We recently connected with Ria Mozhina and have shared our conversation below.
Ria, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
All of my day jobs required me to be a solutions-provider. When it came to technology – I had to learn on my feet, and have answers to concerns my clients had with top-tier technology. It was consistently evolving. Think scanning body parts, objects, designing them in a 3D space, and sending off for manufacturing with industry-leading printers, and milling machines.
Putting myself in the shoes of someone who would seek me out, to train on this equipment, I decided to learn an all new software all together for personal use at the time. I had a deep need, being as someone who had all the answers to clients for 7 years … I needed to feel like the pupil again to really understand my people, and meet their needs.
A good friend of mine – Bernie, visited me and caught me testing my new equipment. Having a background in learning on the go, I was comfortable messing around with what I was working on already, in such a short amount of time. He asked me if I could work on a larger project of his right away. He managed a construction team of luxury homes in Canada. We started working together right away. I would offer design choices to our clients and we quickly built the rapport of high quality that he was looking for.
It takes one person to believe in your capabilities to make a whole change to your life. Bernie is unfortunately no longer here with us, but his confidence in me from day one will always hold a big space in my heart. Today, I continue with designing spaces on my own. I couldn’t have done it without him seeing something special in me, and enforcing it!
Ria, 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’m Ria, Owner of Riri’s Design! I take great pride in not only elevating client’s spaces, in making the transition an easy, enjoyable and positive experience. Currently, I’m sought out by leading construction companies in Canada for my design services, and personal projects directly from clients. I thoroughly enjoy what I do, and I love working with people. My greatest joy is seeing how far I can go to make my clients smile.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
I believe my love for people shines through when I talk to them in person. I could be at an event, or even running errands … I enjoy making people feel good about themselves in any random context. I spark up conversations with strangers all the time. Usually asking about them, and what they like to do. Note, I’m not asking them where they work! There is always a passion that perhaps doesn’t pay the bills, so I keep conversations light, and positive. There isn’t enough positivity around and I aim to make a difference in someone’s day. It is purely by happy accident that people ask me about my passion and happen to have a need for me! My main source – in person!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My steady approach has been to take on my projects day by day. If there needs to be some sort of solution, you don’t put it off. Face it today, and begin working towards your goals, today. If there is a difficult decision, you take action to rectify. I’m a big believer in facing everything head-on, and seeking excellence in every subject under my control. Keeping true to your values, having positive interactions and communication play a large role in success for me. People want to work with someone that others also enjoy. Do whatever you can, to make sure your people are happy, even if it means admitting to mistakes and correcting them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ririsart.com/
