Meet Andrea de Lancellotti | Entrepreneur, business owner, interior designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea de Lancellotti and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own interior design business in Santa Monica was a bit like deciding to jump out of an airplane and making a parachute on the way down.
My thought process? I was standing at a crossroads, one path leading to the predictable 9-to-5 grind, the other to a thrilling adventure filled with creativity, freedom, and the occasional caffeine-fueled all-nighter. Naturally, I chose the latter.

I realized that working for myself meant I could infuse every project with my unique flair, unbound by the constraints of someone else’s vision. Plus, Santa Monica’s vibrant, eclectic vibe was the perfect backdrop for my design dreams. I wanted to bring fresh, innovative ideas to a place where creativity and sunshine are in abundant supply.

So, I leapt, armed with my education from FIDM, my passion for creating beautiful spaces, and a fearless determination to turn my vision into reality. Now, every day is an exciting new challenge, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to provide a more in-depth look at our business and the journey that has brought us here.

Business Overview and Unique Selling Points

Our interior design firm, proudly women-owned and operated, has carved a niche for itself by focusing on ROI-based design, real estate, staging, and furniture design. What truly sets us apart is our strategic approach to design, where every aesthetic decision is informed by its potential to enhance the financial value of the property. Our mission is to create spaces that are not only visually compelling but also financially rewarding, offering our clients a unique blend of beauty and investment wisdom.

Journey and Growth

The path to where we stand today has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and continuous learning. Being educated from FIDM with a solid foundation in design was just the beginning. Building the business involved navigating a myriad of challenges, from establishing a credible presence in a competitive market to scaling our operations effectively.

Overcoming Challenges

1. Building Credibility: Initially, breaking into the interior design market in Los Angeles, a city brimming with talent and competition, required us to establish a unique voice. We did this by consistently delivering high-quality, tailored solutions that met and exceeded client expectations. Each project became a testament to our commitment to excellence and attention to detail.

2. Market Differentiation: To stand out, we emphasized our ROI-focused approach, appealing to homeowners and real estate investors alike. This strategy paid off, as clients began to see the tangible financial benefits of our design choices.

3. Expanding Expertise: We faced the challenge of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. By investing in continuous education and embracing new technologies and design trends, we ensured that our offerings remained cutting-edge.

4. Building a Network: Establishing strong relationships with real estate agents, (Luckily my business partner is a general contractor), and other industry professionals was crucial. These partnerships not only brought in new business but also facilitated smoother project execution.

Lessons Learned

One of the most significant lessons we’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. The interior design and real estate markets are dynamic, influenced by economic trends, consumer preferences, and technological advancements. By staying flexible and open to change, we’ve been able to anticipate and respond to market shifts effectively.

Another lesson is the value of perseverance. There have been times when the road was tough, and the hurdles seemed insurmountable. However, our commitment to our vision and the support of our incredible team kept us moving forward.

Core Values and Brand Story

Our brand is built on the pillars of empowerment, quality, and strategic design. As a women-owned business, we are passionate about creating opportunities for women in the industry and showcasing the incredible talent and creativity they bring to the table. Our designs are more than just visually appealing; they are thoughtful, functional, and economically sound, ensuring that every project we undertake delivers maximum value.

We are incredibly proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives and investments. Our work in staging has helped sell homes faster and at higher prices, our ROI-based designs have enhanced property values, and our custom furniture pieces have added unique touches to countless homes.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, we are excited about continuing to innovate and expand our offerings. We aim to deepen our impact in the real estate market, explore sustainable design practices, and foster a community of empowered, talented women in the industry.

Conclusion

Our journey has been one of growth, learning, and relentless pursuit of excellence. We have built a brand that stands for strategic, high-quality design, and we are dedicated to continuing this legacy. We want the world to know that through our designs, we aim to create spaces that not only enhance living experiences but also deliver significant financial benefits. Thank you for this opportunity to share our story. We are excited about what the future holds and look forward to creating more beautiful, valuable spaces.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting and I wanted to show them an epic week in the area, here’s how we’d roll…

Monday: We kick off with dinner at Nobu in Malibu, taking in the stunning ocean views while enjoying their world-class sushi and cocktails.

Tuesday: We would hit Paris at Night at Bootsy Bellows in West Hollywood, channeling our inner party animals with some dancing and maybe a celebrity sighting.

Wednesday: It’s all about Mediterranean vibes at Mon Ami in Santa Monica, where we indulge and soak up the beachside atmosphere.

Thursday: A chill day exploring Venice Beach—strolling the boardwalk, checking out street art, and maybe even renting bikes to cruise along the bike path.

Friday: We head to TOMTOM in West Hollywood to catch my favorite DJ, Kieffer Smutherland

Saturday: It’s beach day! In the evening, we would hit up the Manhattan Beach Pier, catching the sunset and seeing some music and drinking cocktails at Tower 12.

Sunday: Brunch at the Hyde, No Jealousy party, in Hollywood, because what’s a weekend without a fabulous brunch? Then we’ll cap off the day with an afternoon coffee and shopping at my favorite spot, Primo on Montana Ave.

Throughout the week, we’ll mix in some shopping on Rodeo Drive, hiking in Runyon Canyon for those panoramic views of LA, and maybe even catching a Lakers game if the schedule aligns. It’s going to be a week packed with great food, amazing sights, and unforgettable experiences—all the best LA has to offer!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the incredible support system that has played a pivotal role in my journey. First and foremost, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my mother and grandmother. Their unwavering support and steadfast belief in my abilities have been the bedrock upon which my career is built. They have always been there, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a gentle nudge whenever I needed it most. Their resilience and grace have inspired me to pursue my dreams with passion and determination.

Equally deserving of recognition is my significant other and business partner Jayde Jonathan Glover. His unshakeable faith in me, even during moments of self-doubt, has been a source of profound strength. He has been my sounding board, my confidant, and my greatest advocate, believing in my vision and helping to bring it to life. Our collaboration has not only enriched my professional endeavors but has also deepened our personal bond, creating a partnership that is both dynamic and deeply fulfilling.

Together, these individuals have shaped my path and supported my aspirations, making it possible for me to navigate the challenges and celebrate the triumphs of my career. To my mother, grandmother, and my remarkable partner Jayde: thank you for your unwavering love, support, and belief in me. This dedication is a testament to the profound impact you have had on my journey.

Website: https://www.andreadelancellotti.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreadelancellotti/

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/andrea-delancellotti

Image Credits
Adaeze Njaka and Gibb Sarmiento