Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Labruna
Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Finance Executive to Interior Design Studio Owner – Re-inventing Myself in my 50’s
My story began in Columbus, Ohio, during my childhood. Around the age of ten, my parents allowed me to design my own room. I took charge of everything—from selecting paint colors and carpet to choosing furniture, artwork, and all the details that brought the space to life. I knew then, I had a real passion for design. Although I pursued a degree in Accounting and built a career in finance, my creative spirit was always there.
After marrying (and later divorcing) young, I became a single mother to my two daughters. While my corporate job provided financial stability, it was the joy of making costumes, organizing birthday celebrations, and designing every corner of our homes that truly fulfilled my creative needs.
My life took a turn when I relocated from Columbus to Palm Beach Gardens, FL. It was during this time that I met my now-husband, Carl, and we’ve been married for 13 years. Both of my daughters are now married, and I am blessed with five wonderful grandchildren.
Feeling empowered with new opportunities and more financial freedom, I decided to pursue my passion for interior design and establish my own business. I genuinely believe this is my true calling, and I enjoy every aspect of my work. Each day presents a mix of client interactions, collaboration with contractors, and material selection. Some days are spent in the office creating designs and proposals, while others find me on-site. The most rewarding part is creating spaces that reflect my clients’ personalities and lifestyles, and witnessing their excitement when they see their transformed space for the first time! Sometimes I wish I had embarked on this path earlier, but upon reflection, I realize that the skills I acquired in the corporate world have been invaluable in ensuring my business thrives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Despite my extensive experience in establishing robust processes, managing teams, and serving as an executive outside the design industry, launching my own design business presented its own distinct challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was assembling a reliable team of contractors. In all my renovation projects, I handle both the design work and the overall project management, which encompasses material sourcing, budget oversight, and scheduling and supervising trades. Since I prioritize working with highly skilled and experienced professionals, it takes time to cultivate a productive working relationship and gain their respect. I strive to strike a balance between acknowledging their importance and asserting my role as the leader, ensuring accountability for deadlines and budgets. As a woman leading predominantly male trades, it requires both hard work and strategic thinking to succeed.
Other challenges involve understanding how to purchase wholesale furniture and materials, managing logistics and warehousing concerns, and handling furniture repairs and replacements. It’s essential to ensure that all these processes seem seamless and effortless to my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Sunny Interior Design?
Sunny Interior Design offers a wide range of residential interior design services to our clients in the West Palm Beach and surrounding areas. Whether you’re in need of full renovation design and project management or just looking to refresh your space through furniture, window treatments, paint, art, and lighting, our team has got you covered.
At Sunny Interior Design, we take a collaborative approach to each project. We work closely with our clients to understand their vision and create a space that meets their unique needs and tastes. Our team is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest design trends and techniques, ensuring that every project is executed with the highest level of expertise and creativity.
We take pride in our attention to detail and commitment to quality. From the initial design concept to the final installation, we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations and deliver a space that they can truly call home.
At Sunny Interior Design, we believe that great design should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer a range of services at affordable prices, without compromising on quality or style. So, whether you’re looking to transform your entire home or just update a single room, we’re here to help you achieve your design goals and create your “sunny space”.
How do you think about luck?
Timing and location have significantly influenced my business. South Florida stands out as an excellent hub for residential interior design, especially in the wake of the COVID pandemic, which transformed homes into not only personal sanctuaries but also professional workspaces for those now working from home. Additionally, this area is ideal for seasonal residents who own multiple properties and require a design expert to enhance their spaces, particularly when they may not have the time to do so themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sunnyinterior.design
- Instagram: @sunnyinteriordesign8
- Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/julie-labruna66/__public
Image Credits
Duck26 Studio
Karen Byer Photography
