Exploring Life & Business with Swapna Rao of Dream Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Swapna Rao. 

Hi Swapna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello everyone!!! This is Swapna Rao from Colorado. I am originally from Bangalore, India. I married my supportive husband Abhi Rao (who is also in business) in 2011. My mom, my husband, my siblings and friends are my biggest support. My husband always helps me in every step of my life, guides me, supports me, and is there for me in every way!

Since I was teenager, I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Wherever I used to work I will always use to think “let me do some research on this job? What do I need to open a company like this” (haha remember my monkey business mind)?

I lost my dad when I was 7, and my mom had to raise all 4 of us. All my siblings were ranked students, they got scholarships to go to college but I was not into studies but business since then.

I started working for a company where they challenged me every single way. Are you sure? Can you do this? The innocent girl moved from India to the USA, and was scared to ask the waitress for a glass of water at a restaurant. Imagine how hard it is for me to come out of my comfort zone of innocence. I accepted many challenges along the way to be here today as an entrepreneur. I discussed my business ideas with my husband and one of our close friends Jyothi and Yash. Both said it’s your dream and we believe in you. If you want to quit your job and start your business, please do it. Never regret later that you missed an opportunity. With the support of my husband and my friends, I opened our company Dream Designs in September 2019. My best friends Prarthana and Shankar believed in me and asked me to do their kitchen backsplash. Since then, I have never looked back!! The reason I mentioned my friends’ names here is because they are the support which I needed when we opened our company. Never forget the stepping stones of your successful business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing comes easy in this world! There are a lot of things you will learn along with the business. Consistency is the key!! Business is in general everyday learning, giving your best and customers always expect the best out of you. Yes, we faced all these still we do. If you are more stressed today and getting the result that you want means you are growing. I have not taken any vacations for the last 3 years because I am the face of our business. There were many days I had to skip dinners with my husband. There are instances of canceling our last-minute date nights. You can ask me here, is it worth having a business? Yes totally!!! Do you know why? Because I am working hard for my company to build my empire, not for others!

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dream Designs?
Dream Designs is a small business, offers design of the kitchen and bathroom. Designing any kitchen is an art. I meet my clients at their house to see what they are interested in, what they are expecting from the project, are they willing to work with the options we provide, and we always ask customers to make the right choice.

We offer 2-3 different designs samples to help them to choose what they envy. We take care of our customers from the beginning of the project till the end. We will make sure that they are happy with the quality of our work and great customer service.

Dream Designs proudly says we worked on our first biggest project in Four Seasons Residency at Vail. We installed the slabs on all 4-bathroom walls, floors, bathrooms, and even on the ceilings on one of the bathrooms. It was a dream come true moment and will always cherish.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Please go all in means your mind, your heart, and your focus!!! Don’t hesitate to start your own business. Don’t let any negative people push you away, Remember not every friend of yours wants to see you as an Entrepreneur!! If this girl can do it, of course, you can too!! Business is not easy I promise you but it’s worth it when you dedicate yourself 100% to it. Business needs all your time, attention, plans, confidence, and vision. Success is not easy, there are many ladders you must climb on. There are so many people who talk bad about you and your business, but you must focus on where you want to be? Now or never!!! You got this my friend!

Contact Info:

• Email: info@dreamdesignsco.com
• Website: www.dreamdesignsco.com
• Instagram: dreamdesignscountertops
• Facebook: dreamdesignsco