Say Hey 👋 to Casamia Build + Design

When it comes to remodeling your home, you’re not just investing in drywall and tile. You’re investing in the people who walk with you through the chaos and creativity of transformation. That’s what makes Belle Cruz, co-owner of Casamia Build + Design, such a gem in the Twin Cities. She’s not only a contractor—she’s a creative force, a Latina business owner, and someone who deeply understands the emotional side of creating a space that feels like home.

In our latest Heyven interview, I sat down with Belle to talk about the journey behind Casamia, what makes her business different, and why her work is so deeply rooted in culture and care.

What’s the story behind Casamia Build + Design?

Casamia means "my home" in Spanish. And for Belle, that name wasn’t just clever branding—it was a mission.

"We rebranded from LBR Partners because that name didn’t reflect who we are," she explained. "We’re a Latino family. It’s a women-owned business. And I love making people’s homes their own. That’s what Casamia is about."

Since 2019, Belle and her team have worked on everything from new builds to bathroom remodels, helping clients fall in love with their homes all over again. Whether it’s a kitchen transformation or a whole-house redesign, Casamia brings both the vision and the elbow grease.

What makes Casamia stand out from other contractors?

"Me," Belle said with a laugh. "Not to sound full of myself—but the difference really is personal. You’re not just hiring a contractor; you’re hiring me."

It’s that level of care, transparency, and grit that separates Casamia from the rest. From sharing construction schedules to walking clients through every step of the process, Belle brings intentionality to every project. She even embraces unconventional ideas and is always up for a challenge.

"We never say 'you can’t do that.' We figure out how to make it happen—even if it means calling in a structural engineer or reworking the design. We problem-solve with our clients, not around them."

What surprises clients most when they work with Casamia?

"People are shocked by how organized we are!" Belle said. "We send clients updates, schedules, everything. No guesswork. We’re really big on communication."

And then there are the ideas. Belle approaches every project with creativity and curiosity, combining technical skill with soul. Whether it’s helping a client redesign a space to honor their culture or introducing new layouts that feel bold and custom, she knows how to make a space feel alive.

What’s it like to work with a Latina-owned design and construction company?

"Culture is a big part of who I am and what we do," Belle said. "I may not be from the same background as my clients, but I connect with their stories."

That connection shows up in her work. From color palettes to architectural elements, Belle listens deeply to what clients loved about home growing up—and finds ways to bring that feeling into their new space. Whether it’s someone from Argentina, Mexico, or the Midwest, Belle designs for the heart as much as the floorplan.

What does a typical day look like for Belle?

"No day is the same!" she laughed. "One minute I’m on site in boots, the next I’m picking up tile samples or in a client meeting."

Her mornings start with emails, kids, and walking the dog—but once the workday begins, anything goes. Site walkthroughs, vendor runs, design sessions, even emergency supply pickups. And she loves it.

"It’s busy, but it fills me up. I love what I do. And one day, I’m going to hire someone to follow me around and document it all!"

What song describes Casamia’s vibe?

Without skipping a beat, Belle chose "Level Up" by Ciara.

"It just captures our energy," she said. "We’re always leveling up. We want every client to feel that excitement and progress."

How can someone work with Casamia?

The best way to get started is through Casamia’s website: casamiadesignbuild.com. You can also connect with Belle directly at belkis@casamiadesignbuild.com or on Instagram at @casamiadesignbuildco.

"We usually respond within an hour," Belle said. "Especially if it’s in the morning. That’s when I’m glued to my inbox."

What do you love most about serving the Minnesota community?

"I love how diverse Minnesota is," Belle shared. "And I love that I get to bring even more diversity into people’s homes. When someone tells me about their culture or what home meant to them growing up, and I get to help them feel that again—that’s everything."

From storytelling to structure, Casamia Build + Design is transforming more than just homes. They’re transforming how people feel in the spaces they live.