We recently connected with Michele Atencio and have shared our conversation below.
Michele, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
As the proud owner of MISARI Design Collective, my journey to where I am today has been anything but conventional. Reflecting on happiness as a business owner, it’s a resounding yes, though it’s a happiness earned through resilience, adaptation, and embracing the unexpected turns of life.
After my divorce, I found myself at a crossroads that led to the rebranding of my business. It was a period marked by introspection and determination to carve out a unique niche in the luxury home design space. The process demanded a significant amount of strength and required sacrifices I hadn’t anticipated.
Interestingly, my professional background is in nursing—a field seemingly worlds apart from interior design. The majority of my life was dedicated to pursuing a career that, in the end, diverged drastically from where I’ve found my true calling. My journey is proof that it’s never too late to discover your passion and pivot towards it.
Running a business, especially in a market as competitive and saturated as Florida’s, demands constant innovation and a drive to stand out. The question of happiness crosses my mind, particularly during moments of reflection on the sacrifices made and the hurdles overcome to establish a presence in the industry.
So, do I ever wonder about leading a more conventional job path? The thought has crossed my mind, especially during times of adversity. Yet, each time I’m reminded of the deep-seated satisfaction and pride that comes from building something from the ground up—creating spaces that resonate with people on a personal level. It’s this impact, the ability to transform a house into a home that reflects the essence of its owners, that reassures me I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Michele, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
At MISARI Design Collective, we’ve distinguished ourselves in the world of home design by moving beyond the conventional to craft truly personalized living spaces. Our distinctiveness lies in our Total-Design-Build approach.
Our service encapsulates a comprehensive journey from the initial concept to the final reveal, covering all necessary permits, detailed drawings, finish selections, and staging. Living in a MISARI-designed home means immersing yourself in an environment where every detail is a reflection of your own personal taste and lifestyle.
In today’s era, where your space is a deeply personal sanctuary, our work extends far beyond the Florida borders, with ambitions to redefine American homes with our unique vision. Our commitment to European high-end finishes, custom color schemes, and innovative lighting design positions us as Tampa Bay’s most visionary designers. My roots in Vermont, where my parents’ enthusiasm for revitalizing old homes ignited my passion for design, combined with a self-taught, outside-the-box approach, have empowered me to bring a distinctive edge to every project.
A pivotal figure in both my life and business is my daughter, who is also a co-owner of MISARI. My goal is to create a lasting legacy that she can proudly continue. In fact, MISARI is a blend of our names!
She encapsulates all that MISARI represents—creativity, boldness, intelligence, with just the right amount of sass. These qualities are mirrored in the distinctive designs we create for homes, making her influence a fundamental aspect of our brand’s identity.
I am immensely proud of the recognition we’ve received and the impact we’ve made on our clients’ lives through our designs. The most important thing to know is that for MISARI it’s not just about designing homes, it’s also about crafting a unique experience that resonates on a personal level, turning spaces into stories, and houses into homes.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Transitioning from a career in the medical field to becoming a designer was a huge pivot! My journey began while working with my ex-husband doing flips and home renovations as investors, a stark contrast to my compassionate role in nursing. However, the core values of compassion, care, and service that were important to my nursing career have seamlessly translated into my work in home design. Today, I channel that same level of dedication into helping clients realize their dream homes, offering a service that extends beyond mere aesthetics to touch the lives of those we work with profoundly.
In business, we recognized an opportunity to broaden our impact and appeal by transitioning to high-end, custom renovations that cater to an array of clients, regardless of their property type or geographical location. This allowed us to extend our expertise to create stunning, personalized homes that stand out and capture the attention of those both within and beyond our immediate community.
Our revised focus encompasses a comprehensive range of design-build services, from mid-century modern makeovers and historic restorations to luxury and waterfront property renovations. This diversified approach has not only made our portfolio more well-rounded but also opened doors to various markets, enabling us to cater to clients across different price ranges and property types.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a distinguished reputation in the competitive market of home design and renovation was not easy. I believe our ascent within this space can largely be attributed to our commitment to uniqueness and excellence. We’ve steadfastly refused to follow the well-worn path of cookie-cutter designs. Instead, we’ve carved our niche by blending unexpected, edgy, and moody elements with traditional aesthetics, resulting in designs that are both elevated and tastefully unique.
Our design philosophy is full of contrasts, creating spaces that are daring yet refined, sophisticated yet vibrant. This approach has not only set us apart but has also captivated a clientele looking for something beyond the mainstream. Furthermore, our ability to offer an extensive array of options has been key. The breadth of our custom design services ensures that there’s no concept too challenging or vision too outlandish for us to bring to life!
In essence, our reputation has been built on a foundation of innovation, white-glove service, and an unwavering dedication to creating unique, memorable spaces.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.misaridesigncollective.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MISARIDESIGNS/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/misaridesigncollective
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@misaridesigncollective