Balancing Motherhood and an Ambitious Career: A Q&A with Arianna Castro, Interior Designer and Entrepreneur
Balancing motherhood and a career is never straightforward, particularly when you’re also running a growing business. For Miami-based interior designer and entrepreneur Arianna Castro, becoming a mother has redefined how she approaches design, her goals, and the way she leads Interiors by AC.
In this candid Q&A, Arianna opens up about balance, inspiration, and the lessons she’s learned while navigating life as both a mom and an entrepreneur.
How has becoming a mom changed the way you see design?
Probably in the way I choose materials. I gravitate toward performance fabrics and finishes that are easy to clean yet still feel premium and textured. I also focus more on comfort and daily practicality: maximizing hidden storage, shelving space, and overall durability.
What’s the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you that you bring into your work?
First, patience. Over time I’ve learned to trust my instincts and the process, whether it’s raising children or developing a design, meaningful results take time. Second, adaptability. In business, interior design, and parenting, things don’t always go as planned. Often, what matters most is not the issue itself, but how we respond to it.
What’s the hardest part of balancing projects with family?
Switching off. I love my work, but my family deserves me fully present too. It’s easy to let, clients, vendors, projects or business decisions spill into every hour of the day, but I’ve learned that creating boundaries, closing the laptop, putting the phone away, is essential. When I’m with my girls, I want to be with them fully.
What advice would you give to other moms who want to start their own business?
Don’t wait for the perfect time, it doesn’t exist. Start where you are, stay consistent, find the right support system and believe in your vision.
What was the most challenging part of starting your own studio?
Letting go of the safety net and trusting myself. Taking that leap was scary, but it had been a goal for a long time. For years I worked for some of the best professionals in the industry, which was an excellent experience with great mentors. I learned every aspect of the business, all while knowing there was always a cushion if something went wrong.
Starting my own studio meant every decision, every risk, and every outcome fell on me. But it also gave me the freedom to shape my vision and build something that feels truly mine.
What do you hope your daughters learn from seeing you as a designer and entrepreneur?
That they can create their own path, and that ambition and family can truly coexist. I want my daughters to see that pursuing their goals doesn’t mean sacrificing the people or the moments that matter most.
If they grow up knowing they can dream big while also building a life full of love and presence, then I’ll feel I’ve given them the best example I can.
What excites you most about the future?
The possibility of growth in every sense. I look forward to watching my daughters discover who they are and seeing the world through their eyes as they grow. Professionally, my dream is for our studio to continue creating beautiful and timeless spaces while delivering enjoyable experiences for our clients, where design truly enhances the way they live and feel at home.
The thought of building a life where my family and my work flourish side by side is what inspires me every day.
How do you stay inspired creatively while managing so many responsibilities?
Inspiration comes from everyday life. Sometimes it is art or architecture, but often it is as simple as observing how people live and what makes them feel comfortable. I have learned to approach the world with curiosity, and that perspective keeps my design ideas fresh.
What would you tell your younger self?
I would say trust your instincts and do not be afraid to take risks. Hard times forge character, and the path may not always be straight, but every step prepares you for the next one.
