Meet Lizett Nissenson, owner and president of Maven Tile & Stone.
Tell us a little about your business. – Maven Tile & Stone (maventileandstone.com) is a tile design studio that specializes in showcasing unique tiles and stones, as well as other commodity products. What really sets us apart is the design services we offer and the attention to detail we put into everything we do. We can help you select the best product for your specific application. Maven makes the process easier for you before you get to the installation phase. We answer technical questions and will even do walk-throughs on full-house projects during non-business hours. We are very hands-on. The samples in our showroom and design center are there for builders who come in with a set of plans or property owners who want to get ideas and advice for their new build or remodel. Maven has also done several commercial projects, including restaurants, yoga studios, med spas, and hotels.
How did you get started in the business? – When I was 20 years old, I became a sales associate at a tile store in Long Beach, CA, where I was born in raised. It was a total fluke. I had a friend working at the shop and she convinced me it’d be fun. I ended up never leaving the industry! I worked at about five or six other tile stores before my 20+ years of experience and strong love for tile and stone led me to start my own business at the age of 36. I took a few big clients with me before I had even established my own studio. When I did open up a shop in Manhattan Beach, I was working by appointment-only for high-end clients. Then about two years ago, my husband and I decided we wanted to leave California and find a good home where we could raise our daughter. I was also seeking a market that wasn’t overly saturated with other tile design studios. With the guidance from a few friends who are also both clients and fellow designers, we ended up in Lincoln! Now that I’m here, I’m excited to grow Maven Tile & Stone and bring some coastal-meets-farmhouse design vibes to Nebraska!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being featured in Woman Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the most influential women in my industry in 2021.
Tell us a little about your family. – My husband Hugo, who is my right hand at Maven, and I have two children, Lexi Bella (11) and Cameron (21). Our dog Nelly is a medium golden doodle.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Moving my family and business from California to Nebraska.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Hanging out with my family, having a BBQ, and watching vintage movies. We’re still exploring Lincoln, so we’re always looking for new fun things to do!
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless.” – Nishant Patel
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Tile Maven. The word “maven” means expert or connoisseur.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Reading minds. I do this with clients all of the time!
What is your favorite TV show? – Golden Girls.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (531) 249-5917; mavendesign2016@gmail.com; maventileandstone.com; Instagram (@maventileandstone).