We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Riki Shafigi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Riki below.
Riki, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
I try to make interior design affordable for everyone. You don’t need to be a millionaire or have a mansion for your home to look put together and magazine ready. I differ for other interior designers, in that I will take a small bathroom remodel project, and also design a 7000 sq ft new construction. I don’t limit myself to just one style or certain types of projects. A newly married couple, who just bought their first fixer, deserve the same attention as a developer. And to make this possible, I pass on all designer discounts to my clients, I negotiate pricing for materials on their behalf and I don’t work only with certain vendors because they pay a commission. I’ll source the products wherever is necessary for the budget to be met. That’s not typical in this industry. It’s also known that most projects take a lot longer than estimated. I gather all the necessary materials during the permitting phase so that everything is ready for the contractor to begin, this reducing delays typically caused by decision making issues.
Riki, 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?
I’m a mom of 4 and I have a grandchild. I’m a finance major who never really wanted to get into finance. I’ve always had passion for the arts, and I was a professional ballet dancer with the Long Beach ballet throughout my teens. After getting married at age 20, I jumped into helping my husband with his family business. I was handling all of the accounting, sitting in front of the computer for most of the day. This went on for more than 15 years, until one day it was clear to me that I need to move on to a career that is fulfilling to me. And while my husband was very sad that I left the business, he fully supported me in my new venture. I started doing interior design on a budget, furnishing friends and family’s homes from outlet stores and overstock facilities. I started posting my makeovers on social media, and quickly picked up a following. I then began furnishing bigger projects, and slowly worked my way up to designing kitchens, baths, and then entire homes from the ground up. I’m a one woman show, and have, at times, had 7 projects at one time, while still running a household, cooking, doing homework and carpools with the kids, and being a wife. My clients appreciate that I’m relatable. I know how to design for a large family because I have one myself. I work tirelessly to find the perfect materials within budget. Picking tiles, countertops, even paint can be so overwhelming, as there are so many products in the market and so many vendors. I streamline the process and make the decision making a breeze. I often laugh that in addition to being an interior designer, I’m also a therapist, as couples often argue when designing a home. I pride myself in being able to provide all the materials necessary to the contractors so that project can run smoothly, on time, and without delays. And no two projects are alike. Sometimes my clients will want something they’ve seen on my Instagram feed. And I always tell them I’ll design something similar, but not the exact same… Every house should be unique. I currently work with homeowners, developers and investors and focus mainly on remodels and new construction projects.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
For the past several years my clientelle has been word of mouth and referrals. Occasionly I have received clients through social media. My work ethics and results speak for themselves, and clients are happy to refer me to their friends and family members. I also have a network of contractors I work with, and when they have construction projects, they’ll often recommend me to their clients. Contractors enjoy working with me because I’m professional, I know the business well, and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, stepping into projects that are just framed, and helping them with electrical and plumbing decisions.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I wrote a bit about this earlier, but it was when I was working with my husband in his family business but really felt unfulfilled. I was helping grow his/our business but I felt hopeless that I would be doing something I don’t like (accounting) forever. I started my interior design business, while still working at my husband’s office, doing both simultaneously. As my business picked up traction, I trained someone to do the accounting and pursued interior design full-time. At the time it was a very difficult decision both for my husband and I… No one can really watch over a business’s finances as well as the owner, but he also understood my need to feel fulfilled in my career. Now, we have two businesses to discuss. He’s very happy with my success, and always has input and suggestions. And he still comes to me for advice with his business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rikisdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikisdesign
Image Credits
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