Caribbean culture is easily identifiable by our vibrancy, energy and relentless desire to have fun. Amidst the joviality of our culture often lies a brokenness; one where our professional potential is sometimes underestimated and we are not granted the exposure needed to balance this joviality with sustainable career choices. As our global society evolves exponentially, the anachronistic mold of being merely a “Lawyer, Doctor or Indian chief” has to be decimated. The only beauty of stereotypes is that special individuals will rise; to reshape our perspectives and one such individual is Yasmine Parris; a 24-year-old interior designer from Barbados. In love with carnival, beaches and all-island things; we caught up with the subtlety charming designer to find out more about her company Yasmine Parris Interiors and her indelible connection to her Bajan culture.
Every designer in every field knows that Paris (the place) is one of the most important design hubs in the world ! “Parris” is legitimately your surname, would you say that influenced your career path as a designer , even subconsciously?
Truthfully I never thought about it like this. Design has been my passion since I was kid; I was lucky enough to grow up around the industry and was always mesmerized at building development. It was so inspiring to me, watching concepts on paper transform around me into a beautiful reality. I wanted to be able to create and have an impact on people like this.
Evidenced in your work , you have an exceptional eye for detail and good taste in design. How has growing up in a country as idyllic as Barbados enhanced these endearing qualities in your work ?
It most definitely has. Our beautiful island has so much inspiration to pull from, not only in the beauty of the serene beaches and contrasting country views but also in the culture. I’ve also had the privilege of watching concepts of Bajan architects and designers come to life while growing up and I have fallen in love with certain traits and approaches to creativity over the years. For example, exposing natural soft stone when it’s there or simply finding creative ways to bring forth tranquil settings especially via plants and water.
What is your favorite beach in Barbados ?
This is a hard question hahaha. I am so in love with the crystal clear lively beaches of the west coast, particularly “Paradise Beach” — its a secluded long stretch of white sand and clear waters enclosed by tall trees… a short swim to the right and you can snorkel and swim with turtles. However, at the same time I also love the east coast! It’s just so beautiful in its own way and peaceful carrying its own significant influence for my love of character and design drawn from the amazing land force.
Many designers have to leave the Caribbean in order be successful as a designer. What fostered the sense of nationalism that encouraged you to pursue your dreams from you country?
My career here has been highly influenced by my family business in building and design. Both my Grandfather and my Father birthed successful construction companies here which are unique because they also offer design assistance and this is how I began. I have always wanted to carry on this legacy. While I have contemplated and acknowledged that living elsewhere for the sake of my career could provide me with different opportunities and growth; the truth is for right now, I’m enjoying learning from and working with other designers, clients from all over the world and especially my dad. It’s become such a meaningful bonding time for us. However, I won’t say that I don’t think about moving at some point in my life but at the same time my intent for the business is that I can work anywhere. I would love to do more work regionally right now actually.
So many people have a very myopic understanding of what interior design is all about. Some people think it’s just putting pretty cushions beside pretty curtains or moving furniture around in a room. What would you say are some of the core principles of interior design that you could elaborate on ; that would enable someone who may not be a designer get a better sense of what it is all about?
It is very true that people mistake Interior Decorating and Interior Design. Interior decorating is simply the furnishing or adorning of a space with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic but Interior Design is more technical. It encompasses drawing up the floor plans and elevations, providing design specifications for contractors and even placing the last decorative accent. We don’t just enhance the look of a space; we also enhance the functionality and sustainability. Okay, so what does this really mean? For example, my latest project was a renovation of an old house into a replenishing, refreshing more modern house for the purpose of airbnb rentals — with this information I drew the floor plan as is to then decipher what changes should be made to the layout to make this space more functional for its intended purpose while aesthetically changing the look and feel; one of my focus points was to lighten and brighten up inside but also to create a better airflow, so beyond changing the wall colour and adding lamps, I also opened up the kitchen by cutting back some of the wall, changed the windows and doors and added a flat ceiling so that we could put in down lights and fans. Putting functionality into play now, I added wet showers for not only a more modern look and to visually open the small space but also to be more accessible for both old and young guests. Now knowing that it is an airbnb, sustainability plays a big role, so my selection from paint, tile and countertop selection to fittings and furnishings must suit the purpose. I try to sell a service for myclients and provide them with a worry free, seamless execution from concept to completion. I want to do more than make a space look fresh, but to tell a story and create a reality. Your interior should reflect you as a person, as a brand, as a company…it is more than just a design, it is a lifestyle.
Your company “Yasmine Parris Interiors “ breaks so many stereotypes; mainly the notion that creatives many times are inept at business . How did you find the confidence and the inspiration to not only pick a unique career path and become an entrepreneur?
I always understood the importance of being well rounded and having a “fall back” so I have had quite a few jobs before this to be honest, a few of them as a managerial role and one as a lead accountant for a well established company even and I feel like I was able to take different very valuable skills from each that have helped me to where I am now. I think they also reassured me that I wanted to be an entrepreneur and have my own… build my own, but you know when there is always that one thing that makes you sure sure? Mine was the fact that I was able to go to Seychelles for 3 months and work from there with my first business venture. While studying I actually created and locally manufactured a swimsuit brand for women. It taught me quite a bit about managing a business and funds, unfortunately I think I learned some very important lessons a bit later than sooner hahaha but recently I finally felt like I could blend all of my experience and knowledge in both the business aspect and design aspect to begin my own company while following my passion.
What has been the most rewarding facet of being a creative entrepreneur?
There is a lot of hard work and sacrifice that goes into being an entrepreneur, however, I feel very rewarded and satisfied when I can present my work as mine, under my company… when I can see my portfolio and client list growing… when I can give my clients a new space that they love…when I can inspire and help other aspiring designers.
How would you describe some of the most daunting challenges you’ve faced as a creative Entrepreneur?
My business is still a baby, we are still growing and so, therefore, it may not be every month we have a project to be honest. And while we have been doing well this still scares me sometimes. When you are working for someone else you are guaranteed a set monthly pay, if you’re sick you can call in and someone else will cover you. But when you’re working for yourself sometimes you can’t afford to call in sick or take the day off, everyone depends on you actually and financially some months may be better than others. However, despite that small fear, I have faith that we will continue to grow successfully. We will have that security and stability in time and i’ll be able to enjoy the privileges and lifestyle that I’m after with this entrepreneurship.
What can the Bajan Government do to harness more creative entrepreneurs in the island?
Well firstly, it is very difficult to set up a business in Barbados. Not only does it cost thousands of dollars but there is a tremendous amount of paperwork that comes along with it which if we are being honest not everyone is capable of doing. It is also a very lengthy, inconvenient running around process to have this done and I truly believe that if there was one place to go where you can get all the information and assistance throughout the different steps it would make a huge difference as to how many small business ideas especially via young people would come to life. Everyone has great ideas but not everyone is able to translate this into a profitable business and I think this is where people get discouraged because they don’t have the correct assistance to help bridge this gap .Separately, for designers like myself or other interior businesses, we are heavily impacted by the high 60% duties on furniture as this affects our end cost. We are trying to move into the 21st century with design and furnishings here but we are held back from doing so by this at a reasonable cost therefore stumping us from being able to cater to everyone. More modern, innovative and sustainable furniture is not manufactured here, so for example when specifying items for my clients I have to consider either bringing it in and the hassle of that in itself or resorting to a home store here who has limited options and high prices due to this.
