Diana Werthmann shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Diana, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
There are many misconceptions about what interior designers actually do.
So many people think we just pick paint colors & pillows when in fact we really create functional, beautiful spaces from the ground up. That includes space planning, lighting design, electrical and plumbing coordination, selections of all materials, every finish, every fixture-long before the throw pillows come in.
Others think it’s all about the decorating. Decorating is just one part of design. Interior Designers think about the flow, ergonomics, proportion and how a space supports how people actually live and move within each space. It’s both creative and highly technical.
One of the things I pride myself on as a professional interior designer is creating timeless, personalized spaces that reflect my clients lives & loves, not following what’s trending on Pinterest this week. I understand that design is problem solving and I aim to create spaces that are functional, safe, code compliant, cohesive and (well, yes) beautiful!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Diana Werthmann & I am the Founder of & Principal Designer at Transformed Interiors, a residential Interior Design Firm in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I have been in the interior design industry for more than 25 years and have owned my own firm for 16 years. Over that time, I have learned that great design is about so much more than how a space looks-it’s about how it feels and how it functions for the people who live there.
My approach is very personal and collaborative. I really take the time to get to know my clients, how they live, what inspires them, what is important to them and what makes them feel truly at home. I then translate that into spaces that are beautiful, timeless and tailored specifically to them.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that working with me isn’t only about transforming a space; it’s about transforming the way they feel in that space!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I have been fortunate to have a few really strong influences in my life; people who have taught me about resilience, integrity and the power in staying grounded.
One person in particular has been a real mentor to me over the years-she helped me grow personally as well as professionally. She was able to see me (the real me) long before I was able to “see” myself. She helped me to see things from a different perspective, to pause before reacting and to approach challenges with a clear mind & open heart.
That kind of guidance has been invaluable, and it really helped shape how I lead, how I work with clients & how I show up in life. She was able to see past my fears & insecurities and empower me to be me!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think the fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of not being good enough-that somehow, I’d be “found out” or that people wouldn’t like me once they really knew me. For a long time, that fear pushed me to overachieve and constantly prove myself, which on one hand helped me to build a strong work ethic- but it also kept me from fully trusting my own worth.
With time and a lot of personal growth, I’ve learned that confidence doesn’t come from perfection-it comes from authenticity. When I stopped trying to be liked and started focusing on being real, everything changed. My work got better, my relationships deepened and I started to genuinely enjoy the journey rather than constantly question if I belonged there.
It is still something that I stay mindful of, yet now instead of letting that fear drive me I use it as a reminder to stay honest, humble & connected.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is who I really am-it just took me some time to grow into it. For a long time, I was hesitant to share too much but as I have opened up & put myself out there, I have realized how much connection comes from authenticity. The more I show up as myself the more people see that who I am in person and who I am online are one and the same.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
My hope would be that people would say I made their lives a little (or a lot) better-whether through a space I designed, a moment of kindness or simply by showing up with honesty & heart. I hope I am remembered as someone who lifted up others and made them feel seen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://transformedinteriordesign.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/transformedinteriors
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/dianawerthmann
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/transformedinteriors
- Other: https://pinterest.com/transformedinteriors
