Gem City Style: February 2025

Jessica Hunter

Local entrepreneur Nadia Shabanza-Pero of BeBe Design House sat down with Jessica Hunter this month to talk about the vision behind her design projects and how she merges her passion for soulful and smart design with her experiences in real estate and world travel.

This month, I sat down with interior designer, entrepreneur, and global traveler Nadia Shabanza-Pero to discuss her story, her inspirations, and the experiences she's had that led to this moment in her life — living out her vision as an interior designer and working toward the future of merging all of her passions.

Jessica Hunter (JH): What inspired you to create BeBe Design House, and what drew you to the world of interior design?

Nadia Shabanza-Pero (NSP): Ever since I was young, I was captivated by design and architecture, especially in the world of hospitality. I dreamed of creating hotels and restaurants that would leave lasting impressions — spaces that people would fall in love with. I knew early on that I wanted to impact lives through design.

Fast forward to my corporate career, during which I co-founded and built a successful multi-million dollar real estate investment and property management company. It was there that I truly saw the need and power of a well-designed property to elevate experiences and increase value. But deep down, I always felt this pull — a desire to merge my passion for real estate with something more personal: the art of design. That passion eventually became impossible to ignore, leading me to pursue the dream I had envisioned all along.

This led me to co-found and own a thriving interior design company, but I reached a point where I knew I needed to chase my own vision. I wanted to create a company that fully reflected my style, my journey, and my dream of helping clients design spaces that inspire and empower them. That's how BeBe Design House and Wanderlust Design Stays came to life.

JH: How do you infuse your personal style or cultural identity into your design projects? Can you share an example of a project that felt especially meaningful?

NSP: I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and started traveling the world at a young age. Travel has been a huge part of my life — it's shaped how I see the world and how I design. I'm a natural explorer, always seeking inspiration in architecture, colors, textures, and cultures. Every place I visit fuels my creativity, which shows up in my work.

A great example is the renovation of my own building on Zuck Road which wasn't just about creating a headquarters for BeBe Design House and Wanderlust Design Stays — it was about showcasing who I am, inside and out. I worked with a contractor who understood my vision. I filled the studio with furniture I love and curated art from local artists in Erie and Cleveland whose stories and journeys moved me. I need to feel something when I look at a piece of art or furniture — whether it inspires me or reminds me of where I've been. And I think I accomplished that.

JH: What unique perspective or values does BeBe Design House bring to interior design projects?

NSP: One thing that really sets BeBe Design House apart is that we want our clients to feel inspired, safe, and free to express their wildest dreams. Erie is a pretty traditional city, and I've noticed that people sometimes hesitate to take risks with design. But I'm here to tell them: it's okay! Let's step outside your comfort zone. Let's design something that feels like you — or who you want to be.

It's all about trust. We create spaces that are beautiful and functional but also reflect the client's essence. I encourage my clients to embrace the unexpected and not be afraid to show their personality in their homes. We're not just decorators — we're storytellers who help people feel seen and inspired in their own space.

The headquarters of BeBe Design at 4528 Zuck Rd. embodies who Shabanza-Pero is, inside and out. Filled with art from local and regional artists and imbued with inspiration from world travels – she finds her creative vision through architecture, colors, textiles, and cultures. (Photos: Jessica Hunter)

JH: How do you navigate the intersection of being a Black, woman-owned business in the design industry, and what lessons have you learned along the way?

NSP: Honestly, I wish I could be judged solely by my work and not by my appearance — but that's not always the reality. I'm not your typical designer. I'm an entrepreneur first, which gives me a unique edge. I bring both design vision and business strategy to the table, navigating both the creative and construction sides of a project. Being a Black woman in this industry means I often have to work harder to earn respect, but I don't let that define or limit me. I've learned to stay true to myself and trust that the right clients and opportunities will align with my values and vision.

Over the years, I've built a strong support system of mentors, collaborators, and friends who uplift and encourage me. Representation matters, and I'm proud to be an example.

JH: What future visions do you have for BeBe Design House, and how do you see your work continuing to shape spaces and inspire others?

NSP: My vision for BeBe Design House is to build it into a brand that's not just known for creating transformative, one-of-a-kind spaces but also for being a hub of collaboration and opportunity for designers. I see BeBe operating much like a real estate firm — where multiple designers, both in our region and beyond, can work under the brand, bringing our signature approach to clients in different markets. This would allow us to service a wide range of areas while fostering a supportive, creative community of design professionals.

I also want to focus on mentorship and education, offering design retreats and workshops to share the knowledge and strategies that have helped me succeed. It's important to inspire the next generation of designers to push boundaries and embrace their unique vision. On a broader scale, I want BeBe to continue investing in communities by revitalizing neighborhoods, using design as a tool to drive growth, beauty, and connection. The ultimate goal is to empower both clients and designers to live boldly through the spaces we create together.

JH: If you could design a dream space for yourself — no budget or limits — what would it look like, and what's the one must-have feature?

NSP: Whew! For someone like me — a traveler who can make any place feel like home — this is a tough one. But I think my dream space would be a global sanctuary where I could hop between different rooms designed with influences from my favorite places. Think a Parisian-inspired living room, a Moroccan courtyard for afternoon tea, and a beachfront space that invites the ocean breeze in. I love it all.

The must-have feature? Definitely a traveler's haven — an ever-evolving room where I can display souvenirs, art, and stories from around the world. It would be my space to reflect, recharge, and be inspired. Basically, a home that travels with me and feeds my soul wherever life takes me.

Gem City Style is a monthly column featuring an intimate Q&A with someone making a creative impact in Erie. If you or someone you know would make a good fit for a future Gem City Style, email jessica@eriereader.com

BeBe Design House can be found at bebedesignhouse.com