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

Hi Zaida, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
ZY Design was born from a deep desire to reconnect people with nature — not just aesthetically, but energetically and emotionally. My background in interior design and glazing taught me the power of light, space, and form. But it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with Lupus and PCOS that my personal healing journey truly began — and I realized our environments can do more than look beautiful — they can help us feel better, think clearer, and live more purposefully.

As I studied plantscaping, Feng Shui, and holistic wellness, I began blending these disciplines into one cohesive vision: spaces that heal from the inside out. That’s how ZY Design — and later, Glow Coaching — came to life. Together, they form a holistic approach to designing not just beautiful spaces, but radiant lives.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
ZY Design isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces — it’s about creating healing ones. What sets us apart is our commitment to biophilic design as a pathway to wellness. We don’t just add plants or pretty textures — we intentionally craft environments that help people feel more grounded, inspired, and connected to themselves.

The Glow Method, which blossomed from my own healing journey with Lupus and PCOS, expands this philosophy even further. It weaves together interior design, plantscaping, somatic practices, breathwork, ancestral nourishment, and identity healing. Together, they form a full-spectrum transformation — from your space to your spirit.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started in construction and glazing — a male-dominated industry where I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. Over time, I found myself operating in constant fight-or-flight. I became extremely masculine in my energy — always leading, fixing, pushing — and I didn’t even realize it. I thought I was thriving, but I was just surviving.

When my health started to decline, I was forced to slow down and reevaluate everything. That season of pain became my greatest teacher. It showed me that burnout isn’t strength, and that healing isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, environmental, and ancestral.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the timing of your own becoming. The path isn’t linear, but it’s sacred.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built a brand rooted in integrity, softness, and soul. Whether I’m working on a home, a sacred garden, or coaching a client through nervous system healing — the intention is the same: to create spaces (internal and external) that feel like a homecoming.

What I want the world to know is that you don’t have to choose between beauty and wellness, softness and success, structure and flow. You can glow — in all ways — and it can feel good getting there.

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?
Day 1

Brunch: Destroyer (Culver City) — minimalist Nordic café with herbal teas, fermented veggies, and seasonal plates that feel like art.

Afternoon: Explore Huntington Gardens, especially the desert and Chinese gardens for natural beauty, Feng Shui inspiration, and healing energy.

Day 2 –
Morning: Wander The Getty Villa (Pacific Palisades) — Roman gardens, coastal views, and elemental architecture for soul and space inspiration.

Brunch: Milo + Olive (Santa Monica) — house-made sourdough, roasted veggies, and herbal lattes in a sunny, rustic space.

Evening: Dinner at Manuela — Southern farm-to-table dining in a glowing garden courtyard, complete with art, chickens, and botanical cocktails.

Day 3
Morning: Tea ritual at Chado Tea Room (Pasadena) — rose, tulsi, and Ayurvedic blends in a serene setting.

Midday: Picnic at Descanso Gardens under ancient oaks, exploring camellias and native plants that echo ancestral medicine and earth connection.

Day 4

Brunch: Glowy farm-to-table brunch at Malibu Farm, overlooking the sea.

Afternoon: Visit Anaya’s Market (East LA) for Guatemalan herbs and ancestral pantry treasures.

Day 5

Midday: DTLA Flower Mart + sacred space design shops for florals, incense, and ritual home accents.

Evening: Dinner at Lady Byrd Café — a whimsical greenhouse setting with twinkling lights and edible flowers under the stars.

Day 6
Morning: Brunch at Botanica (Silverlake) — vibrant, garden-to-table dishes with edible blooms and joyful energy.

Midday: Stroll and shop at The Row DTLA or Silverlake — curated ceramics, home goods, plants, and glow-forward essentials.

Day 7
Morning: Breakfast at The Rose Venice — airy, sun-drenched, and perfect for botanical lattes and thoughtful bites.

Midday: Unwind in Tongva Park (Santa Monica) — native landscaping, water features, and ocean air for reflection and grounding.

Afternoon: Slow shop along Abbot Kinney — explore Huset, Burro, or Tortoise General Store for incense, ceramics, and herbal treasures.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many threads that make up the fabric of my story — but if I had to name a few, I’d start with my family. My mother, especially, has been a quiet force of wisdom and nourishment. Her love for cooking was passed down from her grandmother, and through her, I learned that food is medicine, family is sacred, and healing often begins in the kitchen. She always kept a strong connection between wellness and our ancestral diet — using herbs, rituals, and shared meals to remind us of who we are and where we come from.

My father’s work ethic and craftsmanship also shaped how I see beauty and functionality in design. And my partner — a true grounding force — supported me through some of my hardest seasons of healing.

And most of all, my clients and community — who have trusted me with their spaces and stories. This journey is woven with the love, traditions, and lessons of so many.

Website: https://www.zaidayarelledesign.com/

Instagram: zaidayarelledesign

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