We had the good fortune of connecting with Zadie Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zadie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I enrolled in college in 2018, I read the description of an interior designer entry level needed to have four years of work experience plus a degree. That’s kind of impossible when you are a new graduate. So I started my own business in 2019 and accepted small family and friend projects, photographed them and applied all of my education to complete their projects like a contracted client inside of a firm. This gave me a slight advantage over my classmates in 2021. I graduated with 3 and 1/2 years of client work experience in interior design. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
SOURCING!!!!! lol. Always looking and shopping in stores for my inspiration. Pushing myself to see a new creative way to make a space memorable. Every space is a fingerprint and I truly listen to what is being requested and what I can provide and what I can create that sets every interior aside from what’s already been seen. I tell myself to think outside the box. I would apply unusual materials to walls and fabrics to furniture. I view the walls in a room can be developed into more. Pushing the boundaries and the limits of what’s normal or creating the new norm that becomes a nutrient. Interior designers admire and respect individuality and creativity in every one in our field.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Cabo San Lucas Los Tres Gallos best street tacos and sangria
Sunset boat dinner cruise to lovers rock
Snorkeling
Spa days
Walking to downtown Cabo for local trade shopping
Seating on the beach
Sleep in late daily

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a few people that were a direct influence on me to be an Interior design, that awakened my purpose in life. My earliest memory would have to be in 1986,Mrs.Ann Morrow- Interior design instructor at the Career education center in Denver,CO. Thought me that interior design creates motion within a room. An interior designer, I dictate how someone lives and experiences a room.
My mother, who exposed and took me to shops in the Denver design center,had the luxurious furniture,China, and expensive fabrics. Those field trips with her gave me the foundation that grounded me as I matured.
Lastly, my 2 favorite television shows in the 1980s ,the first was called Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. The show was a quick look into the life of the rich. Each home featured the interior designer who was responsible for the look of the mansion. Designing Women was a sitcom show centered around 4 interior designers in Georgia, each week they were dress professional and had funny adventures with their clients.

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Facebook: valenciadesigndecor

Other: valenciadesigndecor@gmail.com

Image Credits
Room Styler 3D program

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