Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah DiMare.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Deborah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been a luxury interior designer for over 16 years. My projects to date, have spanned the globe. My family and I have always loved animals and do our best to maintain a healthy, optimal lifestyle. When I discovered the truth to the term “dog leather,” that was a pivotal moment for me personally and professionally. China is the leading exporter of leather. Cats, dogs and other animals are sold as “skins,” including cows of course. How could I continue to be such a hypocrite? I live my life trying to be respectful and take care of those without a voice and yet I’m profiting off of their inhumane slaughter? I did a 360 in my business and refused to continue designing spaces with animal-based product. The more I learned about this horrific, corrupt, unimaginable global industry, the more drive I had to make change within the interior design industry.
Vegan design is not just about saving animals. It’s about putting an end to the inhumane treatment of desperate people forced to work in dangerous, deplorable conditions. It’s about saving the planet. It’s about healthy design.
Animal-based textiles are laden with poisons and toxins that penetrate our skin. They are dangerous. Today, consumers are demanding compassionate, healthier alternatives to create well being. Vegan design is the conduit to an ethical, positive, clean environment.
A vegan, humane or cruelty-free product is one which does not originate from any living creature, is not an animal byproduct and is not tested on animals. Compassionate design offers products, materials, and fabrics that do not contain, harm, torture or exploit any conscious living being, human & non, nor harm our planet.
Vegan Alternatives are environmentally friendlier than their animal-based counterparts. They rely less heavily on our planets resources & produce less toxins and garbage. There is a growing demand from consumers worldwide to put an end to animal testing, animal-derived products, and healthier alternatives to enhance our well being. The community of socially conscious & health driven shoppers is only growing stronger, urging more and more businesses to offer vegan alternatives!
Compassionate design acknowledges that all living creatures have emotions, feelings and should not be sacrificed or abused for society’s idea of luxury.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been, to my surprise, an incredible ride. Transitioning my firm to a compassionate one has changed the dynamics and energy of everything in my life.
Most of our clientele are seeking environments that are healthy. They don’t want the chemicals and toxins associated with animal-based items in their spaces. They want to keep themselves and their families safe. If they have someone in their home with sensory issues, such as a child with Autism, they seek our services as well. Many people in the Spectrum of Autism are very sensitive to smell and touch. Animal-based materials and furniture have strong odors and can be very aggravating to someone with sensory issues. Vegans clearly seek our services because they understand the awful and inhumane methods done to animals and laborers.
My clients are incredible. They are kind, appreciative and focused on good health and well being. I am blessed.
There are tremendous awareness and educational campaigns about the massive pollution, destruction, and death that is caused by the global skins and hides industry. My other platform VeganDesign.org was created out of the demand from designers all over the world asking us how to implement compassionate design. I train designers on every continent about vegan design. That says a lot. We have designers from Australia, Canada, Europe, Africa, Asia and in the smallest towns in the USA. It’s amazing and wonderful.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with www.DiMareDesign.com – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am most proud of the fact that I have become a “compassionate design expert.” When I’m asked to speak, am interviewed, train other designers all over the world, I don’t take any of that for granted. I am so appreciative that I’ve been given the opportunity to make change for the better while doing what I love.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
DiMare Design will continue to create beautiful spaces for residences and commercial spaces that are durable, fit within all budgets and fabulous looking, all over the US and internationally. VeganDesign.org will continue to grow its Council and educate industry pros as well. We have designers from every continent.
Many of our clients, believe it or not, are always not aware that we are a compassionate firm. Clients are referred to us or have noticed our work in someone’s home or office and contact us. However, having said that, we have yet to show a client a luxury, buttery faux leather that they didn’t flip over. We have an incredible library of vegan textiles and décor that are equal or even higher in cost than their animal-based competition. They look absolutely stunning and one would never know they are not true animal skins. Plus the durability always wins out. Try spilling a glass of wine on a real leather sofa vs. an ultra high-end alternative. The real leather is porous since it is a skin and the stains sit there and never leave. The luxury alternative wipes right up. If a client is seeking our services for fill-ins to a space or just a few rooms or offices, we will mix our furniture and décor with their existing pieces. Recycling is a very big part of compassionate design. I am not a designer who has a client throw out their existing pieces. I love the challenge of reworking a piece to fit the desired look of the new space.
We are developing a wonderful youtube channel focusing on questions we receive from our audience while softly education them about compassionate design;
Examples are:
“Are your sleeping with the enemy? Do you have dangerous toxins surrounding you in your bedding?
” Faux leather sofa vs. real leather sofa?” Find out which is right for you.
” Over 50% of Americans have an illness.” Is your furniture making your more sick?
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DiMareDesign.com www.VeganDesign.org
- Phone: 3054236604
- Email: info@DiMareDesign.com hello@VeganDesign.org
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
