Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Pantea Bionki of Chino

Pantea Bionki shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning Pantea, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Painting! When I paint, I completely unplug from everything. It’s the one time I don’t think about anything else because my full focus is on the canvas. It’s such a joyful and stress-relieving experience, and seeing the finished piece is always so rewarding. Recently, I’ve started painting again, even creating a few pieces for our staging projects, which has made it even more special.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Pantea Bionki, the owner and lead designer of Bionki Interiors, a boutique home staging and interior design firm based in Southern California. Design has always been a true passion for me. When you have a natural talent and you continue to learn and grow, that combination, together with passion, comes together beautifully. At Bionki Interiors, we specialize in creating spaces that feel inviting, balanced, and effortlessly beautiful. Our work includes home staging, interior design, Airbnb setups, and long-term furniture rentals. What makes us unique is our ability to combine design expertise with real estate insight. We know how to bring out the best in every home, and our team takes pride in transforming spaces quickly and thoughtfully, with every detail carefully curated.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned so much from two very special people. One is Charanya, my close friend who has been with me at Bionki Interiors from day one. She is incredibly committed, organized, and determined, and that has inspired me to be the same way. She always focuses on finding the steps to reach the goal, which has been so helpful in shaping how I approach work. It has been a pleasure to work together, and when that kind of partnership exists, it always shows in the results. The other person is my mentor, Michelle Minch. I’ve learned a great deal from her about running a business, especially how to stay professional and objective. She reminded me that feedback, even when it feels personal, is part of business and growth, and it’s important not to let it discourage you.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
The sky is the limit. You can do anything you set your mind to and go as far as you dream. There’s nothing that can stop you if you stay focused and keep going until you get where you want to be. Also, be less emotional and more logical when it’s time to make important decisions.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That it’s all as rosy and effortless as it looks. People often think you just fluff a few pillows and everything falls into place, but that’s far from reality. Behind every beautifully staged home, there are countless hours of hard work and preparation. If you want to run your business professionally, there’s so much more that happens before you get to the “fluff the pillow, take pictures, and post online” part. There are hundreds of hours spent managing inventory, maintaining a warehouse, tracking expenses, handling payroll, and making sure everything runs smoothly. It’s not just about one project; it’s about running an entire business the right way, with no shortcuts.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Yes, definitely! I’m absolutely tap dancing to work. It truly lifts my spirits when I have projects to work on. Of course, there are challenges, but I actually enjoy them. I feel most fulfilled when I’m busy, creating, and getting things done. I love what I do, and completing a project gives me such a deep sense of satisfaction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bionkiinteriors.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionki.interiors/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pantea.bionki/

Image Credits
Laurie Graham