Vanessa DeLeon
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Tête-à-Tête with HGTV’s Design Star, Vanessa DeLeon
Vanessa DeLeon Earlier this month, we caught up with Vanessa DeLeon, Principal of Vanessa DeLeon Associates (VDA) at the Norwood Club. Vanessa was excited to talk about the launch of her latest venture, VDA Virtual Design (www.vdavirtualdesign.com). The interactive initiative offers design services and solutions to the online marketplace. DeLeon has gathered all the tools and put together a clear and concise digital package for creating customized interiors. Her mission was clear – she wanted to offer high fashion design concepts at affordable prices to clients via the worldwide web.
High End Weekly™: You just launched VDA Virtual Design on your website.
Vanessa DeLeon: We are so excited to have launched VDA virtual. The world is driven by technology and social media. This site is made so that people are more inclined to go forward with an interior designer. It’s a great way for people to manage their time and money.
HEW: I like the fact that you have a strong footing on Social Media. Do you think that platform plays a big role in people’s lives when it comes to design and decoration?
VD: This absolutely plays a big role in people’s lives. The social networks open up the possibilities of discovering and learning new information, sharing ideas, and interacting with each other.
Vanessa DeLeon “Our world is changing and people want fast, convenient and digital design solutions that they can personally implement. Thanks to content sharing sites such as Houzz and Pinterest, consumers are extremely well-educated, tech savvy and immersed in design. They have a good sense of their style, but still need a professional’s help to pull it all together.” Vanessa DeLeonHEW: You’ve been featured on top shows including HGTV’s Design Star and Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible (one of my favorites). What were some of the joys and challenges of working with such tight schedules, and still be able to produce some of the most outstanding projects we’ve ever seen?
VDL: The challenge was the obvious, getting the project done in a very limited time frame. Practicality and esthetics are very important with projects like this. Being resourceful plays a big role.
HEW:When I first met you, I was quite taking by your sheer charisma and great sense of style. Have you always been that way?
VDL: Thank you!! As a child I was always fascinated by clothing, fashion, and my Barbie house. Growing up my parents weren’t financially able to give me the latest fashion trends, so I always took what I had and used my creativity.HEW: What iconic designer has inspired you?
VDL: Fashion: Coco Chanel. When it comes to interior designers, my picks are Kelly Wearstler, and Jamie Drake.
