We recently connected with Yumilka Soto and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yumilka, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?

One of my most rewarding experiences as a designer was the journey of creating Mamazzitas Gastrobar, which stemmed from a challenging situation with my client, an empowered woman who is also from the Dominican Republic like me.

Initially, I designed two unique concepts for her 2 restaurants: the 809 Hookah Bar and Mamazzitas Gastrobar.
Both designs were beautiful in their own kind, but as circumstances unfolded, my client had to make the tough decision to let go of one of the locations. Fortunately, she was able to retain Mamazzitas Gastrobar location, which was centered around a Mexican gastronomic theme.

However, my client was so in loved and emotionally connected with the design of 809 Hookah Bar that she wanted to adapt these elements to Mamazzitas Gastrobar location, even though this proved to be a significant challenge, since the architectural layout was vastly different, and the gastronomic concept was Mediterranean-oriented rather than Mexican along with some advances and purchases already made for Mamazzitas original concept.

Our task was to find a way to meld the enchanting aesthetics of the Hookah Bar with the existing structure and the new culinary direction of Mamazzitas.

As we began this project, we found inspiration in our shared heritage and the strength of women like Anacaona, a revered Dominican native who championed women’s rights and empowerment. This connection fueled our creative process, reminding us that we were not just designing a restaurant; we were also celebrating our culture and empowering our women community.

To achieve a successful blend of the two concepts, I focused on incorporating tropical elements that would resonate with the new menu while preserving the pre-existing build features from the previous design. This approach allowed us to maintain much of the structural integrity while elevating the aesthetic appeal of the space. Initially chaotic, our brainstorming sessions turned into moments of creative breakthroughs, as we visually and conceptually married the Mediterranean flavors with vibrant tropical designs.

The end result surpassed all of our expectations. Mamazzitas Gastrobar emerged as a beautifully cohesive space that both delighted our client and provided an inviting atmosphere for patrons. The vibrant tropical elements paired seamlessly with the previous Mediterranean-inspired menu concept, creating a unique dining experience that celebrated both culinary traditions.

Our success story was not just about completing a design project; it was a testament to resilience, collaboration, and the power of embracing one’s roots. Ultimately, Mamazzitas not only flourished but also became a community beacon where guests felt a deep connection to the rich cultural narrative that inspired it. It served as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, believing in oneself and working together can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Yumilka Soto, an interior designer from the Dominican Republic, now living in Denver, CO, and Orlando, FL. You can check out my work at visualstudioplus.com and on social media under Visual Studio Plus.

I got into restaurant design by chance, mixing my love for creativity from my fashion design days with my passion for making beautiful and practical spaces. At Visual Studio Plus, I create custom designs and 3D visualizations, turning your dreams into reality while making the process easy and enjoyable.

I’m really proud of my wide range of projects and the great relationships I’ve built with my clients. What makes me stand out is my mix of creativity and attention to detail, plus I aim to take the stress out of managing projects. Just let me know if you want to relax and receive weekly updates instead of daily check-ins!

When I’m not designing, I love to travel, dance, and stay active with CrossFit. I can’t wait to connect and help bring your vision to life!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I’ve had to unlearn is that not everything goes according to my plan. I’ve learned to be more conscious of God’s will and timing. In the world of construction and renovation, I’ve faced many unique challenges—often related to timing and budget—that have forced me to adapt and sometimes let go of key design elements.

It can be emotional for me because I pour my heart into every project, falling in love with each concept and its details. But these experiences have taught me that flexibility is crucial. Embracing change and trusting the process has made me a stronger and more resilient designer. Ultimately, I’ve learned that every setback can lead to unexpected beauty and growth in my work.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes, more than “I wish I knew,” I wish I had developed a thicker skin earlier in my career. Over the years, I’ve noticed that when misunderstandings or bumps arise during construction, it’s often easy for people to blame the designer. It might sound funny, but it’s true!

Instead of focusing on solutions or understanding the concept behind the design, some people tend to point fingers. I’ve learned to stand up for myself, concentrate on results, and focus on fixing the problem rather than getting caught up in the blame game.

One key moment of growth for me came when individuals without my level of expertise openly questioned design choices—like the color of a chair or a tile combination—without waiting to see the final result. It really made me think: “why do they hired a designer?” My greatest accomplishment has been developing a strong mindset that allows me not to take these inappropriate comments personally
And understand that most of the people wants to feel they contribute and their opinions matters, and sometimes that helps challenging me to the next level.

Embracing this mindset has made me a stronger designer and problem-solver, and I wish I’d embraced it sooner!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://visualstudioplus.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visualstudioplus/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumilka-soto-93603239/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VISUALSTUDIOPLUS

Image Credits

AA Realstate Photography