Taniya Nayak is a host and interior designer on HGTV and a featured designer on Food Network's Restaurant Impossible.  A native of India, this Boston-based designer is known for designing many of New England’s hottest restaurants and lounges.  Her latest projects include the restaurants Abby Lane and Back Bay Harry’s in Boston.  You may also recognize Taniya for her appearances on Today, Good Morning America, The Talk, and The Rachael Ray Show, as well as features in Architectural Digest India, Design New England, People magazine, Every Day with Rachael Ray and Cosmopolitan. Taniya supports the Room to Dream Foundation.

Raised in South Weymouth, Taniya has a special place in her heart for her local community. Taniya graduated from Weymouth High in 1991 and her parents still reside in the same house she grew up in. Taniya’s design style is strongly influenced by her creative family, especially her father, a talented architect.

Taniya currently lives with her husband, Brian O’Donnell in Milton, MA and feels very connected to her roots here in Boston.

 Can  you tell us more about the work that you do?

I am an interior designer, TV host, business owner, and restauranteur.

I studied at The Boston Architectural College for my masters in Interior Design but previously got my BA in marketing at UMass Lowell. I have always been a creative type but initially felt the need to follow a more traditional path by going to school for business. After graduating, I felt an emptiness that I could not seem to fulfill and that is when I decided to pursue an education in Interior Design. I believe it was a decision that unlocked the door to my ultimate career path which I was meant to do in life.

My television career begin before I finished up at the BAC. There was a casting call sent to all of the students suggesting we go and audition because it would be a “good learning experience”.

So I auditioned.

Low and behold, I got my first television gig on ABC Family.

After a couple of years on ABC Family, I landed my next TV role on HGTV (Home and Garden Television). I have been with the network now for about 13 years. In the last 4 years I added a very exciting show to my roster which is everything that I love- Restaurant: Impossible. This is a show that helps families and business that have failing restaurants. Our Chef Robert Irvine give tough love business advice while I go in and redesign their restaurants in only 2 days and $10,000. It is a challenge and it is very hard work, but the gratification of helping people get out of debt and give them a fresh start is what I love the most about this show.

Restaurant design is my passion. My husband, Brian O’Donnell, and I and our partners own 10 restaurants in the Boston area. I have designed them all through my Milton based design firm, Taniya Nayak Design LLC.

Everyday is something different. Everyday is crazy. But I love every minute of it.

Why did you choose to pursue your particular career path?

The simple answer is: my dad.

I must clarify- not in a traditional stereotypical “Indian dad” way (laughing). He never pressured me into it. In fact, it was just the opposite. I always wanted to follow in his footsteps as an architect but he would talk me out of it telling me that the hours are long and not very conducive to family life. This is why I went to school for business first. Undeniably, my heart has always been into architecture and design so eventually I followed my heart. I am very happy to have that degree in marketing as it has helped my business tremendously. No regrets!

What are the personal /environmental attributes that have helped you succeed in your career?

Family and spousal support has been the most critical factor for any success that I have gained over the years.

My husband once told me that no matter what, no matter where I needed to travel to or for how long, that I need to do whatever it is that makes me happy.

He is a firm believer in “A happy wife, a happy life” or in my case “A happy life, a happy wife”. I am truly grateful for that.

As for my parents, if you know them, you’ll know they beam with pride over their family, from my sister and her husband Yoshika and Neil and their kids Vijay and Curren, and my husband and I. We are very lucky to have such amazing, loving support.

 What challenges if any have you faced in your career path?

In television, you have to keep the ball rolling. Keep things fresh, different and interesting. The world is watching your every move so at times, you need to grow a thick skin. Especially when it comes to design because design is so subjective.

In business, I work with men 98% of the time and sometimes it is not easy to have your voice heard and earn the respect that you deserve as a female in a predominately male industry. Confidence is key. Standing up for what you believe is right. I very seldom have these issues now but in the beginning it was a challenge!

What lasting impact do you expect from your work?

I love being able to bring happiness and functionality into peoples homes through design. Your surroundings play such a huge role in your well being. Some people underestimate the power it has but believe me, it can change how you start each day and how you end it.

When I complete a new restaurant design/renovation, I am overjoyed seeing patrons eating, drinking, and laughing in the new space. That is the ultimate satisfaction and gratification for me when the job is complete.

What is the secret to your maintaining a work -life balance?

What’s work-life balance? (laughing) I always admire my friends that are moms. They are the ones to be asking that question. How do they juggle family, work activities, etc. I’m always truly amazed. Me? I have it easy!

What activities outside of work are you involved in ? (Charity, arts , community service etc) 

I am affiliated with two wonderful charities:

Room To Dream Foundation- A boston based charity that redesigns rooms for sick children and their siblings.

www.roomtodreamfoundation.org

Habitat for Humanity- providing affordable housing for people in need.

www.habitat.org

What do you do for fun?

Cook, entertain, vacation, laugh, exercise

What is your personal philosophy of living life?

Create Bliss.

 What was your happiest moment in life?

My marriage and the birth of my nephews.

 When there were low points in your life  what advice did you value the most to pull through?

My family always tells me that no matter what, they’ll always have my back. I should never feel like I have no one to turn to or that I am alone in any of my crossroads.

Life is full of ups and downs. Without the lows, you have no highs which makes the highs in life much sweeter when you go through less than ideal circumstances and struggles.

 Do you have a fitness routine that you would like to share?

I am always trying new things from bootcamp, to soulcycle, to walking outdoors. My new fave is pilates. Just making sure to create time to move and get your blood flowing is super important both mentally and physically.

 Do you have a beauty routine that you would like to share ?

A clean face every night, a good moisturizer, and lots of sleep!! I’m a huge believer in having little or no conflict in your life. If something or someone is bothering you, address it. Don’t hold tension or anger in your heart or in your head. It’s very unhealthy. And don’t forget SMILE.

Do you have favorite book/author –--     Do you have a favorite song/ musician?

Favorite author Khaled Husseini, Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I’m currently reading his latest novel, Echos in the Mountains

Do you like to cook? What is your favorite dish to make?

I love to cook. I’m such a “Chopped” type of cook- whatever is in the kitchen, I’ll come up with something!

One fun fact about you

I’ll give you 2.

I was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show! One of the coolest experiences of all times!

And I put Sriracha sauce on everything (including cocktails!).

Any special words of advice for women?  Any piece of information you wish you had known growing up?

My advice is to believe that whether things are fantastic or not so fantastic, it truly is a part of the bigger picture in life. Understand that challenging crossroads are every bit a part of your ultimate success. I have always believed that if you follow your heart and pursue a career in something you love, the money will eventually come. Try not to base too much of your decisions on the bottom line if you feel that there is a major compromise to your well being or family. 

Peace of mind and a light heart is worth its weight in gold.Gratitude is everything. 

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