Today we’d like to introduce you to Racheal Mutambo.
Hi Racheal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My first clients were my parents, I was sent to Lusaka, Zambia where I was born around 16 to help build their retirement home. I was not planning on being in the architectural, interior design, or construction field at that age. I actually wanted to be a publicist, I even went to Columbia College Chicago for public relations. While in school to help raise money, I would continue building and renovating homes in Zambia. I would fly to China to get building materials, ship them to Africa, renovate homes for my family, and family friends, and even rent out fully furnished homes to expatriates who were only in Africa to do business for a short period of time. I was operating like an Airbnb host before the app came out.
I eventually realized that I had a true passion for the design built environments. I decided to go to school for architectural technology and continue with building my interior design company. All of my experience with building from the ground up, renovating homes, and furnishing homes has shaped me into the businesswoman I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, I started business in Africa, my network was always in Zambia and South Africa. When I decided to focus on North America, I did not know too many people or where to even begin. Most of the household names for designers started way before I was born. It would be crazy to think they were my competition or we were in the same race-based of that predicament alone. I always have to remind myself when I see a furniture store or well-known designer that at one point they were thinking the same thoughts as me, and it’s only a matter of time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Nalwa is short for Nalwamba, my middle name. Nalwa Design Studio provides 3d renderings, architectural construction drawings and documentation, home renovations, residential and commercial interior design, and ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) builds. To add to the design studio, I introduced furniture to the company. Nalwa is an authorized furniture dealer with locations opening soon. The design studio also provides custom furniture, clients are able to choose different fabric swatches, furniture sizes, and designs by myself.
The design studio is able to cater to all clientele, our niche is high-end, and our projects are diverse. Whether we are working on an office project, restaurant design, celebrity clients, or restaurants, all projects are catered to the client’s needs. Its been an honor to work with high-profile clients, as well as the city of LA on a landscaping project across the 110 freeway.
What matters most to you? Why?
Energy matters the most to me. I strive to be aligned with myself every morning with a 20-minute meditation and a morning walk before I engage in full-blown conversations with anyone. I have realized that when I am happy everyone around me is happy, the birds are chirping, and the sun is shining. It’s impossible to avoid contrast, setbacks, or temporary circumstances, but in my short time on this earth, I have chosen to be happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.Nalwastudios.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/whoisracheal
Image Credits
Photographer – Zay Monae www.instagram.com/zaymonae
