Is Hawkins Street the new Design Capital of South End?

Aug 19

Written By GoLive

"The Mark" located on Hawkins St. in South End welcomed Brazilian cabinet maker, Boa Vista, in April, making it the first showroom in the United States. The grand opening has been a raging success, combining synergies with other design centered shops at the same location. In addition to perusing the Boa Vista showroom, you have immediate access to Surface Studio Tile and Stone, Grand Entry Doors, Modern Lighting, Bird Decorative Hardware & Bath, Andreu World, and Professional Sales Associates. This begs the question - Is Hawkins Street the new Design Capital of South End?" Read below for a direct interview with the operator, Bia Chiluisa.

KY: You opened the very first Boa Vista showroom in the US! What led you to Boa Vista as a franchisee and, furthermore, brought you from Brazil to Charlotte?

BC: I started as an interior designer in Brazil in 2011 and have worked in custom cabinetry ever since. Collaborating with high-end clients early on opened my eyes to the power of design at a refined level, which naturally led me to Boa Vista. While living in New York and working in the industry, I began craving a better quality of life and saw Charlotte as the perfect mix of opportunity and balance. The city’s growth felt like the ideal place to launch a brand like Boa Vista—and build a life both personally and professionally.

KY:What type of aspects of design that are traditional to Brazil and woven into the Boa Vista brand are you especially excited about offering in Charlotte?

BC: One of the things I’m most excited about is the level of customization we bring. It’s very common in Brazilian design to treat each space as unique, and at Boa Vista, that opens the door for clients and designers to be truly creative. We’re not limited to standard sizes or finishes—we design cabinetry that fits the lifestyle and vision of each client.

I’m also passionate about how we approach closets, especially walk-ins. These are some of the most intimate and personal spaces in a home, and they deserve just as much design attention as kitchens or bathrooms. At Boa Vista, we treat them as sanctuaries—functional, elegant, and beautifully tailored. And overall, I love how we introduce contemporary design with warmth and personality, using natural textures, soft tones, and thoughtful details. It’s a fresh, soulful approach that’s resonating really well in Charlotte.

KY: Hawkins is quickly becoming the “Design Capital of South End”. How much do you think your positioning with complementary design & decor uses has helped your success?

BC: Hawkins is such a dynamic and inspiring place to be. Having our showroom alongside other premium design brands creates a rich, collaborative environment for our clients. It allows them to see how cabinetry fits into the bigger picture of a home—lighting, furniture, materials, and more. That synergy definitely adds value and has helped us build strong connections and visibility from day one.

KY: I know sustainability is important to the brand—anything you think deserves a spotlight that readers might find interesting? Any other missions or values that you are proud of?

BC: Sustainability is truly part of our foundation. Our factory in Brazil runs on renewable energy, uses certified wood from responsibly managed forests, and operates with a zero-waste production process. It’s not just about beautiful cabinetry—it’s about making choices that respect the environment and future generations. I’m also proud of our commitment to quality and personalization. We don’t mass-produce; we create tailored solutions that are made to last, both in style and in durability.

KY: What has been the biggest surprise or hurdle in getting the business to its current state?

BC: Opening the first international showroom came with its share of unknowns—from navigating U.S. logistics and regulations to educating the market on our value and craftsmanship. But the biggest surprise has been how quickly people connected with the brand. Once they see and feel the product, they get it. That kind of response makes all the hard work worth it.

KY: What advice would you offer young entrepreneurs with aspirations of starting their own business?

BC: Start before you feel completely ready. You’ll never have all the answers, and that’s okay. Surround yourself with good people, stay open to learning, and don’t lose sight of why you started. Passion and perseverance go hand in hand. Also, be patient with your process—big things take time, but every small step matters.

FYI There is currently still available space remaining at The Mark. If you're a residential or commercial design/home/build use and looking for a new location, feel free to reach out to me at Kate@rebelrebelcre.com.

Feel free to browse Boa Vista and all of their design centric neighbors at 2212 Hawkins Street Charlotte, NC.