10 Questions for Kitchens of Los Gatos Owner Roya Navid

Kitchens of Los Gatos, 45 E Main St., is a mother-daughter design team. Roya Navid is a busy mother who followed her passion and graduated with a bachelor of fine arts degree in interior design. In 1991, she opened the business and has been following her dream ever since. She's been designing beautiful and functional spaces for more than 20 years and continues to be successful in what she loves to do. Daughter Melody Navid also shares the same passion and received her bachelor of fine arts degree in interior architecture and design. After working for various design firms, she returned to the Bay Area in 2009, starting the dynamic mother-daughter design team. Kitchens of Los Gatos offers full design services, cabinetry and countertops. Its hours of operation are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Evening and weekend appointments are also available.

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid? 

Roya Navid: I've loved interior design from a young age. As a little girl I was constantly redecorating and painting my room. I was fascinated by the ability to use the same space to recreate over and over again. l never imagined that I would be able to use this creativity in my everyday work.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Navid: I love meeting new people and building relationships. I'm a good listener, patient and an out-of-the box thinker. As a designer, it comes naturally to understand every client's needs and translate them into beautiful and functional spaces.  

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Navid: After working for a few large design firms, I realized that there was a big piece missing—genuine customer service. As a business owner I can ensure that each client's needs are recognized and understood, and that they are thrilled with their new kitchen.

Patch: What inspired you? 

Navid: As part of a family of business owners, I was inspired by the opportunity to build a business that I'm proud of and can call my own.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town of Los Gatos?

Navid: I absolutely love Los Gatos. The only thing I can think of changing would be the price of rent.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos? 

Navid: Enjoying the beautiful weather, walking through downtown, having lunch in the park, and the friendly strangers who stop by our showroom to say hi to our sweet little terrier/poodle mix, Chloe.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Navid: The value we place on building relationships with our clients, taking the time to listen to their needs and making their visions become a reality. Being mindful of sustainable business practices and a contributing member to this community. These elements are the heart of our business. 

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset? 

Navid: Our innovative designs and our ability to work with any budget. 

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Navid: Purple Onion—they have the best salads and sandwiches.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you? 

Navid: We love being a mother-and-daughter design team! We feel so fortunate that we are able to inspire each other on a daily basis to keep our customers happy and our business thriving.