Today we’d like to introduce you to Tasnim Said.
Hi Tasnim, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into interior design wasn’t a straight path, but looking back, every step prepared me for where I am today.
I’ve always been drawn to creativity and thoughtful design, but I began my career in a different field. Over time, I realized that what truly fulfilled me was creating spaces that positively impact people’s everyday lives. That realization led me to pursue interior design professionally and eventually establish Canovella Studio.
Starting my own studio was both exciting and challenging. Like many small business owners, I built it from the ground up—learning not only how to design beautiful spaces but also how to run a business, connect with clients, and grow a brand. Every project became an opportunity to learn, refine my process, and better understand how design can tell a family’s unique story.
My philosophy has always been that a home should be more than just beautiful, it should reflect the people who live in it. That’s where our tagline, “Let your home tell its story,” comes from. I believe every space has the potential to tell a meaningful story through thoughtful planning, timeless materials, and personalized details.
Today, Canovella Studio specializes in residential interiors, helping homeowners create spaces that are elegant, functional, and deeply personal. I’m especially passionate about designing homes that feel timeless rather than trendy, where every decision has purpose and every room supports the way a family lives.
The journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has strengthened my passion for design. Seeing clients fall in love with their homes and knowing that I’ve helped create a space where memories will be made is what continues to inspire me every day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a rewarding journey, but it definitely has not been a perfectly smooth road. Building Canovella Studio from the ground up came with many challenges — from establishing a new brand and earning clients’ trust to learning how to balance the creative side of design with the business side of running a studio.
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing my role as a mother of three children with the responsibilities of being a business owner. Building a company requires time, energy, and dedication, while motherhood requires the same level of commitment and presence. Finding that balance has been a continuous journey, especially as an immigrant building a life and a business without the support system of extended family nearby.
Starting over in a new country, creating a professional network, and growing a business from the ground up required persistence and faith. There were moments of uncertainty, but those challenges also shaped me and strengthened my vision. They taught me resilience, time management, and the importance of staying connected to my purpose.
Every project has become more than just a design opportunity — it has been a reminder of why I started Canovella Studio: to create spaces that tell a story and reflect the people who inhabit them. I believe every space has a story waiting to be revealed, and the same is true for every journey. The challenges along the way have become part of Canovella’s story and have made every milestone even more meaningful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Canovella Studio is a boutique interior design studio built around the belief that the spaces around us have a powerful impact on how we live, work, and feel. We believe a well-designed space is not just beautiful — it should make everyday life easier, more comfortable, and more meaningful.
My background as an electrical engineer has greatly shaped my approach to design. Engineering taught me to be detail-oriented, analytical, and solution-focused, which became a major strength in space planning. I see every project as a puzzle — understanding the challenges, finding the right pieces, and creating a space that truly works for the people who use it.
At Canovella Studio, we do more than select colors and furniture. We create thoughtful interiors by understanding our clients’ lifestyles and transforming their needs into functional, beautiful spaces that reflect their personal stories.
Our services include residential interior design, kitchen and bathroom design, home renovations, space planning, and small commercial interiors. From concept development and material selections to furniture, finishes, and final details, we guide our clients through the entire design process.
What I am most proud of about Canovella Studio is our storytelling approach. Every space has a story waiting to be revealed, and our goal is to help our clients create a place where they can live that story every day.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
No journey is built alone, and I truly believe that Canovella Studio’s story is a reflection of the people who have supported, encouraged, and believed in me along the way.
One of the first people who believed in my dream of becoming an interior designer was my friend Maha. She encouraged me when this was still just an idea and helped me take my first steps into this new path. Her belief in my vision gave me the confidence to pursue something that truly felt like my calling.
My family has been my greatest foundation. I am especially grateful for my husband, whose endless support has been a huge part of this journey. During my education in interior design and throughout the process of building Canovella Studio, he encouraged me, supported my goals, and helped me believe that it was possible to pursue this dream while balancing family and business. Raising three children while building a company has not always been easy, but my family has been my motivation and my reminder of why I continue to grow.
I am also deeply grateful for the support and community I found through the ASID Capen Chapter. Being part of this design community gave me opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside talented professionals who inspired me and encouraged me as I built my own path in the industry.
One person who has had a meaningful impact on my journey is my mentor, Nicole Grant. Although she lives in Los Angeles and we have never met in person, she has always been there with guidance, encouragement, and support. Her belief in me has been a reminder of the power of women supporting women — how a simple conversation, piece of advice, or words of encouragement can make a lasting difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.canovellastudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canovellastudio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/canovella-studio/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/canovella-studio-san-jose
