Meet Mariya Boykova | Interior Designer, Set Decorator and Store Owner

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

Hi Mariya, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I think my work life balance changed significantly once I started my own business. I feel as though I work more than I ever have, but now I can pick when I want to work which means I can take a break in the middle of the day and go swimming if I want to, or work late nights/early mornings instead of being on a set schedule. Its rewarding, but at the same time makes me put a lot of pressure on myself to get things done and ive learned time management is super important.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
68 Home and 68 Studio are my two sister businesses. I opened 68 Home in 2016 which is a vintage and locally made furniture and home goods store that also has a gallery inside. What sets me apart is the curated items that I sell and try to keep as affordable as possible so that a variety of people are able to have unique vintage pieces in their homes. It was difficult to run a furniture business on my own, and took a lot of help and support from friends. What gives my store a different edge is my background in Interior Design as well as film and commercials because I rent props as well as shop for my design clients. I juggle design clients throughout the year and switch my time between design and working on movies, tv shows and commercials as a set decorator and art director. I feel as though everything that I do goes hand in hand, and gives me an edge in all aspects of my career. I have really been enjoying working on film projects as an art director, production designer and props master as well as being able to style interior and product photo shoots.

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.
I would take them to the river, either Texas Beach or 42nd street- or take a day trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway or to Virginia Beach. Goochland drive in to see a movie would be a great option as well for a night out- after grabbing dinner at Edos Squid, Celladora or Adarra. I would take them to see and outdoor show at Scuffletown and grab some pizza from 8 1/2 or go to the VMFA. Weve got a lot of great local stores, so I would take them shopping in the fan, down Broad Street or in Carytown. Definitely would take them to an overlook such as in Oregon Hill or Churchill.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A lot of people have been involved in helping me through out the years in different ways. I am lucky that ive had such a great support system from the community and other store owners in Richmond such as Blue Bones Vintage.

Website: https://www.mariyaboykova.com/

Instagram: @68_home , @68studio_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/68home/

Image Credits
Photography by : Ethan Hickerson 1st and 4th image, Jake Cunningham – rest of images, styling by me