Meet Amber Sokolowski | Owner & Principal Designer – Soko Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Sokolowski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I believe in work life balance in the sense that one needs to do what you can to not fall off the tightrope. My life has totally changed now that I have a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old son. I have an Interior Design business and soon will be launching a jewelry line. I also volunteer at school and manage all the after school activities. For me, right now, I just focus on moving forward, even if it’s just a little bit each day. There are days where I feel overwhelmed and want to take things off my plate or scale back, but ultimately I know if I don’t quit, no matter how slowly I move forward that is a version of success.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an Interior Designer in Rossmoor, California and I own Soko Design. Soko Design is a full-service design firm focused on transforming kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces into our client’s dream interiors. Soko Design specializes in creating modern and bright interiors with an eclectic edge yet comfortable for everyday living. Our team has an extensive understanding of the construction process and will act as guides and advocates for our clients every step of the way.

Back in 2014 I was working a traditional corporate job and climbing the corporate ladder. On paper I was succeeding but personally I felt like I was a round peg trying to fit into a square hole. I was miserable. I reasoned I could find a similar job with a different company, or change my life completely and pursue my dream of being an interior designer. My husband and I sold our house, paid off our debts, and moved into his grandma’s house in Silverlake. I enrolled in UCLA’s Interior Architecture program and never looked back! I founded Soko Design in 2016. I believe that every day is a blessing doing what I love – creating beautiful, livable spaces for my clients.

Soko Design is based in Seal Beach, California and offers interior design services coast-to-coast.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When we purchased our current home we move from Los Angeles to the Seal Beach area and we’ve discovered several great places. I would definitely visit both LA and Orange County!

For beaches we really love Seal Beach. It’s a great local beach that isn’t always crowded. For a meal I would take them to the Anaheim Packing District. There is something there for everyone including all types of food, drink, and experiences. Captain Jacks is a great seafood restaurant in Sunset Beach. We also love the diversity of the food in Los Angeles and Korean Barbecue in Koreatown is a must along with Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant on Fairfax. Finally, we love a good tiki drink so a few bars I would recommend are Strongwater in Anaheim, Bamboo Club in Long Beach, and Stowaway in Tustin.

If we have time for a road trip I would definitely visit Ojai and Palm Springs!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband definitely deserves a shoutout! He is my constant supporter and cheerleader. When I suggested selling the house and going back to school he was all in and has believed in me from day one.

Website: www.sokodesign.com

Instagram: @sokointeriordesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersokolowski/

Other: https://www.houzz.com/sokodesign

Image Credits
Photography Yoshihiro Makino Styling Emily Bowser