Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Palma.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In a period marked by significant uncertainty and change, De Alma Casa was founded. The journey towards this venture began from my deep-seated love for design that I have nurtured throughout my life. Having worked in the furniture and retail industry for many years, I gained invaluable experience, which helped shape my vision for De Alma Casa. It was through the combined knowledge and understanding of these industries that I identified a niche in the market for a design-focused custom shop that would offer exceptional quality, personalized service, and timeless style. Thus, I set out on a mission to create De Alma Casa, a brand that would embody all these values and more. When I got the opportunity to work with a high-end, family-owned boutique furniture company renowned for its use of old-world techniques in its furniture-making process, it was clear this was meant to be. This company served a clientele of prestigious designers from across the United States, and I was fortunate enough to learn about the day-to-day operations of such a business.
During my time at the company, I gained valuable insights into the world of high-end furniture making, including the intricacies of the production process, the importance of quality control, and the significance of customer satisfaction. However, despite the company’s success, it eventually made the difficult decision to close its doors forever.
The closure of the business was a turning point in my life, and it allowed me to reflect on my journey. It was a time of enlightenment that enabled me to reinvent myself and pursue my passions. I took the opportunity to explore new avenues and develop my skills, which ultimately brought me to where I am today.
With the knowledge and experience I gained, coupled with my newfound sense of purpose, I can now offer my expertise to clients and work with them to achieve their design needs. De Alma Casa is a manifestation of my journey, and I am grateful for every step that led me to this point. I started De Alma Casa in 2020 with the support of my husband. My vision for De Alma Casa was to continue working with the artisans I had worked with for many years and provide an opportunity for other talented artisans to showcase their craft. I am grateful for the chance to work with designers from all across the United States to create unique furniture, lighting, and upholstery pieces.
You can visit De Alma Casa at our website, dealmacasa.com, to see some of the standout pieces we have created.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. As I embarked on this journey, I found myself drawing upon all the knowledge and skills I had acquired throughout my life, including my retail sales, management, bookkeeping, and marketing skills, which had prepared me for this moment. I spent countless hours researching and developing strategies to ensure that De Alma Casa would be successful.
Creating and designing my website was thrilling. I loved putting my vision together for my business and using my bookkeeping skills to manage the day-to-day operations. I also enjoy doing marketing on different social media outlets to get the business out there and engaging with clients through email communication. I carefully selected the best tools, platforms, and techniques to ensure that my website was user-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
I have had to wear many hats to ensure the success of De Alma Casa. I have been responsible for managing finances, sales, and customer service. I have also been involved in the production and delivery of my products and services. I have had to be adaptable and flexible to meet the changing needs of the business and its customers.
As I began to put everything into practice, I was struck by the sense of purpose that came with each decision I made for De Alma Casa. I knew that I was building something that would not only benefit me but also the community around me. I have been actively seeking artists and their talents for my business to support the local talent.
Of course, there were obstacles along the way, but I confronted each one with determination and perseverance and emerged stronger than before. I have learned valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and communication. I have also developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and time management skills.
I feel proud of my journey so far. It has taught me valuable lessons and given me the confidence to tackle any challenges that may come my way. I am excited to see what the future holds for De Alma Casa, and I am confident that I will continue to explore new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I find my career extremely rewarding. As a professional, I work closely with designers on a one-on-one basis to bring their custom furniture, lighting, or upholstery designs to life. Every design idea is unique and comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. This is where my expertise comes in. I collaborate with a team of skilled artisans to make sure that every detail is taken care of and that the end product is exactly what the designer had envisioned.
Seeing the designer’s vision gradually take shape is a remarkable experience. I find it truly amazing to witness the hard work and dedication that goes into making a one-of-a-kind piece. From the initial concept to the final product, it is a journey full of creativity and innovation.
At every step of the way, I work closely with artisans to ensure that every detail is perfect. The most important part of a custom piece is the story behind it, which adds to its uniqueness and character. Every artisan piece is a labor of love, and no two are alike.
Overall, my day-to-day entails bringing designer’s visions to life through collaboration with skilled artisans. It’s a creative and challenging process, but the result is always worth it – a unique and heartfelt gift that tells a story and captures the essence of the designer’s vision.
“Share your design vision with De Alma Casa, and I’ll bring it to life.”
What’s next?
“I am concentrating on developing De Alma Casa one step at a time, and I am enthusiastic about the limitless opportunities that lie ahead. Last year, De Alma Casa introduced three lights and I am putting in a lot of effort to market them. I have some new items in the works for the year ahead and I am constantly motivated by the team of professionals I collaborate with.
Contact Info:
- Website: dealmacasa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dealmacasa/
