Today we’d like to introduce you to Zita Zimmermann.
Zita, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
In my late teens, after having a few jobs, I realized that I became very good at what I had to do in my roles very quickly, but also very quickly became bored of the repetitive cycle of these jobs. They weren’t very fulfilling, so it was then that I thought to myself, ’what could I do professionally that would allow me to be challenged and exposed to different scenarios?’ This thought, and the fact that I do come from a family of architects and developers, which has likely influenced my direction, first led me to pursue the world of interior design.
I began with an apprenticeship at a prestigious firm in Germany, where I learned many skills of the trade. After one year, I returned to the US. I decided to go to college to learn about construction, architecture, and design in order to get certified, so I could work for a design firm in Miami. After I worked for a Miami firm for almost 3 years, I decided that I wanted to go out on my own. By then, I felt that I had what it takes in both creativity and business to start ZZ Design Interiors. So far, it’s proven true, and it was the best decision I ever made.
Something only my closest friends knows about me is that I have this ability to achieve anything I set out to do, to the detail. It may be because I’ve always been very optimistic and positive, and so far, I have created everything my life is now made up of, from a happy family to successful business.
That’s why my business motto is: Dream. Pursue. Create.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are always challenges to owning your own business. I think my biggest ones were learning to understand my worth, that it is okay to say “no”, and asking for payment(s).
As a perfectionist, I, therefore, want the best design for my clients, but I have had to learn not to give more than what was paid for, or else I could work myself out of business.
I’ve also had to understand that through my years of experience and my design abilities, it is not necessary to take on every project. Sometimes, a client just isn’t a right fit for your vision or style, and that’s ok.
This falls hand in hand with the challenge of self-worth, as I would occasionally be asked by potential clients to lower my prices (and in the beginning I did), but over time, I came to realize that certain potential clients just would not be able to afford my services, and therefore, sometimes, unfortunately, my answer had to be “no”. I have learned to turn those opportunities down.
Lastly, I had to build up my confrontational skills, and learn to actually ask my clients to make their payments. I can be sometimes ‘too nice’ of a person, and would occasionally let my clients get away without paying me until the end of a project. Understandably, that isn’t always good for business! But luckily, over time and through lots of practice, this became easier and easier for me.
To be honest, I was never exposed to these type of challenges when working for other firms, but I believe when you own your own business, it is inevitable to have and hopefully overcome these type of challenges. I’m a strong believer that everything can be learned!
ZZ Design Interiors – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a Miami based Interior Designer and I specialize in Interior Architecture, which encompasses any of the following services:
– Remodeling
– Design Development
– Kitchen Design
– Bath Design
– Consulting
– Styling/Decorating
and much more…
My goal in designing homes for my clients is to make sure the final design is inviting, warm, and gives them the sense and feeling of “home”.
To achieve this feeling, I like to incorporate a balance of natural elements such as wood, stone, textures, textiles, plants and a lot of natural light with warm ambient lighting.
While I prefer a neutral palette, and typically refrain from using too much color in a design, I will happily incorporate color if the client requests it. Adding just the right amount of color for interest is usually accomplished by layering in rich textures, like wallpaper, rugs, art, curtains, pillows and other accessories. Personally, I believe that warm, lush, earthy neutral tones make our souls feel the most relaxed and calm, which is what the sense and feeling of home is, isn’t it?
I’m proud to be doing what I love and turning everything around me into something beautiful. That is my life.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My success is defined by my client’s expressions once I complete their project. Their happiness and gratitude, once they see the finished product, gives me a feeling of success that is so much more gratifying than any monetary gain.
Therefore, my goal in every project I entertain is this: I want all my clients to feel and express such happiness to me, because in return, that makes me feel accomplished, and that I have succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zzdesigninteriors.com/
- Email: info@zzdesigninteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zzdesigninteriors/
Image Credit:
Dario K Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
