Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kat Bonilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kat, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

When I think about legacy, I don’t focus on the money or property I may leave behind. The legacy I aim to build is one that makes people reflect on how I transformed ordinary spaces into oases of love and warmth. I want my clients to feel—to touch, smell, hear, and see—what was once unimaginable. It’s not just about creating visually pleasing spaces; it’s about crafting an experience that feels unique, inviting, and unforgettable.

At my events, I want guests to walk in and immediately immerse themselves in the atmosphere. Whether they’re sinking into the softness of a velvet sofa or inhaling the calming scent of No. 14 Jasmine, Oud, and Sandalwood while sipping a refreshing spritz. I want my guests to feel exactly what they need to feel—whether it’s joy, glamor, or simply peace.

For clients seeking a one-of-a-kind interior design experience, I want them to step into their homes and feel that everything fits just right. I want them to feel empowered and proud of their role in the creative process. I design experiences because seeing people smile and experience joy fills me with purpose.

I want to be remembered as someone who brought love and joy into spaces where people felt truly seen and appreciated. I want my creativity to outlive me, leaving behind a blueprint anyone can follow. The key is to open your heart and let go of doubt and fear. Nothing is too messy or irreparable. There are no mistakes when you’re having fun—if a rug is too big or too bold, simply return it and try again!

Play. Let go. Let your mind create freely. We are all creative beings—no matter our field—because the greatest Creator instilled that spark within us.

Kat, 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 was born in Bonao, Dominican Republic and raised in Boston, MA by a single mother alongside my two beautiful sisters. From a young age, I’ve always been a creative soul. As a child, I’d spin elaborate stories to get myself out of trouble. Over time, I explored my creativity further by drawing, turning simple doodles into art pieces I proudly displayed in art exhibits.

My parents also taught me the art of cooking and hosting early on. I’ve always been social and loved family gatherings, whether it was helping cook or setting the table with matching silverware. I cherished watching my family enjoy the food, dance to the rhythm of bachata, and share stories as they laughed. There was always an occasion to celebrate in our family, whether it was Mama’s birthday or simply an after-church BBQ just because.

The first time I truly explored the joy of creativity was in my college dorm room. I remember wanting to make my room feel like home. It wasn’t about interior design as I see it now but about creating an experience that brought me joy and warmth. On a budget, I transformed the space into a cozy haven. The room was filled with shades of pink and brown, and everything matched! Thinking back about that moment, I know it wasn’t my best interior design work, but it brought me so much joy!

I graduated from The College of the Holy Cross with a minor in art, and I’ve continued exploring art in various forms. As an adult, I’ve had the opportunity to produce events for loved ones and for a non-profit organization, Time of Butterflies, which I co-run with my sister, Giselle. Today, I’ve turned this passion into a business, offering interior design services and co-running a recurring event in DC called The Apt. Live.

Do I have everything figured out? Absolutely not. I still experience doubt, and sometimes my ADHD leads me to overcommit. But somehow, everything always gets done. As I continue to learn and expand my creative horizons, I’m proud of the risks I’ve taken.

I want my current and future clients to know that I’m committed to making the unimaginable come to life. My brand is about curating unforgettable experiences. Let’s work together and have some fun!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that you need to wait for the “right” moment. After college, I hesitated to start creating again because I believed that without a significant amount of money to invest, I would become a starving artist. I felt like I could not afford to spend time or money on a career that might take a while to take off. Coming from a family that couldn’t financially support my work, I kept putting it off. But over time, I subconsciously began creating for myself and close friends, and their encouragement sparked something in me.

Don’t sell yourself short—you never know who is admiring your creativity or who might want to invest in you.

One example of this is how The Apt. Live came to life. The idea to bring back black joy to my community came from a simple conversation with a friend. I wanted to host a brunch in my new home, and my friend said, “Let’s invite your friends! I will DJ the party and it will be a good vibe!” I immediately loved the idea! We hosted about 30 people, set up a DJ booth on my kitchen island, served brunch appetizers, and had drinks flowing. Before the event, I painted one of my walls using a lime-washed technique to make my vision come to life. The wall was giving what it needed to give! So many people enjoyed taking selfies against that wall!

That brunch turned into the start of The Apt. Live. We currently host exclusive private parties designed to create unforgettable experiences that people want to come back for. An event that started with two people has grown into a collaborative team. Our last event in October featured a live performance by a Boston-based artist, Heyssis Castillo, a bartender making specialty drinks, two DJs spinning, and a photographer capturing the moment. The demand for our events continues to grow, and this is exciting!

The moral of the story is that while you might need to invest time and money upfront, don’t wait for the “right time”—take action and make your dreams happen now! I still work my day job, but I know that one day, I’ll be doing this full-time.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Have you heard of the book, “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron? If not, I highly recommend it! A few years ago, I lost the excitement to create. I made countless excuses for why I wasn’t creating—for myself or anyone else. It was a tough time because creativity is in my DNA, and I did not feel complete.

For my 33rd birthday, my best friend, Ari, gifted me this book after I had opened up to her about my struggle to create again and not knowing where or how to restart. God bless her because after a year, I finally opened the book, and it has been guiding me on a “spiritual path to higher creativity.” It’s designed as a 12-week workshop that essentially helps you unleash your creative self. But be warned—Julia plays no games. She makes it clear from the beginning that you MUST fully commit to the 12 weeks, and she walks you through the preparation process step by step.

The beautiful part is that you don’t have to be an artist to benefit. Whether you’re a lawyer, doctor, or whatever, this workshop helps you tap into your creativity in your career. Some of you might be wondering, “How can a lawyer or doctor be creative?” Julia says, and I quote, “We are, ourselves, creations. And we, in turn, are meant to continue creativity by being creative ourselves.”

Lastly, for all the perfectionists out there—this is for you. We often get so caught up in making things perfect that we lose sight of the real goal. There is no right or wrong way to create. What you might consider imperfect, others might see it as beautiful. Art is perspective. Julia writes, “We are victims of our own internalized perfectionist, a nasty internal and eternal critic, the Censor, who resides in our (left) brain and keeps up a constant stream of subversive remarks that are often disguised as the truth.” Don’t let your mind stop you from creating. Creativity is your journey, and it can be a fun and beautiful one if you give it a try!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @itskatzworld_ @theaptlive @timeofbutterflies
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-m-bonilla-425a464b/
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

-Antonio Diggs (@80shots)
-Khayla (@khayshots)