People

Form & Function

California Closets’ Julie Shvedyuk finds her role as a trade professional to be a challenge she loves to take on. She says that watching the reactions of the actual installation, whether it is a garage, dream closet or an entertainment center, is the most rewarding part.
Words by Sandy Lindsey | Photo by Edward Leal | October 28, 2019 | People

“I love that our simple, yet brilliant solutions truly make a difference in someone’s daily lifestyle. We truly care, that’s how we stand out.”

Julie Shvedyuk, Marketing & Trade Development Manager at California Closets Miami, loves building partnerships with other trade professionals. Everyone always has the best reaction during a complimentary design consultation while using the company’s proprietary 3D CAD program. “It never gets old,” she says. “They cannot believe that we are able to bring their ideas into an actual visual in which we can change colors of the items, add clothing, shoes, open & close doors and drawers — it’s amazing.” 

The main component of her job is to work with developers and trade industry professionals such as interior designers, realtors and architects to provide top-quality customization to suit the needs and design styles of their clients. “Collaborating with us has proven to increase sales and re-sales, drive leads and increase value to the property.” In her role, she also oversees the social media and publications content, local photography and any trade-related events. 

Although she loves fashion and interior design, she is also a tech geek. “I’m always reading up on new gadgets and tech advances made to see if we can somehow incorporate it in our systems — yet somehow I still cannot figure out why my iPhone acts up every time a new one is released!” 

Born in Russia and raised in Brooklyn, she speaks both Russian and English and has a background in real estate. This has helped her in partnering with great masterminds of some of the biggest projects in Miami. Although there is never a shortage of projects that “wow” her, she is particularly fond of projects that involve creating spaces for animals, such as a custom build-out for a pet bed or food station. “I’m a huge animal lover,” she says. “My 4-year-old toy poodle Bandit is like my son!”

Both Julie and California Closets are very big on charity and giving back. “We are always looking to partner up with foundations or charities so we can give back to our community,” she says. “I think that’s a big part of what we do — changing lives — and it starts with helping others.”