Meet Maya Newlin | Interior Designer & Small Business Owner

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

Hi Maya, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I could remember, little Maya always knew she was going to start and run her own business. While other kids were doodling cartoons, I was drawing up floor plans or making notes to what I would change in a room. Growing up, my victorian dollhouse was the gateway to my passion for designing, curating and storytelling within a space, no matter how small it may be.

Having a former career as a national level competitive figure skater, I’ve always been ambitious and maybe a little too strong minded. Though I’ve learned a lot along the way working for other architects & design firms, I always questioned why my creativity and hard work was going towards someone else’s dream, and not mine.

My first official job out of undergrad was as an Imagineer for Walt Disney Imagineering. At the time I thought that was my dream job. Disney is an international household name and the last career stop for many. It was almost too large scale for me, designing for places on the other side of the world for audiences I’d never get to meet. I missed the one on one creative problem solving and storytelling that happened on a more personal level.

Though I greatly grew and fostered my creativity there, there was still the constant reminder of having my own company in the back of my mind. I woke up everyday still knowing that one day I’d work for myself and not someone else. After earning my Master’s of Interior Architecture and picking up some business courses along the way, I was confident this dream could finally come to fruition. At KAMO Studio, all of our work is done in house with the mindset that we are designing for family. We do a mix of residential and boutique hospitality projects. The task is never completed until our Clients are happy and in love with the design. I’m so lucky to have a wonderful business partner, Jasmine, to build and share this dream with.

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.
KAMO Studio stays true to curating spaces & narrating the design based off of you. Oftentimes we see a beautifully pristine design without a trace of it being lived in or lacking a sense of personality. We design to celebrate the everyday in between moments by including vintage finds and pieces passed down generations, including them within the current generations everyday lives.

It’s the same with trying on clothes, “oh that dress is so you!” We feel the exact same way in defining and fine tuning your space. With each project we design thoughtfully, taking into account how we want a space to feel, what emotions to evoke, and how we enhance those memories waiting to be made. The last thing we would want is for a space to be non-functional. We create beautiful, effortlessly designed spaces with hidden functionality. It’s a skill we’ve honed, mastered and are proud to infuse within each project we take on.

Design is an ever changing fluid process that can equally equate to matchmaking. We’ve learned our Clients have varying levels of visualization, many not knowing what they want. It’s our job as the designer to listen, learn and dissect what they are looking for and match them with their perfect design. We are not mind readers by any means, but we’re good at working with people and understanding their wants and then translating those wants into reality.

Beyond the latest Pinterest pin, we balance aesthetics with their needs within the space for everyday living. We are intuitive thinkers ourselves and encourage our Client’s to do the same and go with their gut instincts vs. succumbing to the latest trends. We are their design *spirit* guides leading them along the way and bringing their visions to fruition. Much of the design process isn’t just through finishes and fabrics, it’s through the balance of pairing and matchmaking them in harmony with the Client in mind. This by far is trickier than any floor plan or 3D model we do. It’s not something that can be conjured on paper, but something that is envisioned, felt, then created.

We love all of our projects equally, but we are most excited about a ground up construction residence in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This will be our first international project as a team and we couldn’t be more thrilled. We also have a beautiful Mid-Century revival home in Silverlake that we’re breaking ground on early next year. We are so grateful for these opportunities and can’t wait to share more!

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.
Here’s my perfect week-long itinerary for Los Angeles!

Monday: Welcome to my home in LA! We’d kick off this trip spending the perfect sunny day on the strand. I always keep an extra pair of skates in my car so we’d rollerblade from Venice to Malibu. This is one of my favorite year round activities to do and such a unique local thing to do. Afterwards we’d grab a bite to eat at Gjusta, and I’m probably getting a tahini croissant. It’s a cute neighborhood cafe in Venice known for their baked goods. After exploring and shopping Abbot Kinney we would have dinner at Ospi Venice known for their handmade pasta.

Tuesday: We’d go get brunch at Blueys Santa Monica. Hop on over to Century City mall for the classic SoCal outdoor shopping experience. Grab lunch at Zinqué or Din Tai Fung. We’ll head to dinner at Le Great Outdoor for some farm to table dining. Every dish I’ve had here is truly outstanding. It feels like we’re having an intimate dinner in a friend’s backyard. The freshness of the dishes and vibes of this place make it a true California staple!

Wednesday: I love checking out the exhibitions at Hauser & Wirth in DTLA. They always have beautiful inspiring art and I love seeing what’s new within the art realm. We’d stop by ROW DTLA and the Arts District for a little shopping. Grab a coffee at the most beautiful cafe, Concierge Coffee, and grab a bite to eat at Manuela or Bavel. We’d do a nightcap at the iconic rooftop of the DTLA Proper hotel designed by icon Kelly Wearstler.

Thursday: What LA trip isn’t complete without a hike? I love going to the Vicente Bluffs Reserve in Palos Verdes. Pack a picnic and take in the sea breeze and rocky cliffs. Occasionally you’ll see whales, seals and dolphins down there. There is also the Peninsula Racquet Club if you fancy a little tennis by the ocean. Head to Terranea Resort after for dinner and dreamy sunset views.

Friday: Let’s explore my neighborhood of Culver City. Start the morning at Culver City Stairs and get a 360 view of LA. Besides seeing the new Erewhon in town, we’d go to Citizen Public Market. They occasionally have comedy shows there and a cute hidden rooftop! Their food vendors are always changing so it’s a great spot to start. Piccalilli, Akasha, and Roberta’s are some of my other favorite restaurant go-tos. After freshening up let’s head to Market Venice for dinner & dancing.

Saturday: We’re spending the day in Malibu so let’s do the iconic PCH drive, stop by the Malibu Pier to watch the surfers and maybe some sun & sand at El Matador beach. Can’t miss Broad Street Oyster Company for a classic lobster roll & old bay fries. Next we’ll head to my wine club, Cielo Farms. The beautiful vineyards transport you right to Europe and it’s a day well spent catching up and watching the sun set behind the rolling hills & grape vines.

Sunday: We’d go to the Brentwood farmers market. It’s my absolute favorite place to mull around, grab groceries for the week and support local businesses. Their fruit & veggies are always the freshest. I personally love the flavored pickle stand. Arrive early and get the honey mustard flavor before they sell out! Stroll around Brentwood Country Mart and stop by Jon & Vinny’s for the best Italian meal and grab a bottle of Helen’s organic orange wine to take home with you.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
KAMO (kah-mo) is a family name from my mothers side. A lot of what I owe my success to is my mom, Kathy. She is no doubt the strongest person I know, paving the way as one of the first female scientists in her field of STEM. Despite facing countless challenges for just being a woman, she continued to lead in a way I hope to mirror in myself as a female entrepreneur and small business owner. She has always encouraged me to go beyond the bar, to chase after what inspires me, and to always persevere no matter what curveballs life might throw. Thank you mom for your endless support, love and encouragement!

Website: https://www.bykamostudio.com/

Instagram: bykamostudio

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-newlin/ 

Other: personal instagram: @mayakassie

Image Credits
Sam Lehto