Meet Ame Elola: Interior Designer

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

Hi Ame, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
A habit that helps me succeed is daily check-ins with my state of mind. I believe that our values, our passions, and even our flaws are what makes us unique and that is our superpower! Nowadays, it is easy to compare yourself with others and fall into this social media trap of what others have and you don’t. As a designer, it is also easy to fall into trends and forget to embrace your own design style. I turned these conscious check-ins with myself as a habit to help me stay true to who I am. Embracing my uniqueness is what I believe helps me succeed not just as an entrepreneur but as an individual.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Like I said, in the previous question our uniqueness It’s our Superpower. Me, being me what sets me apart. Something I’m most proud of is the feeling I get every time Vieka Studios gets a new client or project. It’s a feeling of excitement because I love everything interior design; and gratitude because It’s almost like a surreal feeling of wow, people trust me and my business enough to design their space. When clients say, “I (We) trust you “my heart melts! I hope i’m not being too corny but it’s a proud moment for me every time. If i’m being honest, where I am today business-wise is not where I want to be. Like most Millennials, I am doing it all. By day, I am a Victim Advocate for the City of Atlanta, and by night, I am an Interior Designer and Podcaster on the side. When I started my Interior Design business, my only goal, and thought process was to help others. All I knew was that at Vieka Studios I wanted to promote and share how important a well designed space is for our well being beyond aesthetics. So business-wise I still have a lot to learn. I will say though, I’ve started my business less than a year ago and I had to overcome many challenges to get to where I am today so that is something that I’m also proud of as a starting entrepreneur. A lesson I’ve learned along the way is how important going with the flow is. As a perfectionist, I always want to be in control. I’m not ashamed to admit it, but I quickly learned that when running a business there are things that will happen outside of my control. The main strategy to be a real boss is to learn to adapt. Be as fluid as possible while keeping your eyes on the prize. I’m obviously still trying to master this trait but I will say that once I learned that, I’ve taken on projects that I never thought of doing. Not focusing so much on trying to have it under control led me to not only transform homes but set design for TV Shows and commercials and even setting up vacation rentals. It help me step outside of my comfort zone and not only challenge myself but my creativity. So go with the flow and let the universe do its thing. My favorite saying is “trust the process!” Something I would want this world to know is that Vieka Studios for me is not just a business or a brand it’s a Dream. That this Latina has been manifesting esthetically pleasing interiors since she was five. I had a humble upbringing and as a little girl I was always thinking of nice interiors, making over my parents house, sweeping a dirt road to make it look prettier, and just weird things a little girl usually doesn’t think of; but a Designer does. It is so funny for me to think back to what I use to play as a little girl when I was living in Argentina. It’s definitely a full life circle. Vieka is a nickname my godmother calls me by. We believe it doesn’t mean anything but it’s more of an expression. I say all of this to let the world know why Vieka Studios is a dream for me. It is why I believe in designing spaces for our well being. It is my inspiration for creating spaces that will make you feel like spending all the quality time with your loved ones and enjoying your space to the fullest.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Outdoor activities are a must! Spring or Fall in Atlanta is beautiful so I would definitely recommend that time of the year. First, brunch has to be at any of the many cute patios and rooftops the city has to offer. If they have bottomless mimosas even better! I would take them on a scooter ride along the city visiting piedmont park, historic areas like Edgewood, Cabbage-town, Old 4th Ward, and of course the beltline. Visting Botanical Gardens and the well known Ponce City Market is just as important. I can’t go wrong with the amount of diversity in food, drinks, people, and history, that tour would have. I would have to take them to my favorite local Italian restaurant called Eatalianos. The food is yummy and the vibe is low-key. I’d also love to end the tip by taking them to my secret spot up in North Georgia with the most amazing sunset views. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I consider myself a very lucky girl because I have the most amazing support group I could ever ask for. From my family to my friends, to everyone in between that has shaped me into the person I am today. If I had to narrow down to the two most important people that helped me make Vieka Studios possible, I would have to dedicate my shoutout to my two best friends Alahna Lark and Tevin Holliday. They have been my biggest supporters! Alahna helped me realize that I could turn my passion into a business. She always hypes me and my design style up wherever we are and with whoever we are. Tevin helped me with my entrepreneurial mindset. He helped me be more conscious when making major business moves and decisions. Both of them have contributed to my success thanks to their encouragement and love, and for that I’m grateful.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/ame_elola

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCggkHuiUUUktUyhIW1N98oQ

Image Credits
a_lynn_photos Vontevendetta