My name is Lila Amery-Sleiman and I am a certified residential interior designer in the City of Edmonton, specializing in home staging, remodelling, renovations and new home builds. I have been an interior designer for 6 years now. - Lila
When did you start your business? Was there something/someone that inspired you? I started my business 6 years ago as I was feeling like I needed a change. I was previously a mortgage broker and realized that was not the career path I wanted to continue with. I’ve always had a passion and love for design, which encouraged me to take a step towards it.
During this time, my husband and I had decided to build a new home so I knew this would benefit us. I decided to enrol in an interior design course. After completing the course, I started my business in interior design.
I gained a lot of experience building our own homes, helping out family and friends with their homes, and that motivated me to take on clients such as local home builders.
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Would you say you reached all of your goals since you started or do you have more to achieve?
After over 6 years in this industry, I believe there is always room to grow. During this time, I believe that my short term goals have been reached. I’ve gained a lot of experience, but I do hope I can achieve my long term goals like starting up a home design studio!
What are the ups & downs when dealing with the Arab community?
The Arab community is a great one. I always feel very supported and encouraged to keep going and do better. I also find this community to be very supportive towards women in business!
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What would you change if you had to do it all over again?
The one thing I would have changed if I could do it over again, would be to have studied design earlier in life. However, I’m a strong believer in things happening when they’re meant to happen for us.
What challenges has Covid-19 brought to you and your business and how did you overcome them?
Covid was and still is a challenge for many businesses unfortunately. For me, the biggest challenge I encountered was the shutdowns of stores, and the delays in shipments and deliveries on product.
What usually took 5-7 days to arrive took 3-4 months. Another challenge was the kids being home from school. That was difficult for me and so many parents, but again everything happens when it’s meant to and for a reason.
In the end, I’m grateful and blessed to be self employed, with a flexible schedule that allowed me to be home with them and kept them safe and healthy.
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