Name: Maria Vilhena
Business Name: Maria Vilhena Consultancy & Interior Design
Location: Anadia , Portugal
Establishment (Year): 2014
Category: Interior Design
Profession/ Specialty: Interior Design
Website: www.mariavilhena.pt
Social Media : Linkedin
Company Detail:
An early thought, from the times Maria visited her Grandpa’s sawmill. Shapes, details, and scents that made room for intrigue, inspiration, and ideas.
She made her way through Art School. And, after a brief try-out in Architecture, she landed on the Design Degree. From there, that early thought led her to work with lighting and home décor, experiencing new ways to shape scenarios.
That combined knowledge made way for the creation of her own interior design studio in 2014: Maria Vilhena.
Specialized in Consultancy and Interior Design, they focus on people. They build stories in and between spaces, using Interior Design as a script, methodology, and delivery. They do virtual home staging, interior design projects, interior and exterior renovation works, and they draw and produce all furniture and decoration of their projects.
Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:
They use the Lean methodology in their projects. The implementation of this methodology is based on very rigorous and detailed work, effective attention, listening, and exhaustive knowledge of each client who seeks them. It allows them to gain in-depth knowledge of each client, as they study their daily lives, habits, and processes in detail, whether private or corporate clients.
It has the advantage of being able to design spaces that are completely coherent with each person’s personal or professional lifestyle. Their aim is to transform lives, designing exclusive pieces of furniture and decoration and aesthetically pleasing, extremely functional spaces, designed and developed to suit each client.
Challenges Faced During the Journey
The biggest challenge at the beginning was showing their work to potential clients and standing out from the countless interior design firms that already existed. But they created a portfolio and walked their path calmly until they started to become better known and recognized in the market.
Another big challenge was having credibility as women in a world mostly made up of men, the world of works. It is still difficult today, but by inspiring their clients with the necessary confidence in their knowledge and professionalism, this is a situation that can be overcome more easily.
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:
The most important thing is to believe in themselves and their service/product. By working hard, with honesty and professionalism, Maria believes that they all win and that they all have a place in the world to make their dreams happen.
