Up Close & Personal With Vinette Diab-Nicholls: Designing with Purpose and Power
In celebration of Women’s Month, we sat down with Vinette Diab-Nicholls, CEO of the award-winning Giava Interiors. A single mother of three and the creative force behind one of South Africa’s top luxury design studios, Vinette’s story is a masterclass in courage, resilience, and unapologetic ambition.
“Designing spaces is what I do. But designing a life my daughters can be proud of? That’s what drives me.” She didn’t just enter the world of high-end interiors—she redefined it. With elegance. With grit. And with the belief that beauty can be a form of empowerment. As Vinette explains: “I started this business to prove something to myself. But more than that, I wanted my girls to see what’s possible.” Be inspired with Giava Interiors.
Q: What’s the story behind the name Giava Interiors?
A: I named the company after my two youngest daughters, Gia and Ava. They’ve always been—and still are—the heartbeat behind everything I do. They remind me every day why I started this business and continue to inspire me to push forward, no matter what.
Q: Breaking into interior design isn’t easy. How did you carve out your space in the industry?
A: I worked relentlessly. I said yes to jobs that were far below my skill level just to get my foot in the door and prove myself. I built strong relationships, showed up fully, listened closely to my clients, and immersed myself in every part of the business—from design and project management to sourcing, budgeting, and even hauling furniture on site (which I still do!). Over time, word started to spread. People saw the love, detail, and dedication I put into every single project.
Q: In what ways has being a mother influenced the way you run your business?
A: Being a single mother taught me how to juggle a million things without dropping the ball. It gave me patience, resilience, and a level of creativity I didn’t know I had—all of which are essential in design. But more than that, my daughters have always been my “why.” I wanted to show them that they don’t need to wait for permission to follow their dreams. That their voices matter. That their power comes from within. Designing spaces is what I do—but designing a life they can be proud of? That’s what truly drives me.
Q: What does Women’s Month mean to you on a deeper level?
A: To me, Women’s Month is both a celebration and a challenge. Yes, we honour the powerful contributions women make across every field—but it’s also a reminder of the systems we still need to change. Women are still underestimated. But I’ve learned that when a woman takes up space with confidence—when she leads with both strength and softness—she shifts the entire dynamic. I remind my daughters every day: You are allowed to take up space. Fully. Loudly. Beautifully.
Q: How would you describe what makes Giava Interiors truly unique?
A: We don’t just decorate—we translate our clients’ essence into physical form. I believe design is deeply emotional. It’s about how a space feels, not just how it looks. Our approach is holistic, soulful, and collaborative. We take the time to understand how our clients live, and then we build around that—using colour, light, texture, and flow to create something that feels deeply personal and authentic. Every room should tell a story. Every object should have meaning.
Q: What moments have made you stop and say, “I’m really proud of this”?
A: Winning the Best of Jo’burg award was a huge moment for me—both validating and humbling. But honestly, my proudest moments happen quietly. Like when my daughters look at one of my completed projects and say, “Wow, Mommy, you did that?” Or when I see the pure joy on a client’s face as they walk into their newly transformed space. Those are the moments that stay with me.
Q: What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business but feel unsure?
A: Don’t wait for the perfect time—it doesn’t exist. Start with what you have, right where you are. Be brave enough to fail. Ask for help. Keep learning. Surround yourself with people who believe in you—but who also challenge you to grow. And most importantly: believe in yourself, even when no one else does.
Q: What’s on the horizon for Giava Interiors?
A: While we continue to offer a full range of interior design services—from residential makeovers to complete five-star lodge transformations—we’re expanding further into the luxury market. Think high-end lodges, exclusive estates, and state-of-the-art office spaces. We’re helping brands craft unforgettable experiences that reflect true luxury.
But I also want Giava to be more than a design studio. I want it to be a platform—one that uplifts my team, empowers our clients, and creates opportunities for the next generation of designers, artists, and creatives. We’re only just getting started
Contact: Giava Interiors
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