Meet Yanina Diaz of Nifty Nina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yanina Diaz.

Hi Yanina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up my memories are of me going with my mom to clean homes in Beverly Hills. As a child, I was always in awe of these homes. I was captivated by the layouts, elegant chandeliers, detailed finishes, artwork, and views. I would watch my mom tackle pantries, closets, and the occasional junk drawer with the precision of a Tetris savant. Most housekeepers would clean around it; my mom would organize it without hesitation. That is why her clients loved her. Organizing came naturally to her, and by default, it did for me as well. 

Ever since I can remember, I have been an organized person. From the way I processed information to how I folded my clothes. Clutter has never really been part of my vocabulary. Every place I have lived, regardless of the duration, became a canvas for self-expression. It is exhilarating to me what a coat of paint and some well-thought-out placement of furniture can do. With a little imagination and viola, the room is transformed. Indulgence for me was never about splurging on shoes or perfumes; it was about curating the perfect piece of decor for my space. I would make trips to my local Home Goods in search of the missing puzzle piece with just the right amount of razzle-dazzle. 

I had my first client at 16 years old and sporadically throughout the years. In 2020, I started a small gift box business, but very soon realized it was not what I wanted to do. 

On an average day, whilst I found myself rearranging my friend’s furniture to better fit her space, she asked: “Why aren’t you doing this for a living?” That same week, Nifty Nina was born. I’m eternally grateful for her encouragement to pursue my passion and for the perfect name. 

Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse array of clients. From family and friends to high-profile clients such as influencers, athletes, and celebrities. Each project has been an opportunity for me to showcase my ability to bring their vision to life, as well as to see beyond what they thought was possible. It’s been an incredible journey. A true blessing. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it always been a smooth road? I’ve personally always enjoyed off-roading; after all, there aren’t any wrong turns, only scenic routes. Like with any new business, there are twists and turns, ups and downs, and unforeseeable detours, none of which made me ever want to change direction. I knew I wanted to start my own business, and when I started my gift box company in 2020, I realized something wasn’t quite right. I always found myself coming back to design and organizing. It’s what I was always meant to do. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe transforming your living space should be a rewarding, stress-free experience. I strive to make the process of organizing your home simpler and more enjoyable, helping you find creative, sustainable solutions to maximize both efficiency and functionality. 

I was having a conversation with a friend, and I asked him, “Are you a minimalist?” to which he responded, “Oh no! I’m not a minimalist; I’m an essentialist.” Having this new sense of enlightenment changed everything. When I incorporated this philosophy into my way of working, I was able to connect with my clients on a completely different level. I was able to help my clients purge and declutter while maintaining what was essential to them. 

I pride myself in providing professional, tailored organizing services to simplify your life and create a living environment that is reflective of your unique lifestyle. Beyond mere organization, the goal is to re-envision and re-design your surroundings to reflect your unique taste, all while keeping functionality and practicality in mind. 

My commitment lies in creating spaces that you can’t wait to return to. 

Our team is passionate about helping you make sense of your space so you can focus on what matters most to you. 

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
“You have two ears and one mouth, and if you use them in that order, you’ll go far.” 

I wouldn’t have made such expensive mistakes had I just taken advice from those who were seasoned business owners and entrepreneurs. 

Sometimes, we are so enthusiastic about our ideas that we don’t listen to the people who are teaching us the basics. Ask a lot of questions, slow down, and ALWAYS play devil’s advocate. 

Pricing:

• Organizing Services | $100/hr
• Design Services Start @ $2,500
• Handyman Services | $350/day

Contact Info:

• Website: https://niftynina.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niftyninaco/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nifty-nina-monrovia-2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@niftyninaco

Image Credits
Carlos Murguia