Meet kishani perera | interior designer

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

Hi kishani, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I honestly had zero balance for the first 18 years of my career. I worked 18 hour days 5 days a week, and then at least 8-12 hour days on weekends. It was not sustainable! It took a toll on my health and I basically had no life outside of my business. Last year I was hit with Covid pretty badly, and it forced me to stop and re-evaluate. I physically couldn’t work those hours anymore, and it helped me develop a balance I’m really grateful for. I take weekends off, and make time for family, friends, and most importantly, myself. What I realized is that I need a daily mental break from work so that I can come back refreshed and inspired.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an interior designer and business owner, which means my days are not always as creative as I’d like them to be, but I love the mix of left and right brain activities! When I set out on this career path in the late 1990’s, published, celebrated interior designers were typically creating ultra-elegant, opulent spaces, with the most expensive pieces, which wasn’t my style. I always found beauty in vintage finds, flea market and thrift shop gems, mixed with ethnic, unique and interesting pieces, but there didn’t seem to be a lot of people doing this sort of design at the time. So I think what set me apart from others when I first started my company is that I incorporated timeworn items, was proud of my global, eclectic, and at times eccentric ideas, and was creative in how I utilized even tiny budgets for big impact. Thankfully the times have changed, and this is sort of aesthetic is not only accepted now, but embraced!

When first creating my company I naively thought, great! I can make my own schedule, work from home if I want, and life will be so easy. I was so wrong! When you have your own business you’re working 24/7 and it’s far from easy. I made massive sacrifices and dedicated myself with such a ferocity to growing my business it literally had to succeed, there was no other option. There are no short cuts to building a successful business, it’s just hard work, perseverance, and not allowing failures or mistakes to deter or define you.

When deciding to start my own business the impetus was to create some independence and build a career that allowed me to take care of myself. I was experiencing some life altering health problems from my early 20’s on, auto immune related symptoms that manifested as fibromyalgia, to intolerances to a variety of things – from most indoor environments, (which meant I couldn’t even step foot inside older buildings), to a million foods, heat, medications and so much more. I was worried if I didn’t work for myself, who would understand those days when I was in too much pain, or too sickly to get out of bed? As my business grew, and I learned more about what was at the root of my health problems, I began to understand how toxins, and the place we spend so much time in, our homes, could affect our health. It set me on a journey to study, and then implement, building materials and techniques, elements and items, in my clients homes that would create nontoxic, healthy environments for them to live in. Healthy Homes. Indoor air quality is often more toxic than outdoor, if you can believe it! My goal since then has been to implement these ideas and elements into all of our clients homes, to any degree that I can, and build a story that helps to educate and allow people to live in a safe and healthy space.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Pretty much all of my favorite LA spots revolve around food, music or nature!

Crossroads kitchen- I was vegan for almost 20 years, and although I’m not entirely anymore, I can still appreciate inventive, delicious vegan foods! A must for vegans and non-vegans alike

Carbon Beach, Malibu- My favorite beach in LA – beautiful, peaceful, clean, and close to Nobu and the pier

Soho House, Weho – My favorite place to entertain clients and friends, always fun, lively, beautiful views of the city, and great for drinks or an evening out

Greek Theatre- I love this venue for shows. It’s big enough to attract amazing talents, but intimate enough to feel like you’re enjoying your favorite bands under the stars with a bunch of friends

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As an artsy, quirky kid, and a first generation American, when I was young I felt my very traditional family didn’t understand or support my creative endeavors. But the older I got, the more I realized they’d always been there, supporting and cheering me along, no matter what I did. And that constant has always helped me get back on my feet and keep trying no matter how many obstacles my career, and life, have thrown at me over the years. Even though my parents were initially pushing for a more traditional path, and definitely not the turbulent life of an entrepreneur, they never wavered in helping me however they could. From offering financial support when I first launched my business, to simply commiserating with me when things were difficult. My brother was a huge help as well, from mentoring me on the ups and downs of owning your own business, how to handle conflict, stand up for myself, and so much more. I couldn’t have done it without them!

When I initially wanted to launch my own business I had a very fortuitous encounter with someone who turned out to be my first real client, Molly Sims. She encouraged me to go do it on my own, be fearless and believe in myself. She was a wonderful collaborator on our projects and supported my talents. She referred me to many clients, and was sure to credit me in any publications which really helped me establish myself, build a brand, and compile a wonderful portfolio of projects!

In addition, on a day to day, I’m indebted to my wonderful employees, (currently and through the years) who have helped bring all of our projects to life. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to have some of the most amazing people join my team, bringing their creativity, hard work, dedication, and simply their hearts, to the office every day. I’m only one person, and without this collaborative effort, none of this would be possible on the scale I’m fortunate enough to work on!

Website: www.kishaniperera.com

Instagram: @kishaniperera

Image Credits
headshot: anthony barcelo portfolio images: karyn millet roger davies dominique vorillon dominique vorillon anthony barcelo anthony barcelo anthony barcelo joe schmeltzer