Today we’d like to introduce you to Soniya Momin
Hi Soniya , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where my journey began, but I can confidently say that my love for design was sparked when I was just five years old. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and found ways to nurture that passion throughout my life. Whether it was through school, hobbies, or career choices, I made it a point to stay close to design, always seeking to expand my knowledge. I’m driven by an innate curiosity and a constant desire to learn. Every new skill or piece of information becomes an opportunity for growth—not just for me, but to share with others.
My professional career kicked off early, even before I graduated from college. I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing brands, including Coca-Cola and CNN. My design work eventually transitioned into hospitality, where I had the opportunity to work on large-scale hotel projects like the Westins. Those 10 years in the design industry were filled with amazing experiences, challenges, and personal growth.
When I had my first child, I knew I needed to take a step back. The design world is fast-paced, demanding, and I wanted to be present for my daughter during those precious early years. It was a difficult decision to leave a career I loved, but it was the right one for me and my family. During that time, I shifted my focus to helping my husband with his business, gaining valuable experience in operations and systems management—skills I would later apply to my own ventures.
One of my most rewarding projects was designing and building our family home from scratch. We couldn’t find a house that suited our multi-generational needs, so I dove into designing and overseeing construction myself. The process was long and challenging, especially with delays due to Covid, but it was incredibly fulfilling to see it all come together.
After we moved into our new home, I was ready to take on a new challenge. Turning my late mother’s home into an Airbnb was a way for me to honor her memory while also contributing financially. Running an Airbnb came with its own hurdles, but over time, I developed efficient systems and found a rhythm that worked. The satisfaction of providing guests with a memorable stay while also keeping the home in our family has been priceless.
Eventually, my journey took another unexpected turn—real estate. My husband encouraged me to get my real estate license, and while I was initially hesitant, I dove into it. What surprised me most was how much I ended up enjoying the process. Now, my real estate work allows me to combine my design background with helping others invest in properties, particularly Airbnbs and rentals. I love blending these skills to guide first-time investors and create beautifully functional spaces.
Today, I see how my path has come full circle, integrating architecture, design, Airbnb management, and real estate. My brand truly reflects my experiences and passions, and I am deeply committed to helping my clients succeed in every step of their own journeys.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been anything but smooth, but each challenge has shaped me into who I am today. When you’re passionate about something, you expect bumps along the way, but some of them can really test your resilience.
One of the toughest decisions I faced was stepping away from the design career I had built over a decade, especially after having my first child. It was heartbreaking to put that part of my life on hold, but I knew I needed to be present for my daughter. The transition from being financially independent to having no income wasn’t easy either, especially when I had been so career-driven.
The challenges didn’t stop there. When we decided to build our home, we ran into significant roadblocks. The pandemic caused delays, skyrocketed material costs, and doubled our budget. Those two years felt like a never-ending cycle of stress, sleepless nights, and financial strain, with no clear path forward. We couldn’t afford to quit, but it often felt like we were swimming upstream.
My first steps into Airbnb also came with their own struggles—like cleaners not showing up or guests not respecting the house rules. It was all a learning curve, figuring out how to navigate the logistics, maintain the property, and still create a great experience for guests.
Getting my real estate license was another unexpected challenge. Initially, I wasn’t interested at all. But the pressure to meet deadlines for tax purposes made the process more stressful than I anticipated. It felt like I was being pushed into something I didn’t want to do at first, but once I was in, I embraced it.
Looking back, the journey hasn’t been smooth, but each hurdle has taught me something valuable. Those tough moments have made me more resourceful and adaptable, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Every challenge has ultimately helped me grow and shaped the businesses I run today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a blend of three passions: Architecture & Design, Airbnb, and Real Estate. I’ve spent years cultivating my expertise in these fields, and now I get to share that knowledge to help others build and enhance their own spaces. What sets me apart is the holistic approach I bring to each project. I’m not just a designer or just a realtor—I merge these worlds together to create something truly unique for my clients. Whether someone is a first-time investor, helping them navigate the complexities of buying and setting up rental properties, a homeowner seeking design inspiration, or someone wanting to transform a home into a successful Airbnb, I’m here to guide them through every step.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is how it reflects who I am and how I’ve grown throughout my career. My brand stands for knowledge, adaptability, and a commitment to creating high-quality, beautiful spaces that also work seamlessly for those living in them. Whether it’s finding the right property or designing a layout that flows perfectly, my focus is always on delivering more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating value and enhancing the way people experience their homes or investment properties.
Ultimately, I want readers to know that my brand is rooted in a genuine passion for helping others achieve their goals. I’m here to make the process smoother, more enjoyable, and tailored to their vision. Every client I work with gets the benefit of my experience, creativity, and commitment to quality.
My spinoff businesses:
At SM Luxe Design Studio, my newest business, it’s all about blending these passions into one cohesive package. We specialize in offering lookbooks, which feature pre-designed boards that align with various styles. Clients can simply select the look they love, and the design board comes complete with shoppable links, making it easy to replicate the style in their own space. This ready-to-go service is ideal for those who want a quick cohesive look without the long process of custom design. It is geared to help homeowners wanting to elevate their spaces, flippers and builders looking to quickly and efficiently execute renovations, but most importantly Airbnb hosts that either want to start hosting or are looking to scale their properties quickly.
At SM Luxe Properties, my focus is on delivering exceptional guest experiences at my Airbnbs. I’ve been a Superhost for the past 3 years, which is a title given to Airbnb hosts who consistently provide outstanding hospitality, high ratings, and excellent guest experiences. Hospitality is something I deeply care about, and I’m passionate about creating spaces that are welcoming and thoughtfully designed with every detail in mind. My own travels with my children have shaped the family-friendly aspect of my Airbnbs, ensuring they cater to families while offering unique touches that make them stand out. One of my standout properties is both family- and pet-friendly, designed to make everyone feel right at home. I’m currently working on expanding my portfolio, aiming to offer even more one-of-a-kind stays in the near future.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Absolutely, the crisis emphasized the importance of resilience. We faced numerous challenges with our frozen yogurt shop with employees not coming to work, the business staying closed and eventually shutting down completely. During the process of designing our home there were issues with supply chains, increased costs, and unexpected delays, but navigating through those difficulties strengthened my problem-solving skills and helped me appreciate the value of persistence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soniyamomin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soniyamomin/
Image Credits
@atl_photographer
