We were lucky to catch up with Omar Rivera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Omar, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was dancing professionally with Ballet Hispanico, touring the world on our international tour. We were traveling to the London Airport, a 2.5 hr drive, and I had the grand idea of my business model. I had to instantly pull out my laptop and start writing down ideas I was having. I was in my creative element and idea after idea started to flow from my brain to my fingertips typing on my macbook pro. I had been dancing for 15 years at the time, and I continuously would ask myself questions like “what’s next?” and “what will I be after I’m finished being a performing artist?”. I had been pursuing my interior design certification online from the New York Institute of Art and Design while being on the road and performing with BH. That summer i had completed my course work and was brainstorming ideas for a career in interior design post performing full-time with a dance company.

On that bus ride to London, en route to our next city to perform, I had the brilliant idea of merging my two worlds and creating something unique and authentic to who I am as an artist. I have a strong background in dance and a keen eye for aesthetic and design so I thought, “SPACES THAT MOVE YOU” ! In that moment I decided that my entire idea was going to revolve around the concept of curating spaces in the same way you would a dance – with nuance, texture, layers, repetition, and dynamic. I went even further to connect the dots on how design informs how we feel and move throughout a space, and isn’t movement affiliated to dance?! & thats how HMY Dezigns was born.

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.

HMY Designs is a New York-based interior design studio founded by designer and former professional dancer, Omar Rivera. Our mission is to deliver high-quality design that is personal, innovative, and impactful—spaces that not only look beautiful but move the people who experience them.

With equal emphasis on function and aesthetic, HMY Designs seeks to transform how clients interact with their environments. Drawing from his rich background in dance, Rivera brings a unique sensitivity to rhythm, texture, energy, and nuance—elements that breathe life and movement into every space.

As a principal dancer with Ballet Hispánico—the world’s leading Latin dance organization—Rivera worked closely with a wide range of creatives: choreographers, lighting designers, costume designers, set designers, music producers, photographers, and creative directors. This experience instilled in him a deep understanding of collaboration and the many layers that come together to create an unforgettable performance. It’s this same collaborative, multidimensional approach that informs his work in interior design.

At HMY Designs, we believe every space has the potential to perform. Through mood, function, and harmony, we craft environments that awaken the senses—spaces you can feel, hear, see, and remember.
Let us create SPACES THAT MOVE YOU—join the dance!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Over the past three years, I worked diligently to build a modest savings fund to help jumpstart my business. I established a dedicated business bank account, secured a business credit card, and began laying the financial foundation from there. As project opportunities arose, I gradually grew my capital and reinvested into the business. This was made possible in large part because I was developing my company while still working full-time with Ballet Hispánico of New York.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When you’re first starting out, there’s a lot of trial and error. It’s an important stage in building a business—one that teaches you just as much about resilience as it does about strategy. Even though my work is creative, there’s a very real business component behind it.

Being the son of an immigrant business owner, I’ve always drawn strength from my father’s story. I would remind myself, “If my dad—an immigrant with little to no resources—could do it, then so can I.” There have been many times, both then and now, when I’ve picked up the phone to ask him for guidance.

Having his mentorship is one of my greatest blessings. He understands the challenges of entrepreneurship firsthand, and he supports me not just as a fellow business owner, but as a father who deeply cares for me. Whenever imposter syndrome tries to creep in, it’s his journey, his words, and my desire to make him proud that carry me through.

Contact Info:

• Website: In the works – Launching 2026
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmydezigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583602498668
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-rivera/