Inspiring Interview With Sonia Pash, Co-Founder Of Temza

Sonia Pash (2nd from right, above) is co-founder and managing director of Temza Interior Design and Build studio.  They offer turnkey solutions to delivering complete interior and architectural design projects, handling the entire construction and refurbishment process.

Tell Us About Your Career So Far

My background is in real estate. I started to work as an agent during my early 20’s. While I was working in this industry, many clients were looking for newly fitted out conversions and renovations.  There is always a big market for this type of property. However, it was often a struggle to find the right properties to recommend to my clients.

After many disappointing viewings of conversions fitted out with bad quality materials and outdated design, I started to realise that there was an opportunity here. In 2012 I co-founded Temza Interior Design and Build Studio in London.  We offer complete interior design service and take care of the whole construction and refurbishment process.

What 2 Things Do You Do To Build Your Confidence?

First of all, I constantly study and research. By this I mean all sorts of self-studying methods you can imagine: reading, online browsing, online courses, watching YouTube videos, going to specialist events to listen to industry experts.

Secondly, I talk to people, I listen, I ask questions and I learn from everyone. If there is a meeting with a consultant, I go in depth of the topic and ask questions until I understand what it’s all about. If I am at networking event and I chat with someone, I listen to people’s experiences and I always learn something new.

I believe knowledge and expertise that what gives confidence.

What Has Been Your Biggest Life Lesson So Far?

I am very careful about the decisions I make. I analyse a lot and I sleep on it before I go for something. One valuable lesson which I learnt in the early days of running the business is not to take everything personally and not to allow work stress to affect your mental well-being.

How Do You Feel About Getting Older?

I am actually very comfortable with my age. I was more nervous about getting older when I was in my late twenties, than I am now in my early thirties. I feel more in control about my path, more experienced and confident than ever before!

What’s Your Purpose In Life?

I like to create, to create something beautiful and meaningful. That’s why I am particularly interested in developing old, rundown properties into gorgeous homes. I get a buzz from giving people beautiful homes, ones that are practical as well as looking great.

I enjoy the transformation process of each property, from ugly duckling, to graceful swan! It feels satisfying to be creating a place for our clients to enjoy, the value we create is very tangible.

I also enjoy helping people to develop professionally, building a strong team of talented people around me and seeing them grow; this brings me lots of joy and satisfaction.

How Do You Balance Work And Life Responsibilities?  What Sacrifices Have You Made?

Lots of sacrifices. I run business together with my partner, partner in business and in life, and it is a constant balancing act. The only way to manage all this is through listening to yourself, understanding what you want from your personal life and from your work.

Make a plan and implement things one by one: prioritising and finding time, compromises and ways of fitting everything in.

What Are Your Top Self-Care Tips?  How Do You Relax?

I have number of ways to re-charge, relax and de-stress. Again, it is very important to listen to yourself and establish when you’re at boiling point and you need to rest and switch off before the big blow up. Ideally, I try to do something good for myself on a daily basis.  For example, I take my dog, Joy (who has her own Instagram following, @joythevizsla) to the park almost every day for an hour’s walk.

I also notice that regular exercise and healthy diet makes me much more stress resistant. I go to the gym at 6.30am, 3-4 times per week and try to eat as much raw fruit and veg as possible.

Switching off techniques help as well.  Over the years I have perfected the skill of being able to switch off from work or an irritating subject when I wish to: I just don’t think about it.

From time to time, I will take an afternoon off and go for massage or meet with girlfriends for a glass of wine, go shopping, or escape to the countryside for a long weekend.

What Advice Would You Give The Next Generation Of Girls?

Be kind to yourself, your body and your mind. Listen to yourself, what you really are about and what you really want. There is so much distraction in the modern world, starting from food to fashion and social media. Don’t get trapped into something you don’t want to be.