Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Contreras.
Hi Roberto, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in Panama in 1953, the youngest of six children. I come from a hardworking family and those values shaped the man I am today.
At 23 years old, I began my journey in business, opening a blinds and furniture company called Decor Deluxe. From a young age, I always had a passion for business and for helping people create beautiful spaces in their homes.
In 1989, because of the political climate in Panama, there was a lot of turmoil and uncertainty, and I made the difficult decision to come to the United States in search of a better future. I arrived in Miami and had to start over from the ground up.
I began working as a salesman for El Dorado Furniture, where I spent several years. Connecting with customers and understanding their needs always came naturally to me, and I found joy in helping them find what they were looking for. Later, I moved into car sales and was successful there as well, but deep down, I always missed owning and building something of my own.
At the time, starting my own business in the U.S felt like a distant dream, so I kept moving forward and working hard every day, growing my family, and embracing the life we were creating.
Then, about 10 years ago, when I reached retirement age, I realized I wasn’t finished. I still had more to give, more to build, and more I wanted to accomplish.
With the support of my wife, Esther, we took a leap of faith and in 2018 opened our family business, Splendid Interiors. In many ways, it brought me back to my roots, working in window treatments, helping clients transform their homes, and bringing beautiful design within reach at an accessible cost.
It has been a true blessing to watch our business grow and to build lasting relationships with our clients. Some people see retirement as the end of a story, but for me, it was simply the beginning of a new chapter.
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?
Yes, there have been struggles. Life is full of ups and downs, and my journey has been no different.
One of the hardest moments in my life was leaving my family and my business behind in Panama to come to the United States and start over. That is the story of so many of us who leave our home countries with hope, looking for a better future for ourselves and our families. Starting from zero is never easy, but through hard work, dedication, and consistency, I was able to move forward, build a life here, and make a name for myself.
Then last year, I faced another big challenge when I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a hard blow. I have always been an active person, always working and moving, so it was difficult to understand why this was happening. But one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t face life’s battles alone.
My family came together, and together we decided we were going to fight this. Their support has given me strength and helped me keep a positive outlook on the future. It reminded me that even in the hardest times, you keep going, you keep believing, and you keep fighting.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Splendid Interiors, we specialize in custom window treatments designed to bring style, comfort, and functionality into every space. From blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery to motorized solutions, outdoor screens, and awnings, we offer a wide variety of products tailored to our clients’ needs. We provide personalized service from consultation to installation and also manufacture for both our direct clients and other companies in the industry.
With many years of experience in this industry, we’re able to guide our clients and give honest advice based on knowledge, not just sales. We believe every home is different, and every customer deserves personal attention, quality service, and solutions that fit their style and budget.
My motto has always been: our experience is what makes the difference.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m very proud of what we have built with Splendid Interiors. What started as an idea between my wife and me has grown into something truly special. It has given us the opportunity not only to serve our community, but also to work side by side as a family.
Three of my children are now part of the business and that is something that brings me a lot of pride. To be able to build a family business and have my children be part of it means a lot to me. It’s more than just a business, it’s something we are building together for the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.splendidinteriors.co
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/splendidinteriorsco
