24 INFLUENTIAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS TO WATCH IN 2024
THE SIGNATURE STYLE OF AN INNOVATIVE DESIGNER
Dr. Nadin L.G. Benito
CEO, Welcome Home Designs & Welcome Home Foundation
Dr. Nadin L.G. Benito is a renowned international interior designer and the founder of Welcome Home Designs and the Welcome Home Foundation, which are based on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao. She has over 20 years’ experience in interior design management and marketing; and has produced several TV shows including Update My Space, Welcome Home, and Gentlemen’s Club.
From transforming modest apartments into urban havens to designing the interior of estate homes, Dr. Benito has left an enduring impression on a variety of spaces. Whether you are a homeowner seeking to revitalize your living space or a business leader looking to create a customer-friendly workplace, Dr. Benito has the expertise to turn your vision into reality.
VBD Magazine recently had the opportunity to interview the dynamic interior designer, delving into her entrepreneurial journey, accomplishments, designing of space for cancer patients and survivors, advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, and some of the challenges she had to overcome. It’s clear that Dr. Benito’s work extends beyond the realms of design—it’s an invitation to live beautifully.
MEDIA SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Benito has been featured in various magazines, newspapers, TV shows, blogs, events, and radio shows internationally in Her Story Our Story, Creative Voices, VIP Global Magazine, Black Women Who Love Christmas Decor Home, Women and Girls of Color, RETV News Break, Positivo in The Netherlands, and locally in Bo Tra’i Merdia, Mainta, Amigoe Express, On Top Magazine, Hende Extraordinario, and MO Vlogs, among others.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS
Having pursued her education at M.A.O College and the University of Curaçao, Dr. Benito has a degree in Management, Business Administration, and in the languages English, Dutch, Spanish and Papiamentu. In 2023, she officially received her Doctorate in Philosophy from TIUA for her studies, accomplishments in entrepreneurship, and numerous contributions to society through philanthropic and civic work. Further, Dr. Benito was nominated and chosen to be one of the recipients of the 2023 President Joe Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award for philanthropic and community contributions, locally and internationally.
Dr. Benito has presented her craft of interior design by giving workshops and consultations to well-known home decor stores. She organized an event where notable interior designers and chefs from HGTV and the Food Network visited Curaçao to host workshops and promote her home island. Also, she arranged a promotional trip for a local brass band where the band representing Curaçao performed and shot a video clip in Time Square, Manhattan, New York.
Dr. Benito is an entrepreneur that has been recognized among international interior designers by Black Interior Designers in the USA for her work ethic, knowledge, professionalism, and dedication. She also received recognition at the Consulate of the United States in Curaçao for her work and the good causes supported by the Welcome Home Foundation.
ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY
“When I was working at the Citco Funds Services in Curacao, I decided to move out into my own apartment. My friend’s apartment was vacant at that time, and I took over and did a total makeover of the place. When she came to visit, she couldn’t believe her eyes and said… ‘this is your profession, go pursue it!’
“Interior design has been my hidden gift since I was 6 years old. I was developing it by doing makeovers at my parents’ and friends’ homes, and later at my own home. After preparation and studies, I left my job and started my own studio as an interior designer.
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