Hello

       Hello again!   I'm a designer, entrepreneur and home life-stylist  who is passionate about floral design, interiors and homemaking. I live my life authentically each and every day, and have an intimate relationship with my soul -- a relationship that has taken years to establish, build and nourish. Kindness, compassion and respect are very high priorities for me, and I sincerely love emotionally connecting with people, even if just while standing on line at the store, or on a brief phone call.  I believe we are all connected by a universal energy we cannot see with our eyes, but we can feel with our hearts -- so why not live joyously and strive to celebrate that every day?  Aside from my spiritual approach to life, I have a diverse professional background that, in retrospect, has been wonderful. When we follow our hearts and listen to our souls, we are guided along paths that, though they may wind through unexpected places, lead us to our purpose, passion and  joy.

          My background of professional blessings includes working in and managing several flower shops, garden center and landscape design management,  and my interior and decorating experience includes working for an independent designer and three large retailers.  The model rooms and showcase windows I designed while at Bloomingdale’s were featured on an episode of “48 Hours” with Dan Rather.  As far back as I can remember, family, friends and coworkers have come to  me to advise, guide and teach them about gardening, decorating, cooking and entertaining, or to take on their projects and bring their visions to life. 

          While I am super passionate about aesthetics and function, I think it's the other half of my professional life, and my past full-time career in counseling and education that uniquely empowers me to deliver wonderful client experiences along with consistently beautiful, bespoke designs.  That career has spanned public and private mental health services, middle, high school and higher education, along with non-profit management.  I earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, dual Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Education, and post-graduate certificate in Education Leadership, never realizing one day my love of flowers and design, and my long career helping others through counseling and education, would eventually and deeply meaningfully,  inspire  Paolo Ragusa Design!  Today I am truly blessed to bring my unique combination of experiences, empathy, knowledge and creative talents to my work with clients like you.