We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ifeanyi Okoh. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ifeanyi below.
Hi Ifeanyi, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in my career is the art of adaptability, a skill that has proven absolutely necessary in both my previous roles and now at ADINA Interior Design.
Prior to launching ADINA, I found my passion as a Healthtech Project Manager. As a PM, my job involved managing complex processes and supporting pharmaceutical companies in submitting drug applications to the FDA—a task that is as high-stakes as it is detail-oriented.
Every project had its own set of challenges, but one in particular stands out. Midway through a critical, high-profile project, we faced an unexpected regulatory change that required us to completely overhaul our submission strategy. The timeline was already tight, and this required change could have significantly impacted the project, potentially leading to a six-month submission delay, which would have jeopardized investor funding and cost jobs. So as you can imagine, the pressure to solve quickly was rather high.
Recognizing the need for decisive action, I quickly gathered the team, reassessed our resources, and led the development of a new plan. We had to pivot, reassign tasks, and communicate the changes across multiple stakeholders, all while maintaining our accelerated timelines and avoiding team burnout. It was a lesson in staying flexible and resourceful, understanding that no plan is set in stone, and that success often depends on how well you can adapt to new circumstances and information.
Similarly, while working as an Operations Manager at a tech startup, adaptability was key. Startups are notoriously fast-paced, and this company was no exception. We were constantly iterating on our products, tweaking processes, and responding to market demands in real time. When a product launch had to be moved up by several weeks due to an urgent request from the board, I took the lead in expediting development, marketing, and logistics—without compromising quality. I worked across various departments to ensure cohesion, reallocated resources, minimized budget impacts, and kept everyone aligned with the new, accelerated timeline. This swift pivot not only impressed our investors but also secured additional funding for future projects.
These experiences naturally flowed over into one of the core values of ADINA, where adaptability isn’t just an asset—it’s the foundation of our success. Interior design projects, much like the industries I’ve worked in before, require a high degree of adaptability. Whether it’s managing client expectations, adjusting to unexpected delays, or finding creative solutions to design constraints, the ability to pivot and remain flexible is crucial. The lessons I learned in my previous roles have equipped me to lead ADINA with a mindset that embraces change and sees challenges as opportunities to innovate.
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?
Growing up, I was captivated by the beauty and harmony of well-designed spaces. I would often lose myself in daydreams, imagining how these spaces were created and how they could be transformed to reflect personal style and comfort. Little did I know that this childhood fascination would one day evolve into a lifelong mission to create environments that leave a lasting impact on the places we cherish most—our homes.
Before officially launching ADINA Interior Design in 2021, I spent years honing my skills in project and operations management across various industries. While I excelled in those roles, and the experiences proved invaluable from a business operations perspective, I consistently found myself taking on small projects and designing/re-designing spaces for close friends and family. This allowed me to blend my love for aesthetics with a deep commitment to creating spaces that stand the test of time—something I had dreamed of since childhood.
At ADINA, our mission is to transform spaces into timeless, luxurious environments that enhance the lives of those who live in them. What makes us unique is our ability to merge luxury with functionality, creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also perfectly tailored to the individual lifestyles of our clients. We specialize in crafting spaces that not only reflect the unique personality and style of our clients but are also functional for everyday use and built to endure for generations. Our services range from complete residential and commercial renovations to bespoke furniture design, with each project executed with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to quality and functionality.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach to design. We don’t just follow trends; we focus on creating spaces that are both functional and timeless, ensuring that they remain relevant and appreciated as time passes and individuals or families evolve. This commitment to enduring quality is evident in our choice of materials, our attention to craftsmanship, and our dedication to understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each client.
I’m particularly proud of the relationships we build with our clients. At ADINA, we see our role not just as designers but as luxury lifestyle architects who help create spaces that elevate and enhance the quality of life for those whose homes we are fortunate to transform. One project that stands out to me was a penthouse renovation for a high-profile client who wanted a space that exuded both elegance and comfort, tailored specifically to their lifestyle.
This project was particularly exciting because it challenged us to balance the client’s desire for an opulent, high-tech space with the need for a warm, welcoming atmosphere. By carefully selecting materials, integrating advanced technology, and curating custom designs, we exceeded the client’s expectations and delivered a home that was as inviting as it was luxurious.
This project truly encapsulates what ADINA is all about: creating luxurious, timeless spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, perfectly aligned with the unique lifestyles of our clients.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients for ADINA Interior Design has definitely been a mix of word-of-mouth referrals and a growing social media presence.
We’ve seen our commitment to exceeding client expectations naturally lead to increased referrals, making word-of-mouth our most powerful source of new business. Approximately 75% of our new clients come through referrals, highlighting the trust and satisfaction our clients have in our work. We take immense pride in building honest, strong, lasting relationships with our clients, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how their satisfaction translates into recommendations to friends, family, and colleagues. These referrals show us that the care and attention we put into our work truly resonate, and it’s always a joy to welcome new clients who come to us through someone they trust.
While referrals have been our cornerstone, our growing presence on social media has expanded our reach even further. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are where the ADINA brand comes to life. It’s where we share our design journey, engage with our community, and showcase the blend of modern luxury and fun that defines our work. Through engaging content and genuine connection with our followers, we’ve turned casual viewers into loyal clients. Social media has become more than just a marketing tool for us; it’s where we share our passion, draw inspiration, and build a community that loves design as much as we do.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to welcome more clients into the ADINA family, whether they find us through a trusted referral or while scrolling through their feed. We can’t wait to create more spaces that people love to live in. And if you’re looking for a space that feels uniquely yours, we’d love to connect—whether it’s through a friend’s recommendation or a message on Instagram.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
ADINA Interior Design was completely self-funded, and the journey to gather the initial capital was one of hard work, determination, and an unshakable belief in my vision. At the time, I was working two full-time jobs—one during the day and another in the evenings—putting in over 100-hour weeks for about a year. Those 100-hour weeks weren’t just about saving money; they were about laying a strong foundation for ADINA, one built on resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to what I knew I could create.
It wasn’t easy, and there were definitely moments when giving up looked pretty damn tempting. But every time I felt close to throwing in the towel, something would remind me why I started this journey—whether it was registering my business, completing a design course, hiring my first contractor, or seeing the business take its first steps. Those small victories kept me going, and I knew that if I wanted to bring ADINA to life, I had to be the first person to invest in it. Sure, there were plenty of missed social events and late nights, but each one was a step closer to building something I truly believed in.
For me, self-funding wasn’t just about securing start-up funds; it was about betting on myself and my dreams. I believed so strongly in the vision I had for ADINA that I was willing to put in double the work and my own capital to make it happen. There’s something incredibly empowering about being the first person to invest in your vision. It’s a testament to your belief in what you’re creating. If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to?
Self-funding ADINA was my way of taking control of my destiny, ensuring that I could build my business on my own terms and stay true to my vision every step of the way. The hard work and sacrifices I made were just the beginning. As I continue to build ADINA Interior Designs, I’m fueled by that same passion and belief that started it all. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see where it takes me—and ADINA—next. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that betting on yourself is always worth it. I hope my story encourages others to take that leap and trust in their vision.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @adinainteriordesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558104834063&sk=photos
