Elyse Santoro
Elyse Marie Santoro, known as The Design Alchemist, helps people restore themselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—through intentionally designed environments that reflect their soul style, life purpose, and creative genius. By transforming space, she supports profound personal reinvention, empowering her clients to courageously step into the next chapter of their lives with clarity, beauty, and joy.
A highly sought-after interior designer for luxury residences, Elyse built a career many admired. Raised by a successful physician father and a deeply creative mother with an extraordinary eye for design, she grew up immersed in beautiful homes, art collections, and a world of cultured experiences and discerning clientele.
In 2009, during the economic collapse, everything shifted. A series of life-altering events led Elyse to question who she was beyond her profession and financial success. This period became a powerful initiation—one that invited her to reclaim her identity as the co-creator of her own gifted life. Through deep training in self-mastery practices, her intuitive wisdom expanded, and her creative and spiritual abilities fully awakened. From this transformation, Designed to Rise and Thrive her signature program emerged.
After rebuilding her life and achieving success once again—this time from a place of deep alignment, and a connection to God—Elyse dedicated herself to helping others do the same. Today, she guides her clients through seamless transitions from one life phase to the next, cultivating ease, grace, and clarity while creating peace, harmony, and beauty in every area of their lives.
Elyse believes that in times of great change, a stabilizing connection to one’s inner essence and God is essential—not just to survive, but to truly thrive—regardless of external circumstances.
Her clients often describe her as having an extraordinary ability to help them see themselves clearly in the present moment, release the weight of the past, and move forward with renewed purpose. They also speak of her uncanny talent for designing spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply meaningful—environments that mirror who they are and support transformation from the inside out.
Elyse holds a BFA in Interior Design, is certified in Feng Shui, and is an Intentional Creativity Coach and Teacher. She is the creator of Soul Styled for Success, a certification program for design professionals. Her work has been featured in Chic Miami and Florida Design Magazine, and she was a featured designer at the Home & Design Show several years in a row.
• BFA INterior Design
• Bauder College
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my strong faith and trust in God, which guides every decision I make. I’ve also been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors, like Richard Worholik, who helped refine my eye for modern interior design and inspired me to push the boundaries of creativity in my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be seen, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. Focusing on visibility and connection has allowed me to grow professionally while creating opportunities to learn from and support others along the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to get involved in your community, seek out a mentor, and focus on building strong relationships. These connections provide guidance, open doors, and create a support network that can help you navigate challenges and grow your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my career was relocating to Sarasota and having to rebuild my professional network from the ground up. While it was a significant adjustment, it also became an opportunity to connect with new clients, collaborators, and mentors, ultimately strengthening my business and expanding my reach in the industry.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and life are creativity, curiosity, and connection. I love expressing myself through painting, gardening, and exploring art at galleries and outdoor festivals, and I bring that same passion and attention to detail into my work, creating spaces and experiences that inspire and uplift others.