We recently had the chance to connect with Nicole Saleh and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time that I felt true joy was when my three teenaged kids were gathered around the island – conversing and laughing till they were crying. I have always tried to instill in them the value of family, but seeing it first hand now that they are older, is the most beautiful thing I could ever experience. I can see how they will be there for one another in the future and it’s all I could ever hope for!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Nicole Saleh, the owner and Interior Designer of Mavella Home, an award-winning Interior Design business. I’ve been blessed to be doing what I love on a daily basis and this passion translates into the work that I do, as well as the relationships with my clients. I’ve been in business for over seven years and specialize in designing comprehensive residential spaces. Over the last few years, I’ve also worked in the commercial space.
Mavella Home’s signature style is Modern Organic, which blends modern and clean lines with touches of classic and timeless details. I create interiors that feel collected, warm, inviting, and layered with depth; spaces that are balanced, rich in textures, organic materials, and thoughtful details. Above all, I believe in crafting intentional spaces that evoke emotion. I have seen firsthand how design can transform lives and I want the end result to be a space that clients love and feel deeply connected to.
People often tell me that they recognize the Mavella Home brand and it is the style and feeling that they want to accomplish in their own homes.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed that life was something that simply happened to you – that you were carried along by circumstances, other people’s decisions, and sometimes luck.
Now, I understand something very different. Life is something that you actively shape and direct with your beliefs, thoughts, mindset, and intentions. Instead of waiting for life to happen, I have the capability to manifest and create the life that I want. This has been a very transformative and life-changing realization for me.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be not to worry so much about the little things and to relinquish control. I have learned over the years that worry and “what if” scenarios only rob us of our precious present moments and that when you worry, you are either stuck in the past, or projecting into the future, but you are neglecting the here and now, which is really the only thing we have. I have learned to lean in and enjoy every moment and that has transformed my life. I also practice gratitude everyday, which changes your perspective on things. I believe that where you place your attention is where your energy flows, so I am very intentional about the things I focus on.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For a long time, I held the belief that the Interior Design industry was oversaturated and that there wasn’t enough opportunity to go around. I wondered if success depended on fighting for a small piece of a limited pie. With more experience, growth, and clarity, I now understand how limiting and untrue that belief was.
I’ve learned that there is more than enough abundance for everyone, but it reveals itself when you stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own strengths, creativity, and signature style. The clients that are meant for you will be drawn to what only you can offer.
I also realized that thriving in this industry isn’t about working harder, but working smarter. When you build repeatable systems, refine your process, and stay consistent, you free up space to be more creative and intentional about the kind of work you want to attract. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance has changed everything for me. Instead of worrying about competition, I put my energy into mastering my craft, serving clients well, and showing up with my own unique point of view. The more aligned I am with what I love, the more the right clients naturally find their way to me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely! I believe that giving your best should come from an internal drive, rather than the anticipation of external praise. When we are operating from passion and a place of genuine purpose, then the work itself becomes the reward. For me, interior design is exactly that kind of calling. I love shaping the environments people live in, and I feel energized by the process of transforming a space into something meaningful, functional, and beautiful. The quiet satisfaction of seeing a vision come to life, or knowing that I helped to transform someone’s life, is what keeps me committed.
Choosing to give my best is aligned with my values. It means showing integrity, honoring my clients, and staying true to the standards that I set for myself. Praise is fleeting, but the legacy we leave through the quality of our work and relationships is what will last.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mavellahome.com
- Instagram: @mavellahome
- Facebook: Mavella Home
- Other: Pinterest – Mavella Home
