Season 3 of AVD Inspire continues from the heart of High Point Market. This week, Aly sits down with Rhobin DelaCruz—founder of Rhobin DelaCruz Designs, co-founder of the award-winning nonprofit The Design Besties, and one of High Point Market's newest Style Spotters.

In this candid conversation, Rhobin shares the decisions that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building genuine relationships in the design industry, and why community will always be more powerful than competition.

Together, Aly and Rhobin explore the evolving role of designers, the value of mentorship, and how purpose-driven work can create impact far beyond beautiful spaces.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The career decision that ultimately led Rhobin to pursue design full-time
• Navigating the realities of entrepreneurship and knowing when to ask for help
• Building meaningful relationships with vendors, brands, and industry partners
• What it means to be selected as a High Point Market Style Spotter
• The mission behind The Design Besties and supporting educator wellness
• Designing for people rather than chasing trends
• Practical advice for growing your confidence, network, and business
• A rapid-fire round covering inspiration, creativity, and career lessons
  

About Rhobin DelaCruz

With major commercial and residential clients like GQ, TED, and MTV, Rhobin DelaCruz is a seasoned design talent with a reputation for creating inviting contemporary spaces marked by edgy sophistication. Originally hailing from Southern California and now based in New York City, Rhobin brings a unique blend of West Coast ease and East Coast sophistication to every project. This bicoastal influence—along with a rich tapestry of cultural insights from his global travels—infuses his work with a distinctive joie de vivre that transcends fleeting trends.

With a background in corporate advertising, Rhobin understands business strategy and connects deeply with business leaders and commercial clients to build spaces that achieve their physical and emotional goals. Driven by boldness, curiosity, and individuality, he embraces his inner badass in all he does and encourages his clients to do the exact same. He is also the co-founder and President of The Design Besties, an award-winning nonprofit that creates wellness spaces for educators across the country.

Connect with Rhobin DelaCruz & The Design Besties

• Websites: https://rhobindelacruz.com/ |https://thedesignbesties.org/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/ |https://www.instagram.com/the_designbesties/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/

Mentioned & Promoting:

• The Design Besties Collaborations: The Design Besties are actively looking to connect with design brands that share their community-first mentality. If you are interested in collaborating or partnering with them to support wellness spaces for teachers, head to their website to get in touch

  
  

  
  

  Special Thanks to Our Sponsor

  MOE’S HOME

  Design for the Modern Home.

  Moe’s Home believes your home should be your oasis—a place that reflects your personality and unique sense of style. A family-owned business since 1986, Moe’s focuses on creative expression and quality craftsmanship, designing the majority of their pieces in-house at their Vancouver headquarters. From bold, artful statements to warm, textured neutrals, Moe’s brings style, ease, and flexibility to every modern dwelling.

  
  

  Sign up for your Moe's Home Trade account and use the code AVD10 for your first purchase.

  Website: https://www.moeshome.com 

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moeshome

  
  

  
  

  Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast:

  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av

  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns

  • Website: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com