Today we’d like to introduce you to Altanese Phenelus.
Hi Altanese, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a practicing attorney who once played it safe in every financial and career decision I made. For years, I believed the safest path was taking as little risk as possible–saving diligently and investing only for retirement, never considering the possibility of owning my own business and investing in myself. Everything changed during the pandemic, when I fell unexpectedly and completely in love with interior design. That passion pushed me to take a leap of faith, build a portfolio from the ground up, and officially launch AP Living on February 23, 2023.
Since then, entrepreneurship has become one of the most transformative parts of my life. My clientele has grown–largely attorneys and business owners who connect with my story. Every project, every lesson, and every redesigned space reminds me that investing in myself has allowed me to invest in the lives of my clients as I transform their lives one space at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges on this journey has been balancing my design projects while practicing law. There were stretches where my days blurred together–late nights, early mornings, as well as weekends and holidays spent working tirelessly on projects. Because I’m very hands-on by nature, I tried to do everything myself for a long time. Eventually, I had to accept that wearing every hat was holding me back. Learning to offload responsibilities–whether it was marketing, sketches and renderings, or bringing in partners to help with staging–was a turning point. It allowed me to operate more efficiently and show up fully as the visionary for my clients and my craft.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an owner and interior designer of AP Living Solutions, LLC. I am known for bringing a thoughtful, personalized approach to every project. I have a unique ability to blend functionality with timeless, modern design–making spaces not just beautiful, but truly livable. That’s why my mantra is simple: “Beauty and function. Now, that’s living.”
I’m proud of taking the leap of launching AP Living and building a business from the ground up while balancing a legal career.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity with structure. My legal background taught me precision, planning, and problem-solving–skills that translate seamlessly into design and client satisfaction. I also bring a hands-on, personalized approach, ensuring that each home reflects the client’s personality while remaining functional and timeless. My clients appreciate that I understand their personal and professional lives and can design around their needs without compromising style.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I followed the rules and strived to do things the right way and excel academically. I’ve always loved learning, a curiosity that continues to fuel my work today. I played basketball, flag football, and ran track, which taught me teamwork, discipline, and resilience. As the child of immigrant parents, I watched firsthand their hard work and sacrifice, which instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make them proud. Those experiences shaped my work ethic, my commitment to excellence, and my determination to pursue my passions fully.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ap-living.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplivingdesign/
Image Credits
Lone Wolf Image
