How Vinette Diab-Nicholls Built Giava Interiors into South Africa’s Leading Luxury Interior Design Studio
In celebration of Women’s Month, we sit down with Vinette Diab-Nicholls — CEO and Creative Director of award-winning luxury interior design studio, Giava Interiors. Her journey 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.” — Vinette Diab-Nicholls
When Vinette walks into a room, something changes. As the visionary behind Giava Interiors, one of South Africa’s premier luxury interior design studios, she brings a distinctive blend of elegance, grit, and fiercely feminine energy.
A single mother of three daughters, Vinette didn’t just navigate the competitive world of high-end interiors — she conquered it. And she did it with a deep belief that beauty isn’t frivolous — it’s a form of empowerment.
The Name Behind Giava Interiors
“I named the company after my two youngest daughters, Gia and Ava,” Vinette shares. “They were — and still are — the heartbeat behind everything I do. They’re my reminder of why I built this business and the inspiration that keeps me pushing forward.”
Finding a Space in the Luxury Interiors Market
The luxury interior design industry in South Africa is competitive, but Vinette carved her place through sheer persistence.
“In the beginning, I took on jobs far below my capabilities just to prove myself,” she says. “I built relationships, listened to my clients, and immersed myself in every part of the process — from design and project management to budgets, sourcing, and even carrying furniture on site. People could see the love and detail I poured into every project, and word of mouth spread.”
Motherhood as a Business Philosophy
As a single mother, Vinette credits motherhood with shaping her business approach.
“It teaches you how to juggle a million things without dropping the ball. It builds patience, resilience, and creativity — all essential in design. But most importantly, my daughters have always been my ‘why’. I want them to grow up knowing they never need permission to follow their dreams.”
Women’s Month: More Than a Celebration
For Vinette, Women’s Month is both a celebration and a call to action.
“Yes, we honour women’s achievements, but we also need to challenge the systems that hold us back. Women are underestimated, but when we take up space — fully, confidently, beautifully — we shift the entire dynamic.”
What Sets Giava Interiors Apart
Giava Interiors is not just about decorating rooms — it’s about transforming spaces into reflections of the people who live and work in them.
“Our process is holistic, collaborative, and soulful. Every room should tell a story, and every object should have meaning,” says Vinette.
Discover our Interior Design Services to see how we bring this philosophy to life.
Defining Moments & Awards
While winning the Best of Jo’burg award remains a career highlight, Vinette’s proudest moments are more personal.
“When my daughters look at a completed project and say, ‘Wow, Mommy, you did that?’ — that’s everything. Seeing a client’s face light up when they see their transformed space is priceless.”
Advice for Women Entrepreneurs in Design
Vinette’s message to aspiring women entrepreneurs is simple:
“Don’t wait for the perfect moment — it doesn’t exist. Start with what you have. Be brave enough to fail, keep learning, ask for help, and surround yourself with people who believe in you but also challenge you. Most importantly, believe in yourself even when no one else does.”
The Future of Giava Interiors
While Giava Interiors offers everything from single-room refreshes to full-scale luxury lodge transformations, the brand is expanding deeper into bespoke high-end interiors for lodges, estates, and premium commercial spaces.
“It’s about creating unforgettable experiences that embody true luxury,” says Vinette. “And I want Giava to be a platform that empowers — not just my team and clients, but also the next generation of designers, artists, and creatives. We’re only just getting started.”
Experience the Giava Interiors difference — view our portfolio or contact us to start creating your dream space.
