Interview with Sandra Edoho, C.E.O Vivabella Designs

Sandra Edoho is a professional interior designer and the Creative Director of Vivabella Designs – a leading interior design brand that provides bespoke interior design solutions. With a strong passion for creating comfortable homes through casual luxury, she chats with Space Magazine on the impact of women in the design industry and also gives an insight into her latest project.

Tell us a little about your background…

I graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in English Education. Went on to work in a bank for a few years and then proceeded for my Masters in Human Resource Management & Development at the University Of Gloucestershire in the UK.

How about your career progression, were you always interested in interior design?

After my career in the bank and my masters education, I knew I didn’t want to work for any organization or anybody for that matter. I love my freedom! To be able to wake up, pack my bags and travel at will. So I began to question my next move. I knew I loved skin care (which I still do) & interior design! So it just flowed naturally and I started my design business with just selling custom made throw-pillows!

How has the journey been so far?

My journey as a Lagos based interior designer has been both challenging &fulfilling. Through my experiences l, I have improved on so many levels. Each encounter/ project is a learning curve for me. And so I continue to learn and improve on our products & services.

With the situation of the Nigerian economy, is the typical Nigerian looking to hire an interior designer?

Ironically, the situation & challenges in the country has made people become more aware of the importance of living well. You find a lot of people want to live comfortably and stress -free and so  they look to professional interior designers to make this happen. So it’s kind of a blessing in disguise as everyone wants a beautiful & comfortable space to relax in after a hard day’s work!

How has it been, doubling between the roles of a mother and an interior design professional?

It’s all about Balance and a strong home front! I absolutely create time to be with my family as they are everything to me. I have a very understanding husband of course, who allows me to grow and be me! So I am grateful for the balance created by my nanny, my assistant and especially my husband. They are my strong support systems that allow me to be all I want to be.

How would you describe the impact of Nigerian women globally, particularly in the interior design industry?

Nigerian women are becoming more aware of the importance of financial independence and freedom. And this is amazing! More women are becoming professionals in various fields, providing services that create a solution! The impact in the various talents and design styles provide living and working solutions that make life easier and more stress free for people.

What makes Vivabella Design standout among other designers, do you have a signature touch?

Our signature touch would be designing bespoke homes that are not just beautiful but functional & comfortable. For me, the ultimate luxury is comfort, so we create a lot of “casual luxury”. This simply means we create luxury homes that allow you to live comfortably and be happy!

Our uniqueness is in our continuous hunger for growth & improvement. We are constantly researching & learning better ways to improve on our products and services. Thereby improving the lives of individuals.

Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment?

Absolutely! We are currently working on a 4 bedroom holiday home for a footballer and his family! This is really exciting as there are so many angles that we are giving the Vivabella Touch! I cannot wait to show you how it all comes together!

Role models in the industry?

I do have a few. Cheryl Eisen, the creative director at Interior Marketing group; whom I just discovered and fallen in love with, for her timeless design taste and style. I love Sophie Patterson whom I did meet last year at London Design Week. She’s so giving with her knowledge and is always ready to share. I also love Kelly Hoppen who has been in the industry for over 40 years. Such amazing wealth of experience! Laura Hammet, a British interior designer is also one of my absolute best for her clean lines!

Advice for start-up in the industry?

My advice would be to find your strength and focus your energy on that! Hone your skills, and never stop improving! Never stop learning!

Want to read up more Interior design interview like this? Subscribe to our newsletter today!