Ashley Ferguson and Jyna Heinicke have designs on success with a new furniture store.

They have expanded their existing interior design business into a storefront.

“It was a natural progression for our business because we felt we were outgrowing having the in-home designer services,” said Ms Ferguson, who is an interior designer.

She was speaking in the new Sunnyroad Designs furniture store on Reid Street, which is on the site of the former Shine’s nightspot.

The shop also houses the design business, as well as a kitchen showroom.

Ms Ferguson said: “We both felt there was a need to be filled. It was the perfect location.

“We might not have chosen this time to do it necessarily, but this spot came up — there’s no better place to have a store because of the parking lot.”

The pair teamed up three years ago in Sunnyroad Designs, with Ms Ferguson concentrating on design work, while Ms Heinicke, who has a background in financial services, dealing with finance and management.

Ms Heinicke said: “We found that a lot of our clients wanted to actually come in and see goods before they bought them.

“Before, we were going to houses and showing them idea boards, but it was conceptually difficult for them to see what they were buying. It made sense for us to have a showroom.”

The store opened last week. It features a wide range of furniture, beds and home accessories such as mirrors, artwork, table settings and cutlery.

“Everybody has been positive. We’ve been super busy. A lot of people have been coming in and browsing, but we have had a lot of sales as well. People have said it doesn’t feel this store is in Bermuda. It has a different feel,” said Ms Heinicke.

The store features a showroom at the rear that has a sample kitchen design where clients can discuss designs, right down to tile and countertop samples.

Ms Ferguson said: “That’s my real passion, going in before something is even built and seeing it through from start to completion.”

Ms Heinicke added: “I like design, but my background is finance. Ashley’s business was growing and she needed a bit of assistance so she could prioritise creating and design.”

Ms Ferguson grew up in the design business as her mother was a designer and her grandfather and grandmother owned a furniture and interior design store in Texas, with her grandmother’s Swedish name Solvej — which means sunny road in English — giving her the name for her own venture.

“People are noticing the place. Like anything in Bermuda, something new is exciting and I hope it stays exciting. We always have to be changing,” she said.

“I follow all the designers on Instagram and that helps with fresh ideas. Even travelling, going to different places, that helps influence you as well, seeing how different cultures work. It gives perspective.”

Ms Heinicke added: “There is a whole range of styles on display; something for every taste.”