YASMINE SVENSSON ON DISCOVERING THE CONFLUENCE OF CAREER AND PASSIONS

By turning a lifelong passion into a career, Yasmine built a thriving international luxury interior design firm.

Creative Heritage, the brainchild of Yasmine Svensson, is a luxury interior design firm that has turned her lifelong passion for interiors and design into a thriving business. The award-winning international design studio is dedicated to luxury residential and commercial interiors, providing full-service interior design, procurement, and project management services, executed by a team of experienced interior designers, project managers, and procurement managers. In an interview with Echelon, Yasmine shared insights into her approach to leadership, bringing out the best in others and fostering a culture of kindness and care that has been critical to the company’s success.

Can you tell us about the moment that changed you when you realized you had to start Creative Heritage? What compelled you to do so, and what did you hope to achieve?

I have a lifelong passion for interiors and interior design, and I possess an innate ability to visualize how any space can be improved or elevated at first glance. After obtaining my qualifications in the field during my 17-year stint in London, where I had the privilege of working with some of the world’s most stunning interiors, I felt inspired to pursue my passion further. This inspiration ultimately led me to establish Creative Heritage upon my return to Sri Lanka in 2016.

How has the journey been thus far? Can you tell us about the notable achievements and projects you are most proud of?

In terms of building and managing the firm, it has been a steep learning curve, which has required skills in managing people, suppliers, and clients – all of which are equally important in delivering beautiful interiors. I am exceedingly proud of what we have accomplished, and I have immense pride in my team and their dedication and professionalism. It also brings me great happiness to witness the camaraderie and the team spirit we have cultivated within Creative Heritage. It has always been important to me that our studio embodies kindness and respect; that is the ethos we exude when dealing with all stakeholders.

Concerning our projects, we have earned the trust of some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent names, including private residences, luxury boutique hotels, and major commercial enterprises. I believe we designed the most interiors at the Shangri-La apartments. Additionally, we have completed Prime Land’s The Grand display suite and undertaking numerous apartment projects there. Recently, we finished designing a luxury boutique hotel in Bentota, and another one is nearing completion in Nuwara Eliya.

What makes Creative Heritage great at what it does?

Design is an intriguing field that is frequently confused with personal taste. While many individuals consider their preferences to be indicative of good taste, the reality of interior design demands a confluence of factors. One must possess an astute comprehension of the context surrounding interiors, expertise in space planning, and the capability to harmonize aesthetic preferences with the fundamental principles of interior design. Without these elements, possessing good taste alone may not be sufficient to create extraordinary interiors. It is this ability to masterfully integrate various components that enable Creative Heritage to craft truly exceptional and noteworthy interiors.

What is your secret to running a successful firm, especially amidst challenging market conditions?

To start, trust in God is paramount. Trusting that this is the path for me and that as long as I do everything within my power, the path will continue to open up for me. In practical terms, this translates to establishing a company with values that I can be proud of, that my team members are proud to embody, and fostering a respectful and enjoyable work environment. Our team works tirelessly, and the job itself is demanding, particularly over the past three years, but I believe that our success stems from consistently expressing gratitude and respect for the time and effort that everyone contributes.

What is your approach to leadership? How do you inspire others to be the best they can be?

I firmly believe that being a good leader means bringing out the best in others. It involves creating an environment that allows individuals to grow and reach their full potential. By fostering confidence, excellence, kindness, and care, I take pride in my contributions to creating such an environment. Through leading by example and treating others as I would like to be treated, I hope to inspire others to do the same.

What advice would you give a young person aspiring to build successful careers and lives?

When it comes to choosing a career, it’s highly advisable to follow your interests as much as possible. While every job has its challenges, enjoying what you do can help you handle them with grace. But that’s not all – another valuable piece of advice, albeit a difficult one to follow when starting out, is to start saving early. Building a financial cushion provides a sense of security and freedom that can allow for a change of career or even starting your own business. After all, many people stay in unfulfilling jobs simply because they feel they can’t afford to take a risk. So having some financial flexibility can be a key factor later in life.

And here’s one more thing to remember: there are many paths to a happy and successful life. Rather than focusing solely on external markers of success, strive to be the best version of yourself. Take pride in who you are, and don’t let societal pressures dictate what you should value. Ultimately, being content with yourself is more important than any external measure of success.