Today we’d like to introduce you to Adriano Balestra.
Hi Adriano, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Originally from Rome, Italy, I moved to the USA when I was 19 years old to follow my passion and dream for interior design. Since I was little, I always had an interest for design, interiors and architecture, this passion somehow amplified while I was playing with the game The Sims, I was very much concerned into creating beautiful homes rather than play the actual game. After gradating from UCLA, I started working and learning for my best friend Clint Nicholas, who introduced me to the design world and always been an anchor in my life. Afterward, I wanted to learn a completely different aesthetic so I worked for Michael S. Smith and was part of some incredible projects. Eager to get closer to my dream and achieve my goals, during the pandemic, I started sourcing antiques directly for clients introducing myself to the A class interior designers in Los Angeles and throughout the USA proposing unique and interesting pieces that most could not find themselves. Business picked up and sales began, I was asked by several to have a presence in LA due to my impeccable taste.
After looking for a space I leased my first showroom on La Cienega in the design district, the space was Jane’s Hallworth showroom and old office, a lovely gem hidden in the middle of the city. I ran my business on my own curating pieces, photographing them, dealing with clients, pretty much doing it all. After only 1 year I decided to make a big step and expand my business from a 900 sq ft space to a 4000 sq ft showroom. I relocated in Hollywood, on Lexington & S. Monica renovating the space in only 4 weeks doing my absolute best to impress my clients and attract a new clientele. The new showroom was a success, after opening November 20th, the showroom brought me much happiness and it’s been an incredible tool to showcase my talent. I always look for the next milestone and currently working on what is next to come. So much more to do!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Biggest challenge was to move here by myself at such young age, create a career and establish a business and name for myself, step by step I am progressing and moving forward to where I see myself. It takes a lot of patience, awareness and confidence to move forward in the right direction, thankfully this is all happening and I couldn’t be more grateful for it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do interior design and curate a showroom here in Los Angeles that includes an eclectic mix of antiques, most follow the spirit and aesthetic of Wabi Sabi and I am very much inspired by the Japanese culture and way of life. My cultural background and fast growth being so ambitions since I was little makes me stand out from competitors and other businesses. I do consider myself very lucky to be where I am today and to have created such a great business at only 27 years old.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how Los Angeles is really a place where there are no limits in terms of possibilities for my business, people can recognize talent and appreciate it genuinely. Receiving compliments about what I do, my vision, my showroom, means a lot to me and knowing that I am respected by many, older than me in a town that I am not originally from, is a huge milestone for my career and for myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studio-balestra.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiobalestra/
Image Credits
All photos taken by Adriano Balestra @ Studio Balestra
