For this edition of Founder Spotlight, we’re featuring Eliza Marton, the founder of Zeal Designs Kitchens, a luxury kitchen and bath design firm that brings elegance, functionality, and personalized craftsmanship to every project. From high-end cabinetry to full-scale renovations, Zeal Designs helps homeowners create stunning spaces that reflect their style and needs.
What does your business do, and what inspired you to start it?
Zeal Designs Kitchens specializes in custom kitchen and bath design, offering a full-service experience where clients pick what they want, and we handle the rest. We provide everything from pre-construction planning to final installation, ensuring a smooth process with no surprises.
My passion for design started with architecture and historical restoration. I studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology, where I worked with the New York Landmarks Society to research and preserve some of Manhattan’s oldest buildings. This background gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, antiques, and custom details, which eventually led me to kitchen and bath design.
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and I love helping clients create functional yet beautiful spaces. Since starting Zeal Designs in 2014, we’ve worked with many homeowners to bring their dream kitchens and bathrooms to life.
What has been the biggest challenge in your entrepreneurial journey, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was building credibility in a competitive industry. Many design firms have been around for decades, and as a woman-owned business, I had to prove myself and earn trust. Early on, I focused on building a strong portfolio and making sure every project exceeded expectations.
Another challenge was managing the logistics of high-end custom design—from coordinating with contractors to keeping projects on time and within budget. I solved this by developing a structured process that includes pre-construction consultations, clear project timelines, and transparent pricing.
A major turning point was when Zeal Designs was featured in Buck’s County Magazine in 2019. That gave us industry recognition and helped us attract more high-end clients. Over time, word-of-mouth referrals became our biggest driver of growth. The key to overcoming challenges has always been staying adaptable and committed to quality work.
Where do you see AI making the biggest impact in your industry over the next five years?
AI is transforming the design and home renovation industry in many ways. One of the biggest changes will be AI-driven design recommendations. Instead of spending hours searching for the right materials, AI will analyze a client’s preferences and suggest the perfect options instantly.
Virtual and augmented reality will also be a game-changer. Soon, clients will be able to walk through a 3D version of their kitchen design before construction even starts, which will make decision-making easier. AI will also help with automating project management, making scheduling, budgeting, and vendor coordination more seamless.
Smart home technology is another area where AI will play a huge role. We’re already seeing AI-powered appliances that track groceries, suggest recipes, or adjust lighting and temperature based on user preferences. In the next five years, these systems will become even smarter, making kitchens more efficient, intuitive, and personalized.
For businesses, AI-powered assistants like Vengo AI will continue to help engage customers, answer questions, and book consultations—making the sales process smoother and more automated. AI won’t replace human expertise, but it will make design services faster, more personalized, and more efficient.
How has Vengo AI helped your business capture leads and grow sales?
Before using Vengo AI, we had to manually follow up on every inquiry, which took time and often led to lost leads. Now, Vengo AI engages potential clients right away, even outside business hours, answering common questions and helping people understand our services before they even talk to us.
One of the most valuable features has been lead qualification. Not everyone who visits our website is ready to start a project. Vengo AI asks the right questions and helps filter out unqualified leads, so we focus on serious clients. This has saved us time and increased our conversion rates. I’ve been able to get 300% more leads using Vengo!
Another big benefit is automated scheduling. Instead of back-and-forth emails, clients can book a consultation instantly through our website. Since adding Vengo AI, we’ve seen a higher number of scheduled calls and faster lead conversion, which has directly helped us grow our business.
What advice would you give to other founders looking to integrate AI into their businesses?
Start with a clear goal. AI is a great tool, but it works best when used to solve a specific business problem—whether that’s capturing leads, automating scheduling, or improving customer support.
Choose AI that fits your industry and business model. Not all AI solutions are useful for every business. Make sure the one you pick is customizable and aligns with your needs.
Take the time to train and personalize your AI. The more it reflects your brand’s voice and expertise, the better it will perform. AI should feel like an extension of your team, not just a generic chatbot.
AI isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it tool. You have to test, refine, and optimize it over time. Pay attention to client interactions, feedback, and data insights to make sure it’s working as effectively as possible.
Most importantly, don’t wait to get started. AI isn’t just the future—it’s already here. Businesses that embrace AI now will have a major advantage in efficiency, customer engagement, and growth.
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