By Donna Heiderstadt

Some things in life just happen naturally — and for a reason. When she was a fashion-obsessed 14 year old, Sophia Amiano dreamed of one day having a glamorous career in a bustling city. But just three years later, when an opportunity arose to mentor after school with the designer at her family’s Southampton, NJ-based design-build and remodeling business, the high school senior found her true calling. By age 19, during her first full year in sales, Sophia had sold more than $500,000 in home renovation projects for Amiano & Son, where she is now the company’s Design-Build Home Remodeling Specialist & Showrooms Manager.

“I truly value the organic nature of my journey into the world of design,” said 23-year-old Sophia, who reveals that she always decorated her own room as a child. “I would not say that there was one specific moment in time that ‘inspired’ me to pursue this path; it simply turned out to be the perfect fit.”

Among her accomplishments over the past three years are managing the company’s two showrooms — she even oversaw the construction, growth and eventual relocation of the second one on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island — and spearheading transformative changes that have enhanced efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction. Sophia is also known for her ability to effortlessly connect with clients.

When she’s not planning projects, selecting materials or managing her team, Sophia shares her skills as an active member of NKBA’s Mid-Atlantic chapter, where she hopes to serve on the board in 2024. In 2023, she was also selected to be on the first Moen Designer Council, a 12-member group that was carefully chosen from designers across the nation.

Sophia, who describes herself as “passionate,” said she is most proud of “the relationships I have built and the respect I have earned” in her short-yet-productive career. Still, she also prioritizes spending time with her partner, LJ. They were “high-school sweethearts” and she counts him as her biggest supporter. She, in turn, acknowledges the importance of a work-life balance. “The greatest goals, both professional and personal, deserve the commitment of proper time given,” she said.

Somehow, Sophia also finds time to own an online fashion boutique as a small side venture. Asked what’s on her must-do list, she replied, “Too many things!” Then, she quickly added: “You never know what may lie ahead, but when the time is right for specific things, you just know.” Naturally.