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

Alright, Sandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

I believe that you don’t need a fancy degree or a traditional path to be a great interior designer. In fact, I think being self-taught, learning through trial and error, and staying relentlessly curious can be even more powerful.

When I was just starting out, I attended Las Vegas Market, full of excitement and hope. At one of the showrooms, I introduced myself as a new interior designer — and I’ll never forget how one of the sales reps (I won’t name names) almost scolded me for it. The way she dismissed me simply because I didn’t come from a conventional design background stung. But it also lit a fire.

That moment made me realize how deeply the industry can cling to credentials over creativity. But here’s the truth: design is not about a title. It’s about your ability to listen, solve problems, and create something beautiful and meaningful with whatever tools or budget you’re given. A good designer can make magic with anything.

I’ve made it a point to own my journey — the self-education, the mistakes, the practice. And I proudly stand for the idea that talent, passion, and persistence are just as valid as any degree. Maybe even more.

Sandra, 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?

My name is Sandra Mijan. I’m an interior designer, content creator, and the founder of Dress Your Space by Sandra Mijan. I was born and raised in Croatia and have called Las Vegas home since 1999. My design style blends European warmth with approachable elegance — I believe in creating spaces that feel elevated, personal, and truly livable.

My path into interior design wasn’t traditional. After designing my own home and falling in love with the process, I realized this wasn’t just a passion — it was a calling. I began helping friends, taking on client projects, and absorbing everything I could. To solidify my foundation, I enrolled in an online course through NYIAD (New York Institute of Art & Design) to clarify the fundamentals and gain more structure around what I was already practicing. That blend of hands-on experience and formal study gave me the confidence to launch my business.

While I’m still relatively new to content creation, it’s quickly become a big part of my journey. As an Amazon Creator, I share curated design finds, mood boards, styling tips, and creative inspiration for people looking to transform their homes — often with affordable, accessible pieces that don’t sacrifice style. My goal is to show that you don’t need a massive budget or a “perfect” space to create something beautiful and unique.

What sets me apart is my belief that design should reflect real life — not just magazine pages. I focus on listening to my clients’ needs, understanding how they live, and bringing warmth and function into every design. Whether it’s a full project or a simple shelf refresh, I approach everything with the same care and intention.

I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my growing community — especially clients/followers who’ve told me I’ve helped them see their homes in a new light. And what I always want people to know is: your space can feel like you — inviting, inspiring, and full of heart — no matter where you’re starting from.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started building my audience on social media by simply sharing what I was doing in my own home — no big plan, just what felt real to me. Later, I began sharing projects for real clients, which added more depth and variety to my content. Along the way, I learned not to overthink it. The more I tried to make things “perfect,” the less connected it felt. Once I relaxed and started showing up as myself — flaws, experiments, and all — that’s when people really started to engage. My best advice? Be honest, be yourself, and stop waiting for the perfect post. Just start. Consistency and authenticity will take you further than perfection ever will.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Honestly, I don’t really strategize when it comes to growing my clientele. I keep it simple: my website is out there, Houzz profile and Instagram has been a natural platform to showcase my work. Most importantly, I rely heavily on referrals from existing clients — there’s nothing more powerful than word-of-mouth.

When I talk to potential clients during the first phone call or consultation, I’m upfront and ask: “Why did you reach out? Was it because of my transparent price, or because you liked the look of my previous projects and client testimonials?” I always hope it’s because they connected with my style and vision. For me, great design and authentic connections speak louder than ads or promotions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sandramijan.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandramijan
• Other: Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3SHSNWl