Story & Lesson Highlights with Danielle Velasquez of Downtown LA

Danielle Velasquez shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Often, the things we’re most proud of building are invisible to others—the parts that don’t make it into the highlight reel. I’ve been focusing on the following:

• Resilience: The ability to keep showing up for yourself when nobody is watching.
• Discipline: The routines, boundaries, and quiet commitments that hold everything together.
• Inner Peace: Letting go of old wounds or fears, and finding a way to feel grounded even in chaos.
• Character: The unseen choices to be kind, fair, or honest, even when it would be easier not to.
• Vision: The foundations you’re laying—ideas, dreams, or long-term goals—that nobody else can fully see yet.

It’s the “unseen architecture” that supports everything visible later on.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve always believed that design is more than furniture and finishes—it’s about creating spaces that reflect how people truly want to live. With a background rooted in business development and sales, I co-founded Cole Mateo Co. to bring elevated, timeless interiors to life.

Every project begins with a vision: your story, your lifestyle, your goals. Our role is to translate that into a space that feels both luxurious and livable—spaces that inspire connection, comfort, and confidence.

Cole Mateo Co. is a full-service interior design and furnishings firm launching. We specialize in modern luxury interiors that balance clean lines, natural textures, and sophisticated details. From curated furniture collections to bespoke design services, we help clients achieve elevated living that’s both stylish and functional.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, access, and service. We partner with top vendors, offer exclusive collections, and provide white-glove delivery options, ensuring that every detail is handled seamlessly.

Our mission is simple: to create spaces that don’t just look beautiful—but feel like home.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the moments that shaped how I see the world was losing my mom. Her passing shifted my perspective on what truly matters—home, connection, and creating spaces where love and life are felt every day. It taught me that design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building environments that nurture the people in them, because those moments and memories are what last.

That’s why at Cole Mateo Co., every project we take on is rooted in intention. It’s about honoring stories, creating comfort, and ensuring that the spaces we design feel timeless and deeply personal.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
One of the most defining moments in my life was losing my mom. That kind of loss changes the way you see the world. For me, it created a deeper appreciation for what truly matters: family, connection, and the spaces where our most meaningful moments unfold.

I learned that pain can be transformed into power when you choose to create from it. For me, that power is expressed through design. Every space I create carries the intention of turning houses into homes, and homes into sanctuaries. I believe interiors should do more than look beautiful — they should hold memories, nurture healing, and reflect the strength and stories of the people who live in them.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
What I see smart people missing today is simple: connection. We’ve mistaken visibility for impact, contacts for relationships, and speed for success. The truth? Empires are built on trust, not transactions. Connection is the currency that never loses value.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop worrying about what people think. The opinions, the noise, the constant second-guessing — none of it would matter. I’d choose to live with intention, do the things that set my soul on fire, and pour myself into what feels meaningful. Because in the end, it’s not about approval, it’s about alignment.

That’s the truth of great design, too: it’s not about following trends or seeking validation, it’s about creating spaces that honor your story and how you truly want to live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.colemateoco.com
• Instagram: Itsdani_marie & colemateo.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemvelasquez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/colemateoco