We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zuli Marval a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zuli, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

I love this question because it speaks to the essence of what makes small businesses so impactful. One of the things that businesses like The Private Collections can do—often in ways larger corporations cannot—is to embrace creativity, innovation, and personal touch without being tied down to rigid industry standards. This flexibility allows for authenticity, customization, and a unique approach that resonates deeply with customers.

For example, within the world of design, many large firms or mass-market companies may operate on a model of efficiency, focusing on scalability and conformity, especially in architecture and interior design. This often leads to a “one-size-fits-all” mentality. Small businesses, on the other hand, have the opportunity to truly push boundaries, offering bespoke services that cater to individual tastes, needs, and dreams.

At The Private Collections, we understand this ethos—creating a space or collection that’s not just about what’s on trend, but about curating a personalized experience and fostering deep connections with your clients.

Our studio’s unique combination of high-end millwork and cabinetry, rooted in functional design and European products, is a powerful differentiator in today’s competitive design landscape. We have built a reputation not only for craftsmanship and attention to detail but also for access to top-tier European manufacturers—a significant asset, positioning us as a one-stop shop that designers and clients rely on.

Our brands’s expertise is more than just about making beautiful cabinetry; it’s about being a trusted partner who can deliver a highly customized, functional, and world-class product—seamlessly combining our know-how with the best European products available. Our dual expertise, is not just meeting industry standards; we’re setting them. And that is what truly differentiates us in the marketplace: the combination of deep technical know-how, exceptional access to European innovation, and our commitment to functional, bespoke design.
Our studio’s ability to provide both the design expertise and the exclusive sourcing power is what sets you apart as a one-stop shop that designers can rely on for everything from the initial concept to the final product.
Our dual expertise in both design and sourcing European allows us to maintain efficiency and time management. Designers and clients benefit from working with a team that understands not only how to make things beautiful and functional but also knows where to source premium materials and how to manage the logistics. We become an invaluable partner, streamlining what could otherwise be a complicated and fragmented process into something more manageable.
Having the expertise and the direct access to these European manufacturers allows us to fully customize products to meet the specific needs of our clients, something that mass-market suppliers or local manufacturers may not be able to offer at the same level. Whether it’s a one-off bespoke kitchen, a luxury bathroom vanity, or an entirely custom library wall unit, we can provide designers with a tailored solution that blends the beauty of European design with the exact needs of the client.
Clients know exactly what they’re getting when they work with us: premium, functional, and customized cabinetry with access to exclusive European products. This makes us a go-to resource for high-end designers and clients looking to simplify their workflow while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Our combined experience in design, craftsmanship, and sourcing ensures that you’re not just another millwork or cabinetry provider. You’re offering a full-service, high-quality experience—from concept to execution—that’s hard to match in the industry.

This gives our studio an edge, as designers and clients don’t have to go searching for these specialized products from multiple sources. They come to you knowing that your studio provides a seamless, one-stop experience for sourcing and crafting the perfect pieces for their high-end projects.

Zuli, 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?

As the founding interior architect at THE PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, Zuli directly oversees the design for all the firm’s projects.

Zuli found her passion for interior design and began her career in Venezuela. After relocating to Miami, she quickly discovered her love for Italian craftsmanship. Since then, she has travelled across Italy finding inspiration and the best products to incorporate into her designs, and quickly landing the opportunity to represent several Italian manufacturers.

Her 15+ years of experience, in addition to her ability to listen to her clients and ultimately deliver distinctive design, has made her a leader in the field. Today, Zuli’s designs are found across South Florida, Venezuela and the Caribbean.

THE PRIVATE COLLECTIONS, has a wide experience in designing a variety of private residences. Our Italian kitchen cabinetry, vanities, closets, interior doors, lighting and furniture are now in many residences across south Florida, the Caribbean and Venezuela.

We have a clear understanding of the major aspects of the customer experience.
We deliver interiors which are fully responsive to the brief and the nature of the space, creating bespoke environments for many different interior types.

Through our vast network of European manufacturers, vendors and services, we offer high standards of customized quality European kitchen cabinetry, vanities, closets, interior doors, lighting and furniture.

We provide a great balance of value and beauty, offering our customers the shortest delivery time available. Our products allow a design that is not only beautiful, but also adaptable to be unique and exclusive or more functional and competitive.

I am mostly proud of my family for their support and to my work team. We have built strong relationships beyond the work environment. We are a team not because we work together, but because we respect and care for one another.

It is important for our brand and mission to emphasize this. We believe in this ethos, it permeates beyond the industry, our daily work projects, clients and followers. It is more than work, it is a lifestyle: to truly resonate with clients, be part of their home design and their living spaces, it is intimate. And we honor the privilege to have the opportunity to work with them in such a personal way.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As mentioned Zuli emigrated from Venezuela to the United States with dreams and a vision to incorporate her creativity in a new country.

After 15+ years in the U.S. she has navigated the complexities of restarting her business after facing several setbacks.

Her journey highlights the challenges of entrepreneurship in a foreign land, balancing the demands of motherhood, and the determination required to rebuild and grow her business even with many setbacks and challenges.

She endured and persevered, continuing to reinvent and innovate among the field. Through perseverance, she has not only managed to regain her footing but has also continued to innovate, expand her expertise, and establish a thriving enterprise in the competitive interior architecture and design industry.

Maintaining strong and loyal relationships with European and local providers is a testament to the power of tenacity and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to give up on their dreams.

Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?

We love this question because The Private Collections is finally launching their webstore. After many years in the industry and collaborations with designers we have broaden our scope to make pieces available for our clients through our upcoming webstore. Which will be launching 2025.

Shopping with The Private Collections offers a range of unique eCommerce benefits that make us the perfect destination for discerning clients seeking luxury, style, and exclusivity

We are proud to offer an exclusive selection of high-end design products that reflect our commitment to sophistication, style, and craftsmanship. Each piece has been meticulously curated to enhance the aesthetic of any interior while serving as a conversation starter, bringing together timeless elegance with functional artistry, perfect for creating spaces that are both beautiful and purposeful.

Our online store offers an expertly curated collection of high-end European décor, lighting, and premium appliances, featuring renowned brands like When Objects Work, Matthew McCormick, and Gaggenau. Every item in our store is handpicked to ensure superior quality, sophisticated design, and lasting value, making it easy for you to elevate your space with a single click.

Exclusive Products: As part of our commitment to providing unique and bespoke interior design solutions, many of the items in our store are exclusive to The Private Collections. Our eCommerce platform gives you access to exclusive products not widely available elsewhere, giving you the ability to make your home or business stand out with rare, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Personalized Service: Even though you’re shopping online, we believe in offering the same personalized, high-touch service that our design clients experience. Our team is available for consultations to guide you through product selections, answer any questions, and provide expert recommendations that align with your style and space.

VIP Access to Design Expertise: By shopping with us, you also gain access to our top-tier interior design expertise. If you’re interested in transforming your home or office, our design team can collaborate with you on a custom interior design plan—combining our hand-selected products with your personal vision.
Timely Delivery and Installation: We ensure that every item purchased is delivered on time and with care. Our installation services ensure that your new décor or appliances are seamlessly integrated into your space, with minimal hassle.

Whether you are outfitting a luxurious residential estate or transforming a commercial space, our curated collection of products guarantees a sophisticated and seamless integration into any design vision. With a passion for quality and an eye for detail, we invite you to experience the best in European design and innovation at The Private Collections

When you shop with The Private Collections, you’re not just buying products—you’re investing in curated luxury, design excellence, and an elevated lifestyle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theprivatecollections.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprivatecollections/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theprivatecollections/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zuli-marval-96512ba
• Other: https://theprivatecollections.myshopify.com/ . Still under construction but link is and to be launched in January.

Image Credits

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