the leap. Waiting too long could have left me stuck second-guessing myself while watching others pursue the dream I felt so drawn to.
Looking Back- Starting my business when we did was imperfectly perfect. It was a time of growth, trial and error, and immense learning both professionally and personally. Every challenge I faced helped shape who I am today.
In hindsight, the timing wasn’t just about career readiness but about mental readiness. I had to embrace the risks, learn from setbacks, and celebrate every small win along the way. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. It wasn’t about finding the perfect moment but trusting myself and committing fully when the opportunity felt right.
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.
I grew up in Queens, New York, in a loving biracial family. My mother was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, to a Trinidadian-Venezuelan couple, and my father was raised in the Bronx, born to an American-Jewish couple. From them, I learned that love transcends color and is rooted in sharing dreams and aspirations with those who love genuinely.
During my childhood, I trained in Ballet and Modern dance, particularly the Martha Graham technique. At 14, I was accepted into the renowned LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts as a dance major, where discipline and structure were paramount. Dance taught me that discipline contributes to making an artist, director, writer, and storyteller. I always admired my older brother, Dennis Leroy Kangalee, a gifted artist, activist, playwright, director, and dramatist. Although I no longer pursue dance, Dennis’ active involvement in the arts continues to inspire me to uphold my commitments and promises to myself and my clients. “In a world full of uncertainty, I must keep pushing forward and not rely on last-minute decisions. Even without design clients lined up, I continue designing, maintaining a structured plan, and keeping the passion alive in my heart and soul.”
At 22, I moved to Florida, and in 2015, I met my husband, Shawn, also an enthusiastic artist. He gained his love for drawing, painting, and building from his father. As a child, Shawn accompanied his dad to job sites, where he learned not only the trade but also the philosophy behind it. His father, a dedicated builder, instilled the importance of understanding the craft, working hard, and never taking shortcuts. Shawn’s father taught him to be honest and true to himself and his craft, whatever it may be.
In 2017, while teaching in the Broward County Public Schools District, I proposed to Shawn that we start a design-build studio, combining his artistic understanding with my discipline to create beautiful interiors for clients who needed help bringing their visions to life. I began self-studying design styles and prominent designers. We started small, subcontracting for Home Depot, handling tasks like installing shower glass and patching walls. Soon, we connected with a couple that flipped homes, allowing Shawn to build, and me to design. These early projects, though not highly profitable, helped us build a portfolio. By 2020, we became pro members of Houzz, utilizing our creativity and Shawn’s building skills to create freely. Houzz has been pivotal in generating leads and channeling our creativity and intention into design projects.
Our initial investments in advertising targeted affluent communities and lead platforms, costing more than we earned. However, in 2021, our business coach, Rick Franzo (Growth Coach of the Poconos), guided us in comprehending entrepreneurship, allowing me to charge appropriately for my designs and expertise. Rick taught us the value of understanding fees, profits, and business structuring, helping us recognize our worth and save our fledgling business.
In the same year, I joined Kimberley Seldon’s Business of Design. Her instruction on systems, procedures, and strategies for running a profitable interior design business was transformative. Through a podcast with Kimberley, I met two remarkable designers, Jerrica of Jerrica Zaric Interior Design Studio and Leni of Ward 5 Design, whom I deeply respect. They have become mentors whose support I rely on when facing challenges.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met Shawn, my husband and current business partner, on September 12, 2015, while watching the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight at the Coral Springs Ale House with his sister, my cousin, and a friend. At that time, Shawn was working as a full-time tattoo artist and part-time builder-painter, showcasing his artistic talents in different ways. My cousin had asked him to do a mother-daughter tattoo for her and my aunt, and the very next day, Shawn arrived at my house to tattoo them. I had a small tattoo on my ring finger that needed some touch-ups, so I took a chance and asked him if he could fix it. After assessing my horrible tattoo, he confidently replied, “I can make it even better,” which piqued my curiosity. The following day, I sent him a quick text message to express how much I loved his work, and he responded in a flirtatious manner that caught me off guard. I was genuinely flattered, especially since I had just come out of a 16-year marriage with my ex-husband and was navigating new beginnings. This playful exchange sparked a connection between us, and after spending more time together, it became clear that our chemistry was undeniable. The rest, as they say, is history, leading us to become not only partners in love but also in business. Together, we’ve built a life filled with creativity, support, and shared dreams.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When it came time to launch our business, we faced the typical challenge of securing startup funds. Without traditional bank loans or significant personal savings, I strategically leveraged my American Express Platinum credit card as our primary source of working capital. The card’s high credit limit and flexible spending options allowed me to make critical initial investments in our business infrastructure. I carefully used the card to purchase essential equipment, cover early operational expenses, and invest in marketing materials. While unconventional, this approach gave us the financial flexibility we needed during those crucial early months. The card’s rewards program and friendly features also provided some additional benefits. Of course, this strategy carried inherent financial risks, so I was meticulous about tracking expenses and developing a rapid repayment plan. Our calculated risk ultimately paid off, as the initial investments funded through the American Express Platinum card became the foundation of our business venture.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Tokaninteriors.com
- Instagram: @tokaninteriors
- Facebook: @tokaninteriors
- Linkedin: Tokan Interiors
Image Credits
Jody and Joel from 3Dography. They are the best of the best!